Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tamika Washington. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Tamika, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My mother entered the workforce after graduating early from high school, at a time when Affirmative Action played a huge role in Blacks being hired. She shares with me her journey to success. I witnessed first hand how a woman dedicated to a successful career, despite the many challenges she faced, was able to thrive corporate america in the face of adversity. My resilience as a woman in business is a result of me overcoming many setbacks I faced in business, including financial challenges, high staff turnover, a pandemic, and balancing a family. I was able to overcome these challenges because of the success of my mother, my faith in God, and a support system to help me balance life.
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?
With a passion for ensuring that business operations align with organizational goals, I specialize in effectively managing day-to-day operations at ConverSpace to deliver exceptional services. What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to integrity, service, and innovation, ensuring that every project is executed with precision, creativity, and dedication.
What I find most exhilarating and meaningful about my work is the opportunity to make a tangible impact. Through ConverSpace, my aim is to provide practical yet high-quality services that offer innovative solutions, surpassing expectations. With a unique blend of customer experience and business operations expertise, I bring fresh perspectives to the shared workspace industry, consistently pushing boundaries and embracing challenges.
In recent times, virtual offices have emerged as the most preferred and cost-effective way of doing business for numerous organizations and startups. Companies worldwide have adeptly adapted to this new way of working, reimagining the role of offices in creative and bold ways. At ConverSpace, we provide workspace solutions, virtual office solutions, and meeting spaces that enable organizations, entrepreneurs, and individuals to connect with their audiences in a professional and innovative environment.
Leveraging my extensive experiences and connections, I have been able to secure speaking engagements in prestigious settings. I have served as a workshop facilitator and panelist for the White House Initiative for African Americans, sharing my insights on topics affecting marginalized communities. Additionally, I have been invited as a keynote speaker for nonprofits and women in business communities, empowering them with my knowledge and personal journey. Recognizing the significance of education, I actively engage with schools as a guest speaker, guiding and motivating students on their academic and professional paths. In 2022, I ran for a school board position and triumphantly secured one of four seats, where I advocate for equitable education outcomes, foster partnerships that fuel innovation, and prioritize employee retention and recruitment. Through my experiences and passion for positive change, I have connected with diverse audiences, making a meaningful impact. I remain dedicated to empowering individuals, fostering inclusive communities, and striving for excellence in education. My journey continues, as I exemplify the transformative power of collaboration, advocacy, and dedication.
I’m thrilled to share some exciting updates about our operations services. In the very near future, we will be launching Operations Maven, our operation consulting service. With Operations Maven, we will offer comprehensive operational support to both established entrepreneurs who are in the growth phase, as well as entrepreneurs who want to open a creative workspace location. This venture reflects our unwavering commitment to providing creative workspace solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. We are dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of your operations is optimized for success. From strategic planning and process optimization to the implementation of cutting-edge technologies, we offer a comprehensive range of consulting services. Moreover, for entrepreneurs wanting to open a creative workspace, we will provide expertise in designing engaging and functional spaces that inspire collaboration and innovation.
We are incredibly excited about this new chapter and cannot wait to officially launch Operations Maven!
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 on my journey of starting ConverSpace, I embraced a variety of skills and qualities that were impactful in my journey:
1. Entrepreneurial Mindset: Having an entrepreneurial mindset is crucial when starting a business. It involves being proactive, seizing opportunities, taking calculated risks, and being persistent in the face of challenges. It’s important to develop a growth mindset, embrace creativity and innovation, and constantly adapt to changes in the market. My advice to those starting their journey is to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset by seeking out opportunities, being open-minded to new ideas, and being willing to learn from failures. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals and seek mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs.
2. Business and Financial Acumen: Understanding business fundamentals and having a strong grasp of financial management is essential for the success of any venture. This includes knowledge of marketing, sales, operations, and strategic planning. Additionally, having financial literacy helps in effectively managing resources, analyzing financial statements, and making informed decisions. My advice is to invest time and effort in learning the key principles of business and finance. Take courses, read books, seek out mentors, and gain practical experience whenever possible. Understanding the interplay between various aspects of business and finance will greatly benefit your journey as an entrepreneur.
3. Effective Communication: Being able to communicate effectively and build strong relationships is vital in every aspect of business. This includes conveying your vision, mission, and goals clearly to your team, clients, and stakeholders. It also involves building relationships with potential customers, partners, and even investors. Developing strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and actively listening to others will enhance your ability to connect with people at all levels. Attend industry events, join professional communities, and use social media to expand your network. Seek feedback and continuously work on improving your communication and networking skills.
My advice to those starting their entrepreneurial journey is to immerse themselves in thriving entrepreneurial communities and seek out mentors who can guide them. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning, be resilient in the face of challenges, and always seek to improve yourself and your business. Remember, success comes through a combination of knowledge, skills, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks.
How would you describe your ideal client?
At ConverSpace, our ideal client base can vary depending on our specific services, which includes office spaces, meeting spaces, and business mailbox services. Startups and small businesses often seek flexible and cost-effective office and meeting space solutions. They may be looking to establish a professional business presence or expand their operations. In addition to start ups and small businesses, we have independent professionals often require occasional meeting spaces or a prestigious business address and professional image.
For our Operations Maven consultant services, we offer services that include acting as a COO through launching physical creative workspaces. Our ideal consulting clients include small businesses that are in the early stages of their growth and requires guidance and expertise in establishing and optimizing their operational processes. They may lack experience in scaling their operations or setting up efficient workflows. By acting as a COO, you can provide strategic guidance and operational support to help them navigate these challenges. Additionally, coworking spaces, creative spaces, or incubator programs that cater to startups and entrepreneurs can benefit from our operations consulting services. They may require help in managing and improving their day-to-day operations, designing efficient layouts for their creative workspaces, and implementing systems and processes that enhance the overall experience for their members.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theconverspace.com/www.tamikawashington.com
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/tamikasw
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/iamtamikasw
Image Credits
Lashay Price Ten2Creative LLC Daryn Murphy Visions Made Plain LLC
