We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tara Lewis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tara, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome wasn’t easy, especially coming from where I started. Growing up with no mom, in very poor conditions, raising four kids on my own, losing a child to brain cancer, and surviving a decade-long abusive relationship—those experiences left deep scars. When I finally stepped into the roles of a business owner, nonprofit founder, and community leader, I often felt like I didn’t belong, like I wasn’t ‘good enough’ to be in those spaces.
But I realized that my past wasn’t a weight holding me back—it was my strength. Everything I had been through gave me a perspective and a resilience that couldn’t be taught. I started reminding myself that my story, my skills, and my voice mattered. I learned to trust in the value I bring to the table.
Imposter syndrome doesn’t go away overnight, but you can quiet it by showing up for yourself every day. For me, it was about embracing my journey, leaning on my faith, and surrounding myself with people who see my worth, even when I doubt it. Now, when those feelings creep in, I remind myself: I didn’t come this far to question whether I deserve to be here—I’ve earned my place.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I wear many hats, but they’re all tied to helping others. I own a credit repair and financial consulting business, where I help people take control of their finances and build a stronger future. I’m also the founder of a nonprofit that supports domestic violence survivors, offering them resources, education, and empowerment to rebuild their lives.
What makes my work special is that it’s all rooted in my own journey. I came from a very rough, financially-strained upbringing, raised four kids as a single mom, lost a child to brain cancer, and survived a 10-year abusive relationship. Those challenges shaped who I am and gave me the drive to make a difference. Everything I do—whether it’s helping someone fix their credit, mentoring women entrepreneurs, or running programs for survivors—comes from a place of understanding and compassion.
One of the projects I’m most passionate about is FulfillHer, my women’s empowerment group. It’s a mentorship program designed to help women who feel stuck—whether in life or business—to gain clarity, confidence, and direction. We focus on both personal and professional growth, and it’s incredible to watch women unlock their potential and step into their power.
Right now, I’m excited about expanding my mentoring programs, including FulfillHer and a peer empowerment program for survivors of domestic violence. I’m also hosting events and speaking engagements that motivate and inspire others to take control of their lives. My work isn’t just about business—it’s about building community, creating opportunities, and empowering others to break cycles and thrive.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three key qualities that were most impactful in my journey: resilience, self-belief, and a willingness to learn.
Resilience is what kept me going through the toughest moments—raising four kids as a single mom, losing a child to cancer, and surviving domestic violence. Life will throw challenges at you, but resilience is what helps you rise, adapt, and push forward. My advice? Take things one step at a time and don’t let setbacks define you. Build resilience by focusing on what you can control and leaning into your faith, community, or support system when you need strength.
Self-belief was a game-changer for me. When you come from a tough background, it’s easy to feel like you don’t belong in certain spaces. I had to learn to trust myself and my abilities, especially as I built my businesses and nonprofit. My advice to others is to silence that inner critic and start small—celebrate little wins and remind yourself that you’re capable. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and see your potential, even when you can’t see it yet.
Finally, a willingness to learn opened doors I didn’t even know existed. Whether it was learning how to repair credit, run a business, or create mentoring programs like FulfillHer, I never stopped seeking knowledge. My advice? Stay curious and open. Take classes, find mentors, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Growth is a lifelong process, and being willing to learn will take you further than you ever imagined.
These three qualities—resilience, self-belief, and a hunger for learning—are what helped me overcome the odds and create a life where I can not only thrive but also help others do the same. For anyone just starting their journey, know that you already have what it takes; it’s just a matter of nurturing those qualities and staying the course.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! Collaboration is key to creating lasting impact, and I’m always looking to partner with individuals or organizations who are passionate about empowering others and making a difference.
I’d love to connect with:
Business owners or professionals interested in providing resources, mentorship, or opportunities for women entrepreneurs through my FulfillHer program.
Philanthropists or sponsors who want to support programs like my nonprofit’s peer empowerment initiative for domestic violence survivors.
Community leaders, speakers, or advocates who share my mission of helping women break cycles of struggle and unlock their potential.
Event organizers who need a keynote speaker or panelist to inspire and educate on topics like resilience, financial empowerment, or women’s growth in life and business.
If you’re passionate about helping women get unstuck, thrive, and build a brighter future, I’d love to hear from you. You can connect with me through my website, email, or social media platforms. Let’s work together to create meaningful change!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tmlcreditconsulting.com
- Instagram: @tmlcreditconsulting, @thru_trauma_to_triumph
- Facebook: tmlcreditconsulting
