Meet Tam Veilleux | Artist, Coach, and Lead Collaborator of Energy Almanac

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tam Veilleux and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tam, what principle do you value most?
One of the key principles I run my company by is “Keep it super simple.” Whether I am teaching a new system to a business coaching client, learning how to meditate, or simply sharing an idea as I do with astrology predictions, my entire premise is to transfer information in its simplest terms. I find that by layering knowledge once the basics are learned the guidance can go in deeper.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been creative for as long as I can remember. My mother says I was drawing better than adults when I was just five and winning art awards for my age category by 8. I only know that I’ve always been mesmerized when I hold a pencil and paper. I suppose that’s why it’s a shame I had such a fear of becoming a “creative” as an adult. Coming out of high school I didn’t know there were options for creative people. I didn’t understand graphic design or how to support my life with art.

It was in my forties when my creativity began really seeping out of me. Writing was my outlet at that point. I blogged back in 2003 as I was dabbling in my art. But later, I was craving more than just words. I wanted to put paint to paper and I went to art school. It was a long time coming and it was there that I combined words and art during my children’s illustration course. I put out a children’s book about the law of attraction called Molly Kite’s Big Dream. By fifty I was on my knees praying for guidance about how to incorporate art into my transformational coaching business more regularly. Through fits and starts I was able to incorporate first illustrations and eventually fine art into my every day business life.

Allowing others to both love and hate my bold, colorful, witty creative style took some thickening of my skin. Posting something on Facebook had me white-knuckling my keyboard. When I first posted a finished canvas on Instagram and it sold in under twenty minutes my mind was blown and my soul was singing.

Now I can proudly say that my art and illustrations are inside of my annual book and it’s pretty incredible to have people stop and stare at the cover to “ooh and aahhh” over it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being a Mainer is one of my pride and joys. One woman declared about me, “Tam, you’re a walking-talking billboard for the state of Maine.” Our beaches, lakes, rivers, and mountains are so beautiful and inspiring but to me, there’s no place like home.

Luckily I live in Maine’s mid-coast region. Brunswick is “mine”. My bestie and I are going to start on a Saturday with a trip to the Crystal Springs Farm Farmer’s Market where two dozen or more local farms set up shop. I peruse the fresh veggies, organic cheeses, and always grab a gluten-free donut for the walk home. The music is always sweet and local and it’s quite literally shoulder-to-shoulder shopping. You can get meat, wool, breads, mushrooms, coffee and so much more. It’s a delight for the senses.

Lunch is going to be at Wild Oats bakery at the center of the old Brunswick Naval Air Station and thankfully it’s situated right next to Flight Deck brewing which is our favorite watering hole for craft beer and wood-fire pizza. A long walk on any one of the dozens of hiking trails (which are all marked and mapped) is a great way to burn off the calories we just took on. When it starts to get dark we can mosey down Maine St. It’s rumored to be the widest main street in the United States. It’s filled with boutiques, groceries, galleries, and pubs. If we’re lucky there will be music at the gazebo on the green, too.

If we’re still not tired, there’s always the college event listing to check out. Bowdoin college always has much to offer including a spectacular art gallery!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Astrology is no small thing and when I was tapped on the shoulder to create a book with weekly astrology predictions I spent weeks on end crying. It was through a series of synchronistic events that I met a woman who would become more than just an astrology writer but would become a mentor and friend. Janet Hickox was the first person who could see the potential in sharing 52 weekly astrology predictions, she even said to me, “I can see exactly what you’re describing.” She took my vision and helped me mold into the beautiful thing it is five years later. Janet is a master astrologer and Human Design expert who still to this day cheers on my own astro-learning and guides the astrology ship so-to-speak. Her beautiful way with language and friendship will continue to light my path.

Website: www.choosebigchange.com

Instagram: @TheEnergyAlmanac

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/TheEnergyAlmanac

Youtube: www.youtube.com/TamIAmVeilleux

Other: Also: www.TheEnergyAlmanac.com

Image Credits
Professional headshot photo by Jen Dean Photography, all others by Tam Veilleux and family