Meet Dominique Tate-Williams | Your Consulting Concierge

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dominique Tate-Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dominique, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My professional career spans more than 20 years. In that time, I’ve worked in consulting, marketing, market research, education and non-profit sectors – both domestically and internationally. With that said, I’ve certainly expanded my skill set and I view other businesses through all of those lenses.

When I first branched out and began pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors in 2005, I found that I had to rely on others to help me execute my vision – building and updating my website, accounting, finding vendors, etc. However, there were little things here and there that I wished I could find someone to help me with. That’s how From the Desk of Dominique Tate came to fruition. I shape shift into the missing puzzle piece that small businesses and non-profits need to fill their business needs. That includes everything from helping to write business plans, providing general administrative support, building websites, creating marketing materials, social media, planning and executing events, research, personal shopping – YOU NAME IT. Often times, solopreneurs just need another person on their team that they can trust to do the job right, on time and within budget. That someone is me!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
To begin, I’m most proud of finally finding my purpose in service and continuing to help others bring their dreams to fruition. For many years, I did what I thought I was “supposed to do.” I had “good corporate jobs” that paid very well and I was good at, but I was not truly interested in the work, worked crazy hours and was generally left unfulfilled. I just knew there had to be something more.

In terms of my career path, it has not been a straight and narrow path, but more like a game of hopscotch. To some, this translates into me having a lack of direction, but I got to where I am today because I try new things, take risks, focus on the work that fulfills me and I will never stay where I am not valued. These are the lessons that I share with my clients. These are the experiences that have helped me to create the life that I imagine.

Pivotal Career Moments:
– Obtaining my MBA in Marketing from Clark Atlanta University was a turning point in my career, not only because of the relationships made, but because it ignited my interest and provided a foundation to become an entrepreneur.
-Another pivotal moment was when I decided to do the United Way Volunteer Involvement Program (VIP). In the midst of my corporate grind, the United Way VIP program provided the opportunity to develop and enhance my leadership skills and learn more about the non-profit work that I desired to do.
– Opening bouchic boutique + lounge in Atlanta in 2011 was one of my proudest moments. To think that my business partner and I had an idea to open a boutique that also hosted events, made it happen and people liked it(!) – it still brings me joy when people mention it.
– Moving to Spain was a lifelong dream of mine. Many people told me that I was “fearless” to move abroad as a single woman. I always say, “I was scared, I just did it anyway!” Moving abroad gave me invaluable career experience and the opportunity to better my Spanish speaking and writing skills that had certainly diminished since being a Spanish minor in college. However, the confidence that came with moving to another country and making a life for myself cannot be matched! If I could open a bank account in Spain and travel around Europe and Africa on my own, I knew I could do anything I set my mind to.

To be certain, what sets me apart from others is my ability to see the big picture and to think with the end in mind. I strive to add value in every situation that I’m in.

The sometimes painful lessons that I’ve learned along the way, some very recently, are that:
– All money (business) is not good money (business). With that said, I learned to be selective about the projects and clients that I take on.
– Everything doesn’t work out as planned, but that’s okay! (that goes for life in general) You learn from the experience and move forward.
– Whether you are a small business owner or an employee, do not tolerate disrespect from anyone and do not stay in situations where you are not valued. As the saying goes, know your worth! I know first hand how stressful and toxic work environments can negatively impact your health and mindset, and no one deserves that. My service includes plenty of pep talks and helping my clients to advocate for themselves.

My brand is all about integrity, respect, finding work life balance (for you and for me) and connecting people with other good people so that we can all win.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If we’re talking about Atlanta, I love a good mix of tourist attractions and hidden gems.

I’d suggest they stay at Tiny Shirley ATL (a tiny house located near the Mercedes-Benz Stadium), Hotel Clermont or another local boutique hotel.

I’m over 40 and don’t drink anymore so my itinerary reflects that LOL

Activities:
– An easy hike at Doll’s Head Trail or the Beltline
– A walking tour (every year I look forward to Phoenix Flies: A Celebration of Atlanta’s Historic Sites which provides an opportunity to learn about, celebrate and strengthen Atlanta’s historic and cultural assets free of cost. My birthday is in March and more than once, I’ve invited friends to join me for a free historical tour birthday outing! Nerdy, but I love learning about our history.)
– I personally love a field trip to H-Mart, Dekalb Farmers Market or Buford Highway Farmers Market!
– An in-home facial from Holistic Pleasures
– An in-home yoga session with The Bourgeois Yogi
– A reiki session from Reiki Me Atlanta
-Wellness by the Water at the Georgia Aquarium
– The planetarium is not only for school field trips!
– Dance therapy at Kickin Up Dust
– Skating at Cascade

Food:
-A stop at Atlanta Donuts or Sublime Donuts
-Bon Ton has the best burger and fries!
– Friday Happy Hour at Apt 4B
– Buena Vida Tapas Bar
– Apres Diem
– Dinner at La Panarda or Twisted Soul
– The Consulate

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to thank my clients! Some have worked with me for as many as 5 years and we’re still going strong. Their success is my success!

My fulfillment comes in playing a small role in helping to execute their vision and to provide the work-life balance that solopreneurs so desperately need.

Here’s a special shoutout to the Money Savvy Sista, Now I Get It! Tutoring, Growth Education Therapy, LIVE WORK PLAY Real Estate Group, Shemmer & Shyne, DeXa Family Gardens and Fabulina Designs. You’re all doing great things and I applaud your efforts!

Website: https://fromthedeskofdominiquetate.com/