We had the good fortune of connecting with Tamara Strickland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tamara, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I thought it was impossible. I was discouraged, over analyzing the process. I wanted to give up and throw in the towel.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Benefit Coordinator at Aflac. What sat me aside from others or competitors is that I’m always striving to aid others with the necessary resources to help shape their future lives. Another thing I would like to add is, that as a child, I too was raised in a low income community, and experienced what it’s is like to go without. This is why I have a passion to assist the less privileged kids I come in contact with.

I would say I got to where I am today by staying consistent. I joined small business groups. I learned the necessary skills needed to be a successful business owner. I always told myself that nothing comes to a man who doesn’t work for it. This was my daily motivation.

No, it was not easy at all. Again, remaining persistent will thrush you ahead. Becoming an entrepreneur is not for the weak. You will have days that are very challenging. You’ll also have those days where you’ll win, but remember starting a business is a task that does not happen overnight.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Mmm.. I would most likely visit the beach. I love to sit alongside the beach viewing the beautiful water. We would eat out at just about every restaurant. I love to try different foods. We would canvas the surrounding areas and shop.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to first thank God for my Pastor Bartholomew Orr at Brown Missionary Baptist Church. I’m grateful for pastor Orr because when I wanted to just settle and give up. God used him to guide me through those difficult moments. So a special thank you to him. I also want to thank Cornell University through Bank of America Institute for instilling in me the expertise, and knowledge needed to be a successful entrepreneur.

Website: https://www.IL2G.org

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.