We recently connected with Tamaya Livingston and have shared our conversation below.
Tamaya, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
My capacity for taking risks has been cultivated through a blend of early experiential learning and a deepening of my faith. I vividly recall learning a fundamental lesson early in life: direct experience often serves as the most profound teacher. This realization, coupled with the unwavering encouragement of my mother to explore diverse activities – from Girl Scouts to various sports and clubs – instilled in me not only a willingness to try new things but also the crucial ability to bounce back from setbacks, though bouncing back is a little bit harder as an adult, I still find the journey rewarding and hopeful. This early exposure to both success and failure fostered a sense of resilience that has been invaluable throughout my life even more so recently.
As I matured, this resilience evolved into a deeper trust in Jesus. My faith, intertwined with a spirit of daring and a willingness to embrace challenges, has consistently opened unexpected and rewarding pathways. While I once might have been inclined to pursue opportunities impulsively, I now approach risk-taking with a more considered perspective, prioritizing prayer and reflection before taking action. This thoughtful approach, guided by faith and a foundational courage, has become a powerful driver in both my personal and professional endeavors.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My name is Tamaya Livingston, and I’m the heart behind TL Media Agency, a virtual assistant and graphic design firm. Since 2022, we’ve officially been dedicated to empowering small to medium-sized businesses by providing the crucial administrative and creative support they need to truly flourish. Our mission is simple: to free up entrepreneurs from the often-overwhelming day-to-day tasks so they can reconnect with their core passions, focus on strategic growth, and their personal lives.
We offer a wide range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. For those just starting out, we provide start up support in brand identity development and website creation. For more established businesses, we offer ongoing assistance with tasks like calendar and email management, the design of impactful marketing materials such as flyers and brochures, and comprehensive social media management. Essentially, we become an extension of their team, offering the extra hands they need to navigate the demands of running a business.
What I find most exciting and truly special about my work is witnessing the tangible impact we have on our clients’ success and well-being. It’s incredibly rewarding to see someone turn a beloved hobby into a thriving business and to know that TL Media Agency played a part in that journey. We also find immense satisfaction in supporting clients who find the technological aspects of their business challenging. Often, these passionate individuals spend so much time and energy trying to understand the tech side that it detracts from what they truly love doing. Our team genuinely enjoys handling those tasks, which can be a game-changer for our clients, allowing them to get back to their core expertise.
TL Media Agency was born out of a personal experience of faith and the unwavering support of someone who believed in my potential. After being unexpectedly let go from my job in the mortgage industry, I was led and ultimately decided to fully embrace the virtual assistant and design work I had already been doing on the side, guided by prayer. That leap of faith allowed me to truly ‘fly,’ and it’s this spirit of encouragement and empowerment that underpins our agency.
For those looking to build or optimize their teams, whether they are just starting out or are established and aiming for growth, I’ve also created a couple of ebooks offering guidance on how to effectively choose and maximize their team’s potential. Additionally, recognizing the importance of a strong online presence, I’ve authored another ebook focused on managing social media effectively. Furthermore, I’ve written an ebook titled ‘Supercharge Your Grind: Unleash the Power of AI for Efficiency and Growth’, where I used AI to write it to show the power of it. These resources reflect my commitment to not just providing services but also empowering business owners with the knowledge they need to succeed.
Looking to the future, we’re excited about the prospect of welcoming more clients into the TLM family and expanding our team of skilled virtual assistants. We are passionate about fostering a collaborative environment where everyone benefits. My personal philosophy is “If everyone around me is a millionaire, then I am by default” which is rooted in the belief that if we can contribute to the success of those we connect with, our own success will naturally follow. We are more than just a service provider; we aim to be a genuine partner in our clients’ growth and a source of reliable support, especially for those who find the ever-evolving world of technology daunting.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful:
Technological Adaptability: In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the ability to stay current with technology is paramount. The willingness to continuously learn and adapt to new tools and platforms has been crucial for TL Media Agency. My advice for those early in their journey is to cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning when it comes to technology. Embrace the challenge of new software and digital strategies. Don’t be afraid to experiment and integrate new technologies into your workflow. Often, the most significant advancements come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
Courage and Faith in Action: The willingness to take calculated risks, underpinned by faith, has been a significant driver in my journey. Fear can be a powerful immobilizer, especially when embarking on something new. The scripture, ‘God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind,’ has been a guiding principle for me. My advice is to actively work on overcoming fear. Recognize it, acknowledge it, and then consciously choose to move forward despite it. Prayer and a strong belief in your path can provide the courage needed to take those initial leaps.
Industry Awareness and a Collaborative Mindset: Understanding current trends and being open to learning from others has been incredibly valuable. Early on, dedicate time to research your industry, observe what’s working for others, and identify how you can uniquely contribute and assist your clients. My advice here is to become a keen observer and researcher. Follow industry leaders, read relevant publications, and attend webinars or online events. Networking and building relationships with others in your field can also provide invaluable insights and opportunities for mutual learning. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and be open to different perspectives. Embrace a mindset of collaboration over competition; the success of others can often lead to your own growth as well. I’ve personally benefited immensely from the knowledge shared by my clients, who have introduced me to valuable software and perspectives. This spirit of mutual learning and collaboration, where the goal is collective benefit, is essential. My ‘millionaire by default’ philosophy – focusing on the success of those I’m connected with – underscores the power of a win-win mentality. When you prioritize the success of your community and clients, your own success often follows.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Looking back over the past year, my biggest area of growth has been in recognizing and accepting my limitations, both professionally and personally. It’s somewhat ironic, given that TL Media Agency is built on the principle of providing comprehensive support to alleviate the burdens of others. However, the past several years, particularly witnessing my father’s courageous battle with illness and his eventual passing, served as a profound catalyst for deeper self-awareness. It compelled me to take a hard look at myself and identify areas where I needed to improve.
This period of reflection has reinforced the importance of self-care, including prioritizing regular exercise and establishing healthy boundaries with others. Maintaining personal integrity has also become even more important than it was before. Furthermore, I’ve grown in my ability to recognize my own value and trust in God’s purpose for me, even when my path or position might not be immediately understood by others. I’ve come to a deeper conviction that these experiences are ultimately working for my good. Ultimately, fostering a better work-life balance and a stronger sense of self-worth isn’t just about personal well-being; it directly impacts my ability to lead effectively and serve my clients with excellence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tlmediallc.net
- Instagram: @tlmediaagency
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TLMAgencyLLC
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaya-livingston/
- Other: Ebooks: https://tlmedia.gumroad.com/
Image Credits
All Images are TLM’s or shared publicly by clients.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.