We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tamara Grant a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tamara, thank you so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We are particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where does your resilience come from?
My resilience stems from my upbringing in an extended family household, predominantly composed of women, with my grandmother as the matriarch. My primary caregiver was my dear aunt, Patsy Joy Grant, who later formally adopted me as her daughter. I was continually surrounded by strong women who taught me not only the daily essentials of life but also the most important tool for life: ‘God’. My family were Roman Catholics and even had a favorite priest whom they would overtly travel with from parish to parish. I learned from a very early age how to develop a personalized relationship with myself and the Creator. I was led by examples of how to trust in one’s faith and to be aware of the blurred lines between good and evil.
In addition to my family background, my resilience has been significantly bolstered by my deliberate efforts to develop and refine my mental attitude and daily habits. Growing up in Kingston, Jamaica, I was exposed to daily challenges, with pervasive crime and violence as the foremost issue, and poverty and limited opportunities as secondary concerns. My resilience is a testimony not only to my personal growth but also to the unwavering determination and strength I witnessed in my family and my fellow countrymen’s relentless pursuit of survival and happiness. Their actions in the face of these challenging conditions became a source of inspiration for me.
I am the product of a multi-faceted journey, encompassing my family’s indomitable spirit, the harsh realities of life in a Third World country, my faith, and the valuable experiences gained from overcoming failures.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we delve deeper and ask you about the skills that matter more, perhaps you could tell our readers about yourself.
Tamara Grant is a visionary entrepreneur, characterized as an action-taker in her own right. I am a mother and currently a student, pursuing further education at Seminole State College. I am also the driving force behind Cuppa Koffee, a venture I founded in 2022, just two years after the onset of the pandemic and the death of my beloved mother. My motivation is the love I have for the Creator, my daughter, my family, and my friends. I aim to create a life that I will be proud to share with my grandchildren and great-grandchildren and to see the benefits of my sacrifices in their smiles. I am also striving to live a life that inspires others to understand that it is not where you come from that determines where you are heading but the intentional work, dedication, and love you have in your heart. In my spare time, I enjoy reading autobiographies, creating personalized greeting cards, and cycling.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and adversity is a fundamental quality. Learning from your experiences and continuing to pursue your goals with determination is key.
Empathy: This is the capacity to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a crucial quality for building strong relationships, effective communication, and teamwork. Empathetic individuals are often better at resolving conflicts and supporting others.
Adaptability: In a constantly changing world, adaptability is a valuable quality. It involves being open to new ideas, willing to learn and adjust, and embracing change as an opportunity for growth. Adaptable individuals thrive in diverse environments and are better equipped to handle unexpected situations.
These three qualities are not only beneficial for personal development but also highly valued in professional settings and in building positive, lasting relationships. Developing these qualities can significantly contribute to one’s success and well-being.
Awesome, we really appreciate you opening up with us today. Before we close, perhaps you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I am an avid book reader and listener if you count audiobooks. And while each has left an impression, there is something uniquely impactful about ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho. The words in this book came alive in my mind, and I could deeply sense the emotions of the main character. In essence, ‘The Alchemist’ tells the story of a shepherd boy who continually dreams of hidden treasures at the Egyptian pyramids and decides to embark on the seemingly audacious journey to pursue this dream. The book delves into various facets of self-actualization, exploring the differences between the individuals you encounter in your life’s journey and how your path intertwines with theirs. It emphasizes that, in this shared journey, everyone is completing their own life’s purpose.
‘The Alchemist’ also examines different cultural diversities, religious elements, and the theme of love. As a dreamer myself, I found it easy to immerse myself in the boy’s journey as he wholeheartedly pursues his Personal Legend. This book resonates with my belief that every small intentional action/thought will take us closer to our happiness—if we silence the distractions and listen attentively to our inner thoughts and desires, life will become more purposeful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cuppakoffee.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuppa_koffee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoyInEverySip
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cuppa-koffee/?viewAsMember=true
