We recently had the chance to connect with Tamra Lisier and have shared our conversation below.
Tamra, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
The biggest thing I feel I’m being called to do in my life now is staying consistent. It’s a bit scary and intimidating to know that if I stay consistent and focused on all my different goals that I can actually reach or get extremely close to them! Consistency has always been a bit of a struggle for me in different areas of my life. I always love a bit of variety so sticking with one thing/goal has always been a serious challenge. I know if I can conquer this one (small) thing, I’ll be able to unlock my unlimited potential to use in other areas of my life to receive my blessings meant for me!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi,
My name is Tamra (most people know me as Tee), and I’m the owner of That SaWce, a business that I started building in 2021. It all began with selling my signature sauces online first then moving to selling at local popups—and the response/feedback from everyone was amazing. I started out with 1 flavor and now currently have 4 different flavors to choose from! I also sold my flavored compound butters, my sister brand (That Buttah), in-person at pop-ups and Etsy online. That early community support gave me the confidence to expand, and by 2023, I transitioned into full-service catering. My SaWce is available in a select few places around the DMV area for purchase including on the menu at a local event space in NE, recording studio in Baltimore and a flagship store in NE. I’m predominantly in the local DMV music/art scene selling food at local events, bars and parties but always looking for new people in the area to connect with and share my products and food. Running my own business has taught me a lot about resilience, creativity, and the importance of connecting with people and building genuine connects through food. My long-term goal that I’m working towards is to open a storefront right here in the DMV area where I can showcase all of my products under one roof!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
The thing I believed as a child was that I had to get a traditional education and career to feel fulfilled, complete & successful in my life. Prior to the pandemic in 2021, I believed that & tried my best to live it through, but my life had other plans. Constantly job hopping over the years & every time I worked a traditional job it never felt “right” or I got fired lol. Beginning my entrepreneurship journey, it helped spark and keep my creativity alive. It made me realize if you put yourself out there and believe in your crazy dreams you may just make them happen. If you don’t, then you can get extremely close to it! As I get older and figure out life, I realize this is my purpose. To pursue my goals fearlessly, even if my income isn’t as consistent as a traditional career or as I would like, I find most pleasure in being able to mold and try to create generational wealth for me and my son!
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
My fear of perfectionism! I held myself back most of my life because I never wanted to fail or be bad at anything so I would just never try. I realize now that you can never be good or even close to perfect at something unless you try and fail multiple times. I still struggle with that occasionally but am way more fearless with not being seen as perfect at things I decide to do.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The project I’m most committed to is getting a storefront in the DMV area! I would love to have a space that showcases my current and new food products that I create, a space for other local DMV products/clothing, a place where people can pick up great food and also a space for weekly events, classes, community events, parties, event space etc. I know it’s baby steps to getting this done but I know if I keep being consistent and networking in the area, I can eventually make it happen for me. I’m dedicated to my journey to get there even if it takes multiple years!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If immortality were real, what would you build?
A foodie empire! I’d love to be the black woman version of Martha Stewart mixed with a household brand name similar to Kellogg that contains all of my food products. I’d also make sure to build generational wealth for my family, so they won’t have as much as a struggle figuring out what they want to do in their life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sawceandbuttah.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsawce/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/thatbuttah/ (That Buttah Instagram)
Image Credits
Photo Cred to: @AngeloVista & @Lafoux___
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