God. Family. Service. Three of the most important aspects of Tamika Shuler Washington’s life and three aspects that have helped her become the person she is today. Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Tamika Washington spent most of her career in education. As a graduate of Benedict College, where she majored in English, she’s always had a passion for writing articles, books, blogs, and creative content. So who is Tamika Shuler Washington, you may be asking? Tamika Shuler Washington has been in education for 14 years as a teacher, mentor, coach, and trainer. Her education career has allowed her to network with professionals, present at regional and national conferences, and impact over 300 teachers in more than eight schools.
Although she’s recently made some shifts in her profession, education is still a large part of who Tamika is and what she offers consistently. Tamika’s focus is shifting to educating aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship runs deep in her family. Tamika credits her love for business to her grandfather, the late Simon Jenkins, who started Blue Ribbon Taxi Cab company in Columbia, SC, along with his father, Aaron Jenkins. Her father, brother, and uncles, too, have paved a way for running successful businesses that are impactful throughout their community.
In 2018, Tamika and her husband, Devin Washington, launched a coworking space on August 23 and officially opened their doors to Converspace on November 24, 2018. Converspace was created to support entrepreneurs from all walks of life, and through challenging days, rebranding, and pivoting, they’ve shifted their business model. Converspace serves over 250 clients monthly as their clients start, launch, and grow their businesses through the various services provided.
Tamika has learned many lessons as Converspace has experienced what many businesses experience in financials, marketing, pivoting, and more. “I love the transformation we’ve gone through as it has taught me a lot through the challenging experiences, strengthening my faith walk, and being in business for a specific purpose-to impact the market we serve, provide quality service, and allow our faith to be demonstrated in our business,” says Tamika. Through Converspace, Tamika hosts online and onsite events, including the launch of The Start-Up Academy, created just for aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs.
When she’s not at Converspace, she is spending time with her family, working on special projects, serving for her church, New Beginnings Outreach Ministries International, and finding ways to stay connected in order to impact the community.
Fancy: How would you describe your SwagHer? What makes Tamika, Tamika?
Tamika: I can balance many hats as the busy mompreneur and woman of faith on a mission to equip and inspire women and entrepreneurs from all backgrounds on their journey. I’m the connector. I’m always the go-to person for resources, tips, tools, strategies, and much more. People know me by my faith and genuine smile.
Fancy: Entrepreneurship runs in your family, but how did you know it was for you?
Tamika: I was ready to spend my time the way I wanted to spend my time. I wanted to have more control of my family, our financial security, and have time to do what I enjoy doing in life with no strings attached. My career limited me even though there were unlimited growth opportunities; there were many levels to climb, circles to breakthrough, and barriers to overcome.
Fancy: What fuels your passion for educating others?
Tamika: When it comes to educating others, I live by the African proverb, “each one teach one.” It’s important for me to teach what I’ve learned to others. Experience really is a great teacher. If I can help you learn from my mistakes and learn what drives my passion, then I’m living out my purpose. My gift is teaching, and when the students are growing, I’m doing my job.
Fancy: What sparked the idea of a coworking space?
Tamika: I was working from home, just started a blog and podcast, and was lacking connections and community. While I had a small following online, I didn’t know people, resources, and tools to support me. So, of course, I researched spaces, business models, competition, and other foundational research required to start a business. I love being around people, networking, and sharing tools and tips. So the coworking model fits perfectly, and I wanted to be a resource space for others like me.
Fancy: Was it difficult opening a coworking space, and if so, how?
Tamika: Coworking spaces are unique business models. While there is a LOT of information on starting and running one, they all say the same thing. What made it difficult for us was that we didn’t build our community before opening. Additionally, we built our business solely based on my needs with some added market research. But that didn’t bring the people. Originally, we targeted everyone, but that didn’t work for a space of our size and our location.
Another thing that made it difficult was the lack of capital. It was hard to sustain a business with an unclear target market AND high operation costs. During our first year and a half, we pivoted several times until we found our jam. Once COVID hit, we had to adjust our model, but we are finally excited to relaunch some of our workspace services like coworking.
Fancy: What’s something about Tamika that most don’t know?
Tamika: I love antiques and thrifting. It’s one of the best ways I spend my free time on Saturdays. I literally spend hours looking at pieces like antique jewelry, furniture, clothing, and books. I’ll even drive to nearby towns to shop. Seriously, it’s my favorite way to spend my free time on Saturdays.
Fancy: How do you practice self-care?
Tamika:
- I’m the QUEEN of NO. I’ve learned that yes is overwhelming, especially when my plate is full and access cannot be granted for everyone, which leads to the next self-care practice.
- I set boundaries. Clients used to have my business cell. Not any more. I’ve deleted all “work-related apps” from my personal phone. Office hours are 10-5, and I’m not responding to emails past 6 PM unless it’s an emergency.
- Finally, I revert emails and calls back to my staff. When you have help, train them and use them. Build trust, let go and let your help do what you hired them to do.
Fancy: What does sisterhood mean to you?
Tamika: Sisterhood is more than the cliche phrase “collaboration over competition”; it’s the village notion, where we take care of each other. We support one another in all aspects of life. It’s not about “I scratch your back, you scratch mine.” It really is about no matter where you are, what you’re experiencing, or what you may need, know that I’m here and I got you. There is a chapter in the Bible that sums it all up: Romans 12:9-16 (NLT).
Fancy: How can our readers stay up to date with you?
Tamika: Follow me on Instagram & Clubhouse @iamtamikal, where I share tips, inspiration, and more, and follow @theconverspace for all your business start-up needs.
