Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tameka Murray, Founder of Encourage Her, located in Overland Park, KS, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the founder of Encourage Her. Encourage Her is an inspirational line of products: Diary of Poems, short stories, clothing apparel, home decor, and life coaching, to increase self-love in women who are on their journey of healing after leaving an unhealthy relationship(s).
Tell us about yourself
I am a Domestic Violence Survivor. I decided to dissolve my marriage on the night of Thanksgiving in 2016. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make, but at that moment, I had to think about Tameka. My wants, needs, and most importantly, my happiness. Due to the "toxicity" of the relationship, I did not have my own identity, not even a favorite color. It was that deep for me. I began journaling my feelings and thoughts, laying all of my anger, pain, insecurities, and low self-esteem on the college-ruled line. Yes, I had emotionally, physically, and mentally experienced the trauma; now it was time for me to visualize the trauma on paper and become healed from it. I wanted my freedom! I even snitched on him to get it.
One day I let one of my coworkers read a poem I had written, "Baby Daddy Syndrome" (inside the book Encourage Her). After she read it, she looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, "How are you able to write everything that I am feeling?" And it clicked. I knew at that moment I would have never known her needs if she would not have read the poem. It let her know she was not alone and, most importantly, let me know I was not alone.
So, I compiled two collections of poems into Diary of Poems and created two books. And after that, two short stories were created... and that's how it all started. FAITH is my motivation! HER stands for Heroic, Extraordinary, and Resilient, a true definition of a woman. I remind myself of why I am HER, and I am my sister's keeper.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Becoming a 4x self-published author, getting the books into the hands of women who need to feel empowered. The books Encourage Her, Replenish Her, and Ignite the Woman in Hiding are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and multiple other book websites. And becoming a Master & Certified Life Coach.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Becoming a business owner is not hard. However, conducting a business on a "taboo" topic is when you are trying to promote the opposite of what society deems "it's okay to be toxic."
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you have a burning desire and faith to carry out the purpose of your business.
- Stay in alignment with God.
- Never stop learning, and change is good.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.tamekamurray.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tameka.mack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamekathespeaker_/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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