WP Weekly Spotlight – Tara Claeys

Tara Claeys of Design TLC, LLC is a seasoned website designer and developer with a marketing background going back over 20 years. She provides custom website and graphic design services, with a focus on creating effective, clean and personal communication platforms for small businesses. Tara listens to you, to learn what you have in mind for your identity, and takes care to create an image that fits your brand personality.

While there is an abundance of “Do-It-Yourself” website platforms, Tara’s extensive experience with WordPress websites allows you to focus on your business instead of spending hours creating a website that doesn’t end up looking or functioning like you want it to. Once created, Tara can keep your website updated, or train you to make your own edits, and is always available to help and answer questions.

Tara is the proud recipient of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce 2016 “Best Technology Business Award.”

When she’s not working, Tara enjoys cycling, running, watching movies and spending time with friends and family.

Michele: What do you do in the WordPress ecosystem?

Tara: I create websites for clients. I co-host the podcast Hallway Chats. I organize the WordPress Northern Virginia/DC Meetup

Michele: How did you get involved with WordPress?

Tara: I started using WordPress in 2010, and discovered the community at WordCamp Baltimore in 2014. I have been hooked ever since!

Michele: Please tell me one story of someone who has inspired you within the WordPress Community?

Tara: I have met and be inspired by so many amazing people in the WordPress community! Shay Bocks is an amazing, talented and kind person who has built a great business using WordPress. Dale Reardon is a blind man in Tazmania who built an online community for disabled people. Norma Miller has a captioning business which makes WordCamps accessible. I could go on and on! ????

Michele: What does the Open Source Community mean to you?

Tara: It means any idea can be accomplished with WordPress, and that people can make a living with WordPress.

Michele: Please name some of your favorite plugins. 

Tara: Beaver Builder, Beaver Themer, Yoast

Michele: Do you have a favorite theme or framework you like to use?

Tara: I used to use Genesis but now have moved to Beaver Builder for almost everything.

Michele: If you could change one thing in WordPress, what would it be?

Tara: More racial diversity.

Michele: What is your most memorable WordPress moment?

Tara: My first WordCamp, when I had no idea about the WordPress community and sat at lunch with Chris Lema and Shay Bocks and it changed my life.

Michele: What is one piece of advice you would give to someone just getting started with WordPress?

Tara: Go to a WordCamp and a Meetup.

Michele: What do you think is in store for the future of WordPress?

Tara: More change! I think the community will broaden and grow with the changes in IA.

Michele: Just for fun, share one memory that makes you proud to be a part of the WordPress Community.

Tara: When some people I helped at a Meetup came back the next month and told me how much I helped them

You can find Tara Claeys at Design TLC and Hallway Chats.

If you find these interesting and would like to be spotlighted yourself, please see our interview form.

Michele Butcher-Jones

Head Geek at Can't Speak Geek

Michele is the Head Geek at Can't Speak Geek. During the day she works for Thrive Agency as their WordPress Technical Support Specialist. She is also a beginners and advanced WordPress instructor and travels the globe sharing her love of WordPress. When not on the computer Michele enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. Sometimes she takes the time off to read a great book.