Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Carruthers .
Hi Tamara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I am a Nashville native, but I have been living in Memphis off and on for the last 20 years. I’ve been here consistently since 2014. I am a wife (Teddy) and mother of 3 brilliant, caring, beautiful children. One boy (Teddy Jr) and two girls(Talynn and Trinity). I am an international best-selling author, amateur freelance photographer, Broadcast Co-Host on the Thriving Women’s Network, and event planner. I am also a licensed financial provider and coach. I am a 2022 Woman of Worth recipient and a colon (6-year) colon cancer survivor! In 2016 at the age of 36, I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer!
I went through 6 months of intense chemotherapy and had 15 centimeters of my colon removed! After that diagnosis, my life changed! I started to live on purpose during that time. I learned many things about myself, the good, the bad, and the ugly! And I also learned how to love myself through that process. I returned to school to get my Master’s Degree after chemotherapy. I already had a degree in Sociology and African American Studies. Still, my passion was in Human Resources, so in 2020 ( during the pandemic), I graduated with not one but two Master’s Degrees in Human Resource Management and Leadership Management! At the end of 2021, I decided that 2022 would be my winning season, and it has not disappointed me!
God gave me vision and strength and provided the means to execute some of my biggest, most passionate goals this year! I started a second business (Vivid Eye Events and More) and planned, coordinated, decorated, and hosted a sold-out Women’s Empowerment Event (Empower and Inspire) here in Memphis, Tennessee! In 2022 alone, I became an author, got a certificate from Cornell in Women’s Entrepreneurship, became a broadcast co-host, and received a Woman Of Worth award.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
If by smooth you mean dirt road smooth (lol), yes! Because we all know those dirt roads are tricky! You’re smooth sailing, and then bloop pothole! That’s relatively smooth. 😀 I’ve been told no so many times. I’ve doubted myself so many times; imposter syndrome is something else! I’ve had my ideas stolen and lied to and on! It has not been an easy road!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an amateur photographer and event planner! This is my passion! I love taking photos or capturing videos of people in real moments in real-time. There’s so much beauty in just being! We don’t always have to stage moments to get the best footage or shots! I also love decorating and creating beautiful spaces! As hectic as it can be, event planning calms me in a weird way. I can make a space and separate the chaos in my head or around me and create a space that feels good! And lastly, in the writer! I’m a storyteller! One of the best gifts we all have is telling our story or telling the stories of people we encounter! I’m most proud right now of my recent Women’s Empowerment event! I went into this with a goal in mind! That goal was to provide a space where like-minded people could connect, empower and inspire each other. I wanted to touch on physical and mental health, financial awareness, and balance corporate life and entrepreneurship, and the panel of women I invited did not disappoint! What sets me apart is my passion. I am, by all means, a servant leader! I know that my love, purpose, and success are all tied to how I can serve others by being the example that God has led me to be!
Can you talk to us about the role of luck?
Luck! More like blessings! I’ve been extremely blessed! Getting cancer was a blessing. Surviving cancer was the ultimate blessing! Survival meant that I got another chance to be a better Tamara! To be an example and provide support and love to anyone around me! To live on purpose; to love out loud.
Contact Info:
- Website: WWW.VIVIDEYEEVENTSANDSMORE.COM
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/messy_canvas_tc?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tamara.smith.3557440
