Tamara Charles is Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Sisters In Charge, a nonprofit organization for battered women with children based out of Georgia, that gives women a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. Tamara is a survivor of domestic violence and is currently living with multiple sclerosis. Her personal experiences allow her to understand the physical and psychological barriers that prevent many women from leaving their abusers.
Tamara also understands the potential fatal nature of domestic abuse, which makes seeking assistance imperative. By providing, a home where battered women and their children may seek temporary shelter, Tamara hopes to help women understand they are not alone. Her shelter will be designed to provide a safe space where victims may share their stories and meet other survivors to support them in their journey. Additionally, she hopes to provide these women with resources to help them gain control over their lives.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
There were several reasons;
- When my last abuser almost took my life by almost strangling me to death.
- Experiencing sexual assault at the tender age of six years old.
- And now living as a Multiple Sclerosis Warrior.
Tell us about your business.
Sisters In Charge is a nonprofit organization that aims to be a safe haven and support network. We provide resources to help victims of domestic violence regain control over their lives.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
I am currently promoting our Second Annual Sister’s In Charge Masquerade Gala for domestic violence awareness. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Awards;
- People’s choice Award from Women Supporting Women Association, Inc.
- You Make A Difference Award from International Women of H.O.P.E
Degrees;
- Associate Degree in Health Care Management
- Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, Minor in Health Care Management
- MBA in Human Health Services, Minor in Nonprofit
Where is your business based?
Mableton, Georgia.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
- Apply for an EIN number
- Register my business name
- Apply for a tax ID
- Apply as a 501(c3)
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
- Speaking engagements at women empowerment brunches and events
- Promoting my business on social media and at our annual Sisters In Charge Gala
- Partnering up and supporting other organizations
- Promoting myself, letting the world know that I am the voice for the voiceless
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
My biggest challenge has been getting the right individuals on my team that have the same vision and mission as me. I don’t want to bring just anyone on my team just to have their name on my legal documents. I want someone that will be just as active as I am.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I have not yet overcome those challenges. I’m still looking for the right individuals that I can bring on my team.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I continue to pray and put God first with all the challenges that I may be facing. Only He knows what’s best for me and has the last say. He’s the reason why I’m still here today to help and inspire other women and for that I will continue to walk in His path and let Him continue to lead the way.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I don’t worry about any competitors. I surround and network with women who are on the same mission as me. We empower and uplift one another. Whatever God has for me is for me. I never need or feel the need to compete. Whatever the next person can do, I can do. We as women today, have to uplift one another, hold each other’s hands, and pray with one another. Life is too short to be competing with one another.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
The best advice that I received was from Freekey Zeeky from Dipset. He said there will be those who will support you and there will be those that will not. But never give up on what you are destined to be – Keep Pushing.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Continue to follow your dreams and walk in God’s purpose. Believe in your platform and everything else will fall into place.
What are your favorite business tools/resources and why?
My favorite business tool and resource is the domestic violence hotline. It’s a wonderful tool that gives information, crisis intervention, guides you step by step in helping a domestic violence victim and gives you the right resources in making sure the victims find a safe haven.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
A good book that I have read is called “Unbroken, Still I Smile”. It’s written by me. It’s a memoir of my story, journey, and survivorship of my life. It’s very inspirational and everyone can relate to it.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I’m currently looking into ways I can continue to broaden my horizon by donating my time to other women’s homeless shelters through volunteering, getting an overview and learning how they operate so I can better educate myself.
I also want to do teen summit seminars to educate high school kids on all the different signs to look for in domestic violence relationships. Would love to go to more women empowerment seminars and brunches where we can learn different ways to empower and inspire one another. And most importantly, how to love yourself first before you can love a man.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
The next few months, I plan on going to different cities and states to spread awareness on domestic violence. I want to share my story and testimony and be the voice for the voiceless. I plan on taking a grant class to gain knowledge on becoming a grant writer. I plan to finish my third collaboration with other survivors and plan on finishing the last segment of my documentary called “Unbroken, Still I Smile”.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Facebook www.facebook.com/Authortamarac
Instagram @tamaracharles_
Twitter @Authortamarac
Email sistersinchargeinc1@gmail.com
Website www.sistersinchargeinc.org