Tamara Johnson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Tamara, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
“Yes, I would absolutely hire me. I bring a proven track record of persistence, leadership, and results. I’m highly adaptable — moving successfully between industries such as beauty, real estate, and event management — while consistently delivering excellence. I have a strong work ethic, integrity, and a gift for connecting with people, which allows me to build trust quickly and maintain lasting relationships. I’m also resourceful and solutions-driven, meaning I don’t just identify problems — I create effective strategies to overcome them. In any role, I bring not only skills and experience, but also passion, vision, and the drive to see projects through from concept to completion.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dr. Tamara Johnson-Carter — an entrepreneur, licensed real estate agent, hairstylist of over 34 years, author, and community advocate. I own and operate multiple brands, including TamaraJ Hair Salon, Custom Creations by TamaraJ, Affirmation Apparel, and the Hope Hair Growth Oil line. My work blends creativity, excellence, and service — whether I’m styling clients, designing unique money bouquets, closing real estate deals, or organizing impactful events like the Made Woman Conference, which I’ve led for over a decade.
What makes my journey unique is my ability to turn challenges into stepping stones. From starting with a paper route at 12, to overcoming repeated obstacles to achieve my real estate license, to building multiple thriving businesses — I’ve learned that persistence, faith, and vision can create extraordinary results.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my brands, mentoring others to launch and grow their own businesses, and preparing for my 2026 women’s conference, “Beyond the Oil: Execution Over Excuses,” which will empower women to walk boldly in their purpose.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
From the way my journey has unfolded, I’d say the part of me that has served its purpose — and now needs to be released — is the version of me that feels obligated to carry everything and everyone on my back.
That season of over-functioning and constantly proving myself helped me survive, build resilience, and achieve incredible things. But now, I’m in a space where my value is already established, and my next level will require more delegation, more trust in others, and more space for me to be visionary instead of always being the workhorse.
It’s almost like that “always-on, always-doing” part of what was the ladder that got me here — but I realize I don’t need to keep climbing the same ladder since I’ve reached the next floor.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
“I am a woman who has turned pain into purpose and trials into testimony. For years, I carried my struggles in silence, but I realized my story wasn’t meant to be hidden — it was meant to heal. Today, I use every lesson, loss, and challenge as fuel to empower others, showing that what tried to break you can actually build you. My mission is to inspire women to rise boldly, walk in their calling, and know that their scars are proof of survival — and survival is the first step to victory.”
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Fads are mostly driven by hype, novelty, or a viral trend. Fads answers a temporary “want,” not a long-term “need.” Even if the hype fades, the need still exists. Fades are like firecrackers — bright, loud, and gone.
They can also be considered surface-level changes such as styles, slang and short-lived behaviors. Fads are mostly embraced by early adopters or influencers riding a wave. Lastly fads feels fun now, but doesn’t connect with deeper truths or values.
Whereas Shifts are rooted in solving a real problem or meeting a deep, lasting desire.
They are like adoptions that grow steadily, sometimes quietly, and becomes woven into everyday life. It’s more like a sunrise — gradual but enduring.
Shifts also alters systems, habits, and mindsets in a way that sticks such as digital banking replacing physical checkbooks).
They are also backed by industry leaders, institutions, or communities making long-term commitments to it. Shifts can be adapted and remain relevant because it’s built on unchanging foundations such as quality, trust, human connection, efficiency, and purpose.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, my clients would miss the way I make them feel seen, valued, and cared for.
They would miss my creative touch, attention to detail, and the consistency I bring to every service and interaction.
Most of all, they would miss the encouragement, positivity, and personal connection that turns every appointment into more than just business — it’s an experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TheTamaraJ.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com › tamara…Tamara Johnson (@tamarajhair) • Instagram photos and videos
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com › tamara-j…tamara johnson – President & Ceo – Super Star Dream Team Ent. | LinkedIn
Image Credits
Image credits:TamaraJ
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