Multi-faceted PWM Staff Writer reflects on work, home and always striving to improve
By Hilary Dartt • Photo by Blushing Cactus Photography
Tara Fort has written for Prescott Woman Magazine for about 17 years—and has become a fixture at the publication. Yet her work there is just one of many facets that comprise this accomplished and versatile Prescott resident.
These days, she primarily works alongside her husband, Simon, a member of Prescott High School’s class of 1982 and a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway (she has her real estate license, too).
“I feel really grateful that I can work from home and have the flexibility to work with Simon. He’s a top producer, a go-getter, and a marketing person. I learn so much from him.”
Plus, real estate “has given us so many gifts: new people to hang out with and new relationships.”
Still, writing for the magazine gives her an opportunity to use the creative side of her brain (she’s always enjoyed reading and writing), meet new people, and learn about what’s new in the community.
“Bree has brought a whole new feel and progression to the magazine since she took ownership by highlighting fresh faces and businesses. Just when I think I know everyone in town, I get an assignment that introduces me to someone new! Plus, my mom anxiously awaits every new issue—she’s probably the magazine’s biggest fan.”
Tara and Simon constantly motivate themselves and keep each other accountable to ensure they’re on track for their “bigger goals.” They’ve completed personal development trainings together (including firewalking at Tony Robbins’s Unleash the Power Within). That drive for constant improvement runs through everything Tara does.
Through her work with Simon, Tara enjoys sharing her love of Prescott with clients, who often become friends. “We’ve lived here for 31 years, and I can’t even imagine living anywhere else.” She loves sharing her local favorites with others in hopes that those businesses and spots will enrich their Prescott experience.
And, in her day-to-day life, she strives to “be involved in the community, support our favorite businesses, and support local.”
As the daughter of an Air Force Colonel and pilot, Tara was born in Virginia and lived in the Philippines and Germany before she was four years old. She then grew up in Tucson and earned her English degree with a focus on creative writing and technical writing at Northern Arizona University. Her junior year of college, she spent a semester in London, which she considered “a dream.” When she met Simon in Tucson, his mom and other family members lived in the UK, and they visited regularly (and got engaged there!). They were married in Maui, moved to Prescott in 1993, and started their own business, Aardvark Graphic and Type. Throughout the different periods of Tara’s life, she’s worked for a treatment center, law firms, two exclusive golf courses and the fire district, and owned a writing and editing business.
Tara enjoys mixed media scrapbooking and exploring family history; her mom’s family is from the Boston/Salem area, and she and family members collaborate with photos and stories. She also seeks activities that bring her balance and calm. “I like doing yoga,” she said. “It centers me and makes me be present, and not worry about the riff raff in the world and my head.” Soon, she will start training for her fourth 60-mile Susan G. Komen 3-Day, where people gather to raise money for breast cancer research.
“I had a milestone birthday this year so it’s like, one day I think, ‘I have no time, I’m getting old, and everything hurts!’ The next day I think, ‘I’ve got so many years ahead of me!’”
At the moment, then, her focus is on growing their business, making daily progress toward personal goals, and making time for those who matter most.
Contact Tara at [email protected].