After being introduced to us through the MTV reality series “The Real World” Los Angeles edition in 1994, Tami Anderson has grown and evolved in the world of entertainment. She’s managed to turn her opportunity on reality television into a well-rounded career. Some will be surprised to know that her first love is singing but these days she’s focused on acting, film production and her braiding boutique. Sit back and be introduced again to a woman who has clearly defined her goals and plans for the future. Tami Anderson tells MahoganyGirl about her life experiences and the lessons learned.

MahoganyGirl: Good Afternoon Tami? How are you?
Tami: I’m good.

MG: What have you been up to lately?
Tami: A lot of things! I am really excited about my upcoming role in ‘Beauty Shop’ with Monique, my braid shop, and my film production company.

MG: Ok you do have a lot going on! Let’s start with your role with Monique in the upcoming film “Beauty Shop”. Tell me about your character.
Tami: I play a diva hair stylist named Zora who has a intern played by Monique who eventually takes all of my clients because she’s a better stylist than I am! Roshumba (model/actress), and Calita Smith are also in the film.

MG: How did you prepare for the role?
Tami: Monique and I have been taking acting classes together with Chip Fields and eventually ended up doing a project together.

MG: Sounds good. I know you are currently doing acting and film production but your first love was singing. How did that begin?
Tami: I started with a girl group named ‘female’ and we were featured on the “Panther” soundtrack through Mercury Records. Our stint as a group was short lived as with most girl groups as you grow up you grow apart and your priorities change. Some of us got married and began having children.

MG: When you’re young life seems to move so fast. You were married to Kenny Anderson what did you learn from that experience?
Tami: I learned not to rush into anything. To take the time to know someone and prepare for the marriage. Kenny and I were engaged after three months and we really didn’t take the time to know one another. But now as a single mother of two girls I can impart to them all I’ve learned. I’m currently not dating but I am looking! I’m looking for someone that has a moral foundation who has goals he’s achieved or plans on how to achieve them.

MG: I understand that and relationships can be extremely beneficial to us if we get what we need from them. If we continue to live and grow in the end we win. I know the girl group didn’t work out but would you consider singing solo?
Tami: Absolutely! I was speaking with a former producer in London not too long ago and who knows I may begin singing again.

MG: Ok cool. Tell me about your film production company.
Tami: I partnered with Lisa Davis to form a film production company named 118 West. We will do straight to video/dvd films. The goal with forming this company is to bring quality films into your homes. There are tons of great actors that are looking for quality writing to be in. Through this company we hope to bring that to the masses.

MG: That is really exciting what will be your first project?
Tami: Our first project is a film entitled “my sisters and me” and will feature Regina King, Carl Payne, Sticky Fingaz and Earthquake to name a few.

MG: What motivated you to executive produce? I know you stated you enjoy being in front of the camera so what led you to go behind it and produce?
Tami: Creative control. It is very competitive in Hollywood and in order to bring the type of movies with quality writing you have to have that control.

MG: You’ve been in the industry for ten years now and I know you’ve learned a lot about the intricacies of the entertainment business; what has been the greatest stumbling block in starting your own company at this stage in your career?
Tami: Acquiring financing deals to enhance your projects. Actors want to work and writers want to present their writing but it takes that financial support to bring the production together.

MG: I understand that. It amazes me what Hollywood will support financially and what they won’t support. At the end of the day we will have to fund each other’s projects to ensure the best representation of our lives are revealed on film. Congratulations on starting your film production company and I am sure you will be successful in your endeavors. Before we close you mentioned a braid shop also?
Tami: Yes! I am very excited about my braid shop it is located in the valley in Southern California and I hope you and your readers will stop by! It is called International Braid Boutique.

MG: It has been a pleasure speaking with you and again I congratulate on your upcoming roles as well as your entrepreneur endeavors.
Tami: Thank you MahoganyGirl!

The phone number for Tami’s braid shop located in Sherman Oaks, California is (888)-96-Braid.

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