We had the good fortune of connecting with Tamika Carlton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tamika, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

Starting my own business and the thought process behind it was a part of a more significant dream to be able to make an impact. I always knew I wanted to have the freedom to work from anywhere while also being able to control my financial status and be a significant contributor to changing the lives of my family, my community, and the world. It seemed, as I moved up in the corporate ladder at the time, those things didn’t come easily. In my Virgo mind, I knew I wouldn’t last long living a structured life still filled with so much uncertainty. The whole idea of someone else having control over my life was motivation enough for me to take a step toward creating something that was mine, and I also hated how employees were treated wherever I worked. People deserve better. So, in 2018 in came the creation of Couples Experience, an inclusive lifestyle brand offering couple resources, retreats, and events. With my communications, marketing, and event experience, coupled with my natural ability for storytelling and connecting people, CE took off because there was a gap in the market. There wasn’t a one-stop shop of sorts for inclusive relationships. The ultimate dream is to bring a diverse array of couples together in an Essence Festival-like event – I can’t wait for the impact of that!!

When I’m not working on Couples Experience, my main source of income is my marketing agency under my name (Tamika Carlton LLC), which is focused on increasing business revenue by using SEO strategies. I love data and content and the technical aspect of the internet. When I work with clients and their SEO results not only surprise them but also allow them to envision greater for themselves and their company, I get just as thrilled as they do for their future! My clients are full of various industries, from startups, entrepreneurs, politicians, coaches, product-based services, etc. With an intention to make an impact, I only partner with engaged people wanting to spread more good with their success. It then becomes a win for me to work my passion for a greater mission. I see my digital marketing agency growing into a massive company with over 200 employees servicing over 1000 clients. It’s just a matter of time!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

I’ve had to step out of my comfort zone, relinquish my privacy, and not live in the past to become successful at business. I’ve had to advance my thinking beyond the little black girl growing up in Seattle with a single mother that struggled financially at times, that lost her father at a young age, or the young woman that felt that she had to work extra hard to prove her worth at a job or even in a relationship. Each of those things is a piece of my story that has led me exactly where I am. I’m proud that I’ve broken down barriers by just doing; because of it, I’ve seen my income grow beyond what I believed it could be. I’ve learned that in business, you have to hire the right people to do things you are not that excited about and are not that great at. I’ve also mastered that what you put into yourself is directly related to your output, so when I need rest and a moment away from work, I take it and don’t feel bad about it.

Client satisfaction is imperative to me. Having been in the marketing industry for over a decade, I’ve seen agencies try to provide a one-size fit approach to every client. Sure, processes and systems should be streamlined for scalability, but the uniqueness we provide by getting to know our client story is invaluable and determines the results we produce. Because of this, we have had the opportunity to work with a mixture of businesses and powerful individuals because we provide a vibe, professionalism, work ethic, and results that are irreplaceable. We are a happy team, and we absolutely love what we do!

Couples Experience is no different. When we host events, we engage honestly amongst a diverse array of individuals to connect beyond the surface. Everyone shares their relationship stories filled with happiness, the struggle of being disconnected, infidelity, sexual desires, family life, and business life. Our stories align, and we each recognize we are more alike than different, and judgment takes a back seat. It really is a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of. When I hear, “I never thought about it that way before” from clients or event attendees, that makes all the heartache and planning to get here so worthwhile!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let’s assume my bestie is visiting during basketball season. So, an Atlanta Hawks game would be necessary to get amped. That opener with the flames is everything, and as a note, we would prefer to see a game against the Los Angeles Clippers because why not see Kawhi and Paul George? We would definitely hit up one of my favorite little spots, Murphy’s, for brunch, and The Roof at Ponce City Market has to be on the list. A good steak is a must; Ray’s on the River gives steak, seafood, and views. The suburbs have the goods too. La Belle Vie is great for dinner near the house, and Cloud 9 Winery will fulfill the chill girl time needed with a tasty Rosé in hand. We can even get a quick walk in at Lil Mulberry Park in Dacula, and let’s party it up with a table at Linnethia’s Lounge. Next up, sleep and a send-off!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It has been a combination of all the things! So many people, things, and experiences have contributed to my story and the success of who I am! It reminds me of the book The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. Special shoutout to my psychic, Reese, for low-key being my motivator and validation when I’ve been doubtful over the past decade. My mom has listened for hours about all my visions, so kudos and special thanks to her (a mother’s job is never done!), my cousin Alisha has always encouraged me to keep up what I’m doing, not to mention she is forever telling me to reach out to someone that could be a client! My sister-bestie, Céline, has been there from the beginning having to hear my “next Oprah” call-outs since we were in high school. To my husband, he is my biggest fan, he told me where I would be before I even knew it. Special shoutout to all the folks during my travels over the years who have shared enlightenment without even knowing it, and to those individuals who never had my best interest at heart, your negativity carried me right into my light!

Website: www.tamikacarlton.com and www.couples-experience.com

Instagram: @tamika_carltonjbp and @couplesexperience

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamika-carlton-58831216/

Image Credits
@photographybykita @travisgeter

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