Makeup artist and influencer Tiara Peach has been in the beauty business since she was 19 years old. Working with top models from around the country, she also has a great fashion sense.
That’s what she tapped into to create a new line of unique luxury bags, which she calls the Tatum J collection.
Last fall, Peach shared in a Gazelle podcast her experience of losing her infant son, Tatum John, for whom the collection is named, hoping to help other women who have experienced similar loss.
Her new luxury fashion accessory collection is created from stingray and other exotic sustainable leathers, like ostrich and python. It’s designed and handcrafted in the United States by skilled artisans.
“I wanted to offer people luxurious, unique styles that will last basically, forever,” Peach said. “They are much more durable than cowhide.”
The line came about while Peach was helping her fiancé, John Hanlon, owner of The Fur and Leather Centre, with a pop-up store in Aspen, Colorado. There, she met a wholesaler who works with exotic leather, and the idea and the business grew from there.
“I sent styles to some of my friends, and gauged their reaction,” Peach said. “Everyone loved them. They’re cute, fun, different and affordable, because they will last a lifetime.”
Naming the entire collection after baby Tatum was a way of honoring him. Individual bags also have personal significance, and are named for her daughter (the Tristyn), and her fiancé’s mother (the Therese), along with her own signature bag (the Tiara).
Officially launching on Black Friday, these first couple of months have given Peach a chance to discover what people like best.
“I have three different sizes, at this point – a small clutch, a medium-sized bag and a larger one,” Peach said. “Different people like the different sizes – there’s something for everyone, plus we can all use a clutch to switch into for dinner or an evening out.”
And Peach said they are individually hand-dyed and handmade – with love.
Expansion plans for this year include adding other exotic leathers, like alligator and crocodile, and a men’s line of wallets, belts and messenger bags, most likely incorporating shoes, as well. Eventually, she would like to develop a line of clothing with stingray features.
The Tatum J collection is a sponsor at the upcoming New York Fashion Week, which Peach is attending to network and keep an eye on the fashion forecast.
Peach began working first in retail store cosmetics, learning different tips and tricks that helped her create her own personal application with her company, Tiara Marie Artistry (also known as By Yours Truly). Her goal is to utilize a natural approach to beauty, while enhancing her clients’ best features. The most rewarding part of her job is the clients’ newfound confidence, once she is finished.
Since relocating from Chicago to St. Louis two years ago, Peach has enjoyed taking in the beautiful sunsets and sunrises.
“I love watching the sunrise from my balcony. I can see views of the arch at the same time,” Peach said. “And I also love the great – I mean beyond amazing – BBQ in St. Louis!”
For more information on the Tatum J collection, visit thetatumjcollection.com. To see examples of Peach’s work as a professional makeup artist, visit byyourstrulytiara.com.
