Thaarani Uthayasangar never set out to be a content creator. Her path emerged through a mix of circumstance, instinct, and a determination to build something of her own. Born in Sri Lanka and raised in London, she studied economics before realising that her true passion was storytelling — especially through clothes, culture, and community.
Now a mother of two boys, Thaarani (known to most as Tee) blends personal style with cultural heritage in ways that feel both joyful and grounded. Beyond sharing everyday outfit inspiration on Instagram and her Substack newsletter, she’s collaborated with brands like Hiccup, Levi’s, and The White Company, partnerships that reflect her fresh take on family life and fashion.
In this conversation, Tee reflects on flexible creativity, the freedom she gives her children to lead with fashion, and how London continues to shape everything from school runs to photoshoots.
You studied Economics whilst at university. What made you shift to work in the creative based role you have now?
I think at that age, 18, I was clueless of what I wanted to do and creative jobs weren’t spoken about as much. If I had guidance I would have probably taken a different route. It wasn’t until I started working in retail alot more I realised there were so many creative roles – I took the buying route but it didn’t last long. I had my eldest son at 30 and that’s when I realised I wanted a flexible job, fashion related and work for myself. I wasn’t planning on becoming an influencer but it just happened over time.
Last year, you collaborated with Hiccup to create your own edit. What was the creative process like?
That was an amazing opportunity for me as I had so much creative input into it, I thought I’d use this as an opportunity to include some culture into the clothes as well as pick items and design items that were wearable. It all started off with me sketching a few things then using my mum and dads wedding photos to get inspiration. My cousin helped me design it, she’s really creative and I was very fortunate to have her by my side.
Of everything you’ve done creatively, what moment are you most proud of and what made it special?
The above moment has to be a special moment. The fact that I have a t-shirt with the writing of my hometown Jaffna on it, is pretty special. I love the tamil writing on these t-shirts and it sold out in the first week or so! Definitely a proud moment. I was able to include my family into it and that’s what made it special.
How do you keep your creativity alive while raising a family? Do you have any tips for creatively minded parents?
It’s hard sometimes finding any time to be alone or do what you need to do, especially around holidays when the boys are not in school. I love looking at magazines, pinterest and just seeing other people’s creativity, this really makes me want to be more creative in my own way.
Do your kids show an interest in fashion or other creative things? How do you nurture that?
They have both grown up being very creative with lego and art, they both love painting and drawing so that’s something they tend to do when they feel bored. They always hand make their cards for family members which is something I always did growing up.
Both boys have a strong opinion on what they wear, they love colour which i like. The youngest is always looking at what colours match before picking his outfit which is cute, or he’s looking at what his brother is wearing and trying to match with him. I let them wear what they like…MOST of the time. I mean if my eldest had his own way would wear shorts to a wedding!
Do they ever join in with your creative projects or help you plan content?
They tend to help me take photos, the youngest is at that age where he really wants to take photos for me unlike the eldest where I have to ask him, and it’s usually in exchange for something.
Fashion is such a form of self-expression. Have you seen your children use it in that way, and how do you support it?
I remember taking my eldest son to a vintage store in year 6. He wanted something for his leavers party, he picked out this Hawaiian style shirt which surprised me. Together we worked out how to style it, obviously with shorts and he wore it open with a t-shirt inside. He teamed it with his Nike high tops and it actually looked so good. I loved that he didn’t fall into what the typical teenager wore, it wasn’t a football top or sports wear. It’s one of those shirts he told me that made him feel good.
London is such a vibrant, creative city. How has it influenced the way you raise your children?
My boys love London, we love how diverse it is and I think being surrounded by so many creative people, different jobs and art has made them realise they are able to do anything they want. It’s not how it was when I was younger, so trying to make them realise that they are capable of anything. We love Borough Market and Tate Modern.
Are there any books, films, games, or places that have had a big impact on your kids’ creativity?
When it comes to having an impact, I’m not sure, but my eldest used to take the book “stories for boys who dare to be different” everywhere, now my youngest is reading it and loves it too. Hoping this book makes them realise being different is good. I love how both of them are interested in reading about positive male figures.
A big thanks to Tee for sharing her story and reminding us that creativity often grows strongest when it’s rooted in family, culture, and confidence. Discover more inspiration from our Creative Parents in the interviews section.
