Today we’d like to introduce you to Tammie Ross
Hi Tammie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
During a visit to Washington D.C., we explored several national museums. When we reached the museum that showcased U.S. presidents and their wives, I was completely mesmerized by Barack and Michelle Obama’s portraits. They stood out in stark contrast to the other presidential portraits, not just because they were the first African American president and first lady, but also because of their unique artistic style.
As an art enthusiast, I was struck by the immense differences between their portraits and the historical ones. Traditional presidential and first lady portraits are often formal, with dark, subdued backgrounds and traditional attire, emphasizing authority and timelessness. However, the Obamas’ portraits were contemporary, personal, and highly symbolic, reflecting their unique approach to leadership and their cultural significance. For example, President Obama’s portrait featured a vibrant floral background with lush greenery interwoven with flowers that represented his heritage and personal journey. His relaxed pose was approachable yet regal. Michelle’s portrait, with its grayscale skin tones, challenged traditional norms, and her modern, geometrically designed dress was a contemporary fashion piece accessible to most women. Her pose was contemplative and approachable, highlighting her individuality.
In addition, the oil paintings I had seen of African Americans often depicted them in a poor or downtrodden way, which did not motivate me or instill a sense of pride. But in that moment, I knew I wanted an oil painting of my husband, Rod, and I, as an heirloom piece for our family and future generations of the Ross family. I started researching local artists and discovered Jaedon Paul, who painted our portrait while we built our house.
You see, I am a homebuilder, one of only four African American women in the state of Tennessee who is a general contractor capable of building million-dollar houses. I designed our entry and dining room to showcase our portrait and set the tone for our home. When we moved in, Jaedon hand-delivered the painting after months of work. It was the first decorative item we placed on the wall. Each morning, as I passed by the portrait, I was mesmerized. Rod had a casual seated pose, similar to President Obama, and I was depicted in a contemporary gown. Both of us looked regal, happy, accomplished, and in love.
One day, as I gazed at the portrait, I envisioned a little girl tugging at her father’s hand and asking, “Daddy, who are those people?” And her father replying, “They are your great-great-grandparents, Rod and Tammie Ross. Let me tell you about them.” I knew then that I needed to start writing our story. Each night, I wrote what I call love letters to the next generation of Rosses, providing them with a memoir of our lives, our struggles, and our triumphs.
Reflecting on my career as a woman in the automotive and construction industries, I acknowledged that these fields were male-dominated and that I often found myself in rooms where I was the only person of color and frequently the only woman with a seat at the table. I wrote about how I navigated these spaces and encouraged the younger generation to take the road less traveled, daring to dream and enter industries where they were underrepresented. My love letters evolved into a three-part book, later divided into three separate volumes.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been anything but smooth, but it has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve always aspired to be an author, and in my leadership roles, I’ve mentored and assisted others in their careers. I have always taught my employees and children to speak as if they are being recorded and to write as if it is being published. Authoring a book was an immense responsibility for me because my words needed to be relevant to a mass audience and positively impactful.
I take this very seriously, so my book is akin to a research paper. I conducted extensive research on subjects such as growth mindset, emotional intelligence, multi-faceted approaches to leadership, communication strategies, and more to ensure that the content was well-informed. This took a lot of effort, more than I anticipated, and there were months when I worked tirelessly late into the evening, writing and refining.
However, it was all worth it because I know that this book will change the lives it touches. The process was challenging, but it was a culmination of my life’s work, and I am proud of the result. When I finalized my book, I shared it with Rod. Days later, he told me that the book was excellent and that we should not self-publish it within our family. Instead, he encouraged me to send it to the publishing arm of the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) because they are the authority in housing, and with the urgent need for workers in the construction industry and housing, he was certain they would be interested.
And so, I did. Two weeks later, my publisher, Patricia Potts, called me and said that she wanted to publish my book and separate it into three books over a three-year period because she felt it was the first book of its kind and a story that needed to be told. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have NAHB, the authority of housing in the USA, as the publisher of my book. At times, I cannot believe this is happening for me and my family.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Residence by Ross is dedicated to crafting bespoke custom homes that blend modern design with comfort and sustainability. We specialize in creating quality homes at median prices, ensuring that luxury living is accessible to more people. Our team of architects, builders, and designers work together to realize our clients’ dream homes, combining elegance with practicality.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainability, reflecting our dedication to enduring legacies. Our services extend beyond construction, encompassing interior design and remodeling to maintain the beauty and comfortability of our clients’ properties.
We take great pride in our ability to create homes that are not just beautiful but also conscientious, addressing the needs of the average American who desires a home that stands the test of time. Our focus on energy-efficient designs, smart technology, and meticulous attention to detail ensures that every home we build is a masterpiece of living.
At Residence by Ross, we are more than just home builders; we are partners in curating spaces that reflect our clients’ dreams and aspirations. Whether embarking on building a dream home or seeking to remodel an existing space, we are here to elevate the living experience to unmatched heights.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Memphis is the heart of its people. Memphians are resilient, hardworking, and authentic. The sense of community and the willingness to support one another is truly inspiring. I was born and raised in Memphis, and after living in the Nashville metro for over a decade and then in Dallas—both of which I loved—I returned home when my dad became ill. Rod and I came back to care for my parents, ensuring that their golden years were their best years.
Upon moving back, we decided to stay and open our business. We are exactly where we need to be in this season of our lives. Memphis is a great place to launch a business, and I plan on curating a construction empire with Memphis roots that will have a nationwide presence.
As for what I like least, Memphis faces challenges like high crime rates. These issues have deterred some people from moving to the city and have driven others away. However, I believe in the potential of Memphis and the strength of its people to overcome these obstacles.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tammie-ross.com and www.residencebyross.com
- Instagram: @iamtammieross and @residencebyross
- Facebook: @iamtammieross and @residencebyross
