After Tai Beauchamp made the media leap from magazines to TV, she learned a few valuable lessons.
“You can be a recluse as a writer,” she said. “In front of the cameras, people look at you in a different way. It was very nerve-racking at first. You have to be succinct — and really learn how to talk in soundbites.”
Beauchamp started her career at O, the Oprah Magazine when it launched, before becoming the beauty director of Seventeen magazine at 25 and then the deputy editor of Vibe Vixen Magazine. Beauchamp then began consulting for brands about social responsibility — she ultimately became a TV spokesperson for brands like Target and P&G, and a lifestyle and beauty expert for on-air segments on networks including E!, ABC and NBC.
After having built her career in different fields of media, Beauchamp sees TV as the one remaining constant. Still, she decided to launch her own content platform, The Tai Life, as a home for editorials around empowering women in their careers and personal lives.
“Coming from publishing, I was hesitant to start a content platform. But being in TV singularly is not the way of the future. TV is not going away, but how we consume content is changing. Right now, it’s an interesting time in the media landscape, but what’s most important is connecting with an audience.”
Beauchamp detailed a typical day in her life in New York City, during which she appears at events, attends photoshoots and manages content for her site. Her diary has been slightly edited for clarity.
5 a.m.: The dreaded sound of my alarm clock. I wanted to hit snooze so badly but didn’t. Instead, I did what I do every morning: pray, do an eight-minute meditation and then put the coffee on to brew.
5:15 a.m.: I take a quick shower, then I look at my emails and wait for my makeup artist Joanna Simkin to arrive. As I wait, I finish up my coffee and sift through more emails.
5:30 a.m.: Joanna arrives promptly at 5:30 and starts my makeup moments after. I then rummage through my closet to decide what I should wear. I used to plan my looks daily, but I’ve found comfort in a lackadaisical and whimsical way of dressing. My makeup artists and hairstylists usually help me make decisions as I pull things out of the closet. (Note: I don’t get my makeup done professionally on the regular — this was just for the special event.)
7 a.m.: The car arrives, and I head to my first event of the day. My team member Tess joins me. She works on social for TheTaiLife.com, a site I founded to encourage women to live their most empowered lives with style. I’m fortunate to work with multifaceted individuals who are passionate about our work.
7:40 a.m.: We arrive at New York’s iconic Rainbow Room for Dress for Success’ annual Power Breakfast supporting #WomenHelpingWomen. I’m on the panel alongside Kara Ross and Bethenny Frankel, two incredible businesswomen I’m honored to call my peers. I’ve been a supporter of Dress for Success for years, and I have been and still am completely in awe of CEO Joi Gordon. The breakfast raised more than $28,000 that morning!
10:15 a.m.: I jump back into the car to go to visit my manicurist, Estuko Shimatani. I’ve chipped two nails in the last two days!
11:30 a.m.: I arrive back at home and spend time answering emails, reviewing contracts and corresponding with my business partner about a few upcoming initiatives, including a shoot with Sally Beauty. I also edit two pieces for The Tai Life, something my former editor-self wishes I could spend more time doing. Finally, I speak to my mother, who lives nearby in New Jersey (shout out to the Oranges!), on the phone — something I do almost daily.
1 p.m.: After an early wake-up, I decide the only way I am going to get through this day is with a nap — so I set the alarm for 2:06 p.m. Sometimes we all need a recharge.
2:07 pm: I wake up right on time, and by 2:25 p.m., I’m dressed again (the same look I wore earlier that day). Tess and I hop in the car to head to my next appointment in charming Noho.
3 p.m.: We arrive at il Buco, one of my favorite restaurants, for a photo shoot with Danielle Kosann of The New Potato to promote my role as a judge on GSN’s new virtual merchandising competition show, “Window Warriors.” I was introduced to the Kosann sisters by their mother, photographer and jewelry designer Monica Rich Kosann, who is so beautiful and talented. I’m featured in her latest coffee table book “A Possession Obsession” — I really love collaborating with and supporting talented women.
4 p.m.: We wrap shooting, and I sit down at the bar at il Buco for a glass of wine, a kale salad and crudo. There is no way I can go to il Buco and not eat! I check emails while I’m at the bar.
5:15 p.m.: I take a taxi down to the World Trade Center to meet my best friend, Yasmeen, and her sons, my godsons Shane, 8, and Avery, 6. They live in New Jersey but are in New York to attend a family event hosted by Target.
5:30 p.m.: We walk through the Oculus to Shake Shack so the boys can eat before the event. The boys really enjoy the bustle of New York City.
6:40 p.m.: We arrive at Spring Studios for the Target Nutcracker event, starring John Legend and Chrissy Teigen. It feels like a family holiday party for kids!
8:45 p.m.: Since I’ve been on the move all afternoon, I decide to have a glass of wine and catch up on emails and correspondence at Augustine at The Beekman Hotel, a new favorite spot of mine. I run into another dear friend, Gracia Walker of Kiehl’s. I join her and her friends for a glass of wine and chat about our current projects and plans for the holidays.
10:15 p.m.: I head home to take a bath, review my calendar and send emails. (Does anyone ever really catch up to their emails?)
11 p.m.: I turn on my DVR and catch up on GSN’s “Window Warriors.” It was so much fun to be a judge. I love to relive the experience and see how the directors put everything together.
11:30 p.m.: I dress for bed, wash my face (I never go to bed with makeup on), set my alarm for 6:15 a.m., prep the coffee maker and review my calendar in preparation for the next morning — I have an 8 a.m. meeting with one of my freelance editors, followed by training with my new trainer, Robbie Ann Darby. Finally, I am ready to go to bed. I don’t turn on the TV, as the news has been pretty depressing. I say my prayers and rest soundly by midnight.
