Exclusive: Temp-tations Founder Tara Tesher Advises Other to Always Say 'Yes' as It Led Her to Start Her Own Company: 'I Knew This Would Be My Passion'

Tara Tesher created her brand, Temp-tations, as she felt like it was missing from the market.

"It was one dish that you can prep, cook, serve and store in that saves you time, space and money," she exclusively tells Morning Honey of how it all began. "Flash forward 22 years and what started as a problem solver has grown into a lifestyle brand with over 30mm sets sold worldwide."

"There was nothing that I felt replaced all the steps in the kitchen. I wanted to create a single dish you can prepare your meal in. Then place that exact dish in the oven up to 500 degrees then serve in that dish because it is beautifully hand painted and put leftovers in the fridge or freezer. All of these steps previously required its own piece," she continues.

From the get-go, Tesher's mission "has always been clear: to gather family and friends around" the table.

"I believe we need to disconnect in order to reconnect. Watching this resonate with all generations has been the best part. From the minute our feet hit the ground, our team wants to exceed the customer's expectations and that is special," she shares about the brand, which sells baking dishes, serving pieces, dinnerware sets, home decor and more. "Growing up sharing a meal was so important to my mother. Whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner, as a family we had to share one meal and connect as a family. I grew up learning early that food was an expression of love and that nothing replaces staying connected."

Since then, Tesher feels that starting the business was a good investment. "It's been so rewarding. Customers are constantly sharing what they would like to see so I affectionately say in. A lot of ways, they are helping to steer this brand," she says. "My favorite part is creating the products and sharing them worldwide. The most challenging part is being manically focused on the process from ideation to a family's table."

She continues, "I love the holidays and all the tradition that goes along with them. I love to design cheerful items that make you smile. However, I am keenly aware that holidays can be tough for some people. I love to create pieces that are from a childhood memory I had or something that can acknowledge someone that is no longer with us. I use these symbols like cardinals to remind everyone that their loved ones will always be a part of all their celebrations."

Going forward, Tesher has big plans for Temp-tations. "I hope in 5-10 years this brand continues to innovate and that we keep sharing with every generation the power of 'these dishes' and the memories and moments they create," she says, adding that she had "no idea this would become such a collectible."

"I hope customers continue to tell me that I inspire them to cook again, that they feel so good about how their table looks, and I hope they continue to share a meal and create life long memories!" Tesher, whose favorite piece is the 9x13, adds.

Tesher fell into becoming an entrepreneur — but she wouldn't have it any other way.

"When I created this brand and it resonated the way it did, I knew this would be my passion. My biggest advice is to say YES (always within reason) because life is not a straight line, and if you never say yes, you may never know what is destined for you," she insists.