Meet O’Tavais Harris | Young Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with O’Tavais Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi O’Tavais, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Growing up in Knoxville, Tennessee in a single parent home as the 7th child out of 13 has had a profound impact on my life, shaping me into the person I am today. While it may seem chaotic and overwhelming to some, this environment taught me invaluable lessons and instilled qualities that have propelled me forward.

Firstly, growing up with a large family fostered a strong sense of responsibility and compassion within me. As one of the older siblings, I learned how to care for and support my younger brothers and sisters from an early age. This experience honed my leadership skills, teaching me patience, empathy, and problem-solving abilities that are invaluable in both personal and professional settings.

Moreover, being raised by a single parent taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance. Witnessing my mother’s tireless efforts to provide for our family despite the challenges she faced inspired me to strive for greatness. Her unwavering determination shaped my work ethic and fueled my desire to overcome obstacles.

Overall, while growing up in Knoxville in a single-parent home as the 7th child out of 13 presented its share of challenges, it ultimately molded me into a resilient individual with a strong sense of responsibility, compassion, perseverance, and community engagement. These qualities continue to guide me towards success in all aspects of my life today.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am currently a student at East Tennessee State University, pursuing a major in English with minors in Finances and Black America Studies. Additionally, I am also studying Secondary Education with the goal of becoming a high school principal. However, what truly sets me apart from other 18-year-olds is that I not only focus on academics but also own and operate two businesses: Elite Notary and OT’s Business Consulting.

Elite Notary provides professional notarization services to individuals and businesses, ensuring legal documents are properly signed and authenticated. On the other hand, OT’s Business Consulting offers guidance and support to small business owners looking to enhance their operations and achieve financial success. These ventures have allowed me to develop valuable skills such as communication, organization, and problem-solving, while also providing me with real-world experience.

Getting to where I am today professionally has not been an easy journey. It required dedication, hard work, and perseverance. As a young entrepreneur balancing multiple roles alongside my academic pursuits, there were numerous challenges along the way. However, I overcame these obstacles by learning to manage my time effectively, seeking guidance from mentors and professionals in the field, and remaining committed to my goals.

Throughout this process, I have learned invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of networking. Building strong relationships within the community has been instrumental in both my personal growth and business success. Moreover, managing my finances responsibly has taught me about the significance of budgeting and making strategic investments.

What sets me apart is not just my ambition or entrepreneurial spirit; it is my determination to excel academically while simultaneously building successful businesses. My story is one of passion for education, entrepreneurship, and empowerment within minority communities. Through hard work and dedication to both my studies and businesses, I strive to inspire others – particularly young people – to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that age should never be a barrier to success. With the right mindset, work ethic, and support system, anyone can achieve their goals and make a positive impact in their community. I am proud of my accomplishments thus far, but I am even more excited about the future opportunities that await me as I continue to grow personally and professionally.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I would ensure they have the best time ever by exploring the vibrant city life and natural wonders of our area. We would kick off with breakfast at a local café, savoring freshly brewed coffee and delicious pastries. The mornings would be spent strolling through historic neighborhoods, admiring architectural marvels and browsing quaint shops. For lunch, we’d indulge in street food from bustling food markets, tasting diverse cuisines.

Afternoons would be dedicated to exploring cultural landmarks like museums and art galleries, immersing ourselves in history and creativity. In the evenings, we’d venture into trendy bars and breweries to sample craft beers and cocktails while listening to live music performances. Dinners would be an opportunity to taste exquisite international cuisines at renowned restaurants.

During the weekend, we’d escape to nearby nature reserves or national parks for hiking, picnics, and breathtaking scenery. Adventurous activities such as zip-lining or kayaking could also be on the agenda. We’d make sure to catch a sunset over picturesque landscapes while unwinding with drinks at a scenic lookout point.

To truly experience the local culture, we would attend festivals or events showcasing music, dance, or theater performances. Exploring local markets where artisans display their crafts would allow us to collect unique souvenirs.

Overall, this itinerary combines both urban exploration and outdoor adventures to provide my best friend with an unforgettable week filled with fun experiences and memorable moments in our area.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate a shoutout to my mother.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for all that she has done for me. Her unwavering efforts, support, mentorship, love, and encouragement have shaped me into the person I am today.

She has been my rock, always standing by my side through thick and thin. Her selfless dedication to my well-being has never gone unnoticed or unappreciated. She has taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and kindness.

Her guidance and wisdom has given me the strength to overcome any obstacles that come my way. Her unconditional love has provided me with a safe haven in which I can freely express myself without fear of judgment.

I want to thank her or give a shout out for being not just a mother but also a friend and confidant. I cherish every moment we spend together, as they are filled with laughter, love, and understanding. Her belief in me has given me the confidence to chase my dreams fearlessly.

Today and every day, she will always know how grateful I am for her presence in my life. She is irreplaceable!

Website: www/ots-consulting.com

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