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

Hi Tamila, what is the most important factor behind your success?
My success is rooted in my passion for creativity and my eagerness to step outside of my comfort zone. A once shy and reserved girl turned into a confident woman, who’s free in self expression in front of the camera and in social settings- who can motivate and inspire others. I constantly push myself to challenge old limits; in this way I am able to step into my most authentic self. As a model and content creator, I strive to bring my true self into everything I do, which allows me to connect with my community and continuously grow all aspects of my life. Every step I take to challenge myself brings me closer to my dreams. I would advise everyone to start with something small they’ve wanted to try but felt fear or unease with. Once you take the first step, the journey becomes unstoppable, and the reward is beyond worth it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey has been anything but easy, yet every challenge has shaped me into who I am today. I’ve always been drawn to the creative field, particularly working with people. From a young age, I had a high sense of awareness, understanding the need to step outside of my comfort zone if I truly wanted to embrace the world openly. In high school, I challenged my natural shyness by being in theater, going on student trips, then seeking out leadership and facilitation roles in college. Later, the inner aesthete in me stumbled into modeling. I consistently pushed myself into experimenting with self-expression. Building confidence wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. It took a lot of inner work and modeling helped tremendously. Not many people understand that modeling isn’t just about standing and looking pretty. It requires a lot of skill apart from confidence- teamwork, professionalism, adaptability, business, and self-promotion.

As I evolved, I realized I had to embrace exploration and be open to discovering my true self. Today, I am proud to be a freelance model and content creator, but I’m also stepping into the roles of a mentor and model coordinator, helping others navigate this journey. My work is not just about the images; it’s about creating connections, guiding others, and fostering a community.

I’m also passionate about self-development and wellness, which I’m excited to integrate into my future endeavors. I’m excited to see how my passions continue to evolve and intertwine as I develop my brand. The lessons I’ve learned along the way are invaluable: you have to be open to growth, to exploration, and to owning your true identity. Every step of this journey has been a reminder that while the path may not always be clear, it’s always worth it. I’d like the world to know that my story is about embracing your authenticity, stepping into your power, and always being open to the possibilities ahead.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I definitely have a few fun places in mind- if you’re visiting me, you’re in for an adventure! We’re entering spring soon, and the weather so lovely right now, I’ll start with our Arizona hiking trails- a must-do. Whether it’s Piestawa Peak, Camelback Mountain, or some of the less challenging trails, the scenery is breathtaking, making for a perfect morning or sunset hike. For breakfast or lunch, I love hanging out around the Biltmore Fashion Park area- it offers plenty of great café and restaurant options. Imagine enjoying a tasty meal, then taking a leisurely stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden while catching up on life.

If you appreciate art, I’m definitely taking you to the Phoenix Art Museum in Downtown Phoenix during the week for a relaxing walk & more opportunity to chat. And, of course, you can’t visit me without a night of dancing! We’ll hit Denim & Diamonds for some country dancing, or if it’s Friday, we’re heading to Mijana in Tempe. You’ll enjoy a delicious Lebanese dinner while watching a belly dancing performance, and later the space clears for salsa lessons and social dancing.

As the weekend rolls around, one of my favorite experiences is the Vikara yoga event—outdoor yoga with a DJ and various vendors. It’s a fun and energizing way to start the morning with friends. Afterward, we’ll head to Scottsdale Old Town, where we can wander through the cute shops and galleries, grab a drink at AZ88, have a karaoke night at The Grapevine, or checking out the nightlife if you’re in the mood!

And, if we have the time, a day or two in Sedona would leave a lasting impression. Its beauty and energy are something you can’t miss. So, what do you think- would you visit me with this itinerary?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Our success is never truly a solo endeavor. For me, the creative community has been a guiding force- whether it’s the photographers capturing moments, makeup artists & designers transforming visions, or the models who bring energy and authenticity to every project. These relationships have been essential in not just shaping my path, but in encouraging me to explore and discover more about myself along the way. I wouldn’t be here if not for the creatives I’ve worked alongside with, and I’m thankful for each person that has inspired and left an imprint on me.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamilaminovarova

Image Credits
@Creative_Visual_Images- Scott Hall
@Your_storiesbysg- Gulnaz Sabirova
@Cnsphoto- Manish
@Brittanyisms- Brittany Lorraine

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.