We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Temika Clay. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Temika below.
Hi Temika, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose by being a part of everything I could. I would have said different things when I was not old enough to make my own decisions. It was not by choice when I was young and, my grandmother who raised me, forced to participate in events. Now it’s with an eagerness I want to be a part of something or in the midst of things to learn something new or something interesting. I’ve learned much more than I bargained for, as proof I was asked to teach the adult Sunday school class at my church, and I was not an adult myself. It was a big privilege with even more responsibility. Practicing this I was able to move up in my employment to the position that may have paid the least amount of money, but it gave me an unconscious smile when I went and to think about when I was not there. I was the receptionist at the Department of Housing and Economic Sustainability for the county where I lived. I greeted the customers also known as constituents of the county applying for funding assistance to purchase homes as first-time homeowners. I was a part of all the meetings for the program and I learned a lot. I was able to contribute to the customers coming seeking for information. I was awarded as the “Customer Whisperer” for the positive feedback received from customers about me. It was the easiest thing I was recognized for. I felt I could do that job without being paid. It inspired me to do just that. I started a non-profit business that would assist people who wanted to have someone to explain to them throughout the process what they are being told to do or to sign. I was going through the process of becoming a first-time homeowner also. As, I experienced it I shared it with those around me. I succeeded in buying my first home and I pursued my license as a realtor, so I could understand every aspect of the process and be that much more help to those who need it. I also succeeded in that and I gained more knowledge and more experience to share with others. It is so beautiful to see the face of people when they are being helped and learn also, my heart is full of joy. I knew it was my purpose to do the thing that comes so naturally to me to do.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a licensed realtor, and a financial planner, a former classroom teacher, community activist, an author and entrepreneur of a non-profit business. I worked for housing programs facilitated by the federal and state government. I worked in a non-profit community organization for over 20 years hosting and promoting community events partnered with the School District, Cultural Council, the League of Cities, and the Board of County Commissioners. I own my own home. I have firsthand knowledge of the things I am able to share with my audience and if not, I have met and am connected to someone who will. I plan to host our first introduction community event next year and launch a resource that will be demanded in all my surrounding communities.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My three best qualities are my communication skills, friendly personality, and morals. I have a connection of networks that expand to a professional in any area. My advice for those who are early in their journey is to be persistent and use the strings of communication as often as you need them without hesitation or guilt.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
The person who has been the most helpful in me overcoming challenges or build and develop essential skills, qualities, or knowledge I need to be successful is none other than my grandmother. She was the strongest woman in my life, and she taught me the manners, principals, morals, and ethics I have today. Everything she told me and taught me she was a testament of it herself.
Contact Info:
- Other: I am personal, your needs are personal, so you can contact me personally at (561) 932-2627.
