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

Hi Tacora, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Being an entrepreneur has been a stretch in my life and it’s pushed me in ways I couldn’t imagine. Most people believe it’s an easy journey but it’s quite the opposite. It takes hard work, dedication, and balance for sure! My balance has changed over time because Corashamale is my baby. I have to nature it and put in many hours in order to reach a certain level of consistency for my supporters. I sit and think about ways I can be creative to push my content in front of viewers. In the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey, I became frustrated with tasks related to my business because I did not know how to balance a 9-5 while working on my brand. Over time I’ve learned to pace myself, reach out to other business owners, and plan ahead. I’m still learning some things but for the most part I think I’ve found my rhythm. I’m keeping my fingers crossed 🙂

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Corashamale is a Jewelry boutique founded in Georgia with an e-commerce presence. It was birthed in 2020 in the middle of the pandemic. Like most individuals I was faced with the harsh reality of finding a way to keep myself happy despite life challenges. There were days I didn’t want to get out of bed or be bothered by anything or anyone. I knew this was unhealthy and a sign that I had to do something different. One day I got dressed, did my makeup, and started messing around with accessories. I knew I had to switch it up and make this a daily goal to avoid going in a slump. I started thinking to myself I’m sure there are other women that feel this way and they are looking for ways to feel beautiful again. So, I did my research on opening an e-commerce store and the rest is history! This journey has not been easy by any means, but it has pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I’ve invested so much money into my brand without hand-outs or help financially from anyone and I’m extremely proud of that! There were times when I wanted to give up because of my 9-5 and I was working 60 hours a week. I didn’t know how to find a balance between work and building a brand. My brand has taken several losses from vendors taking my money, products getting lost in the mail, and people taking advantage of a new business owner. Those challenges caused a setback in my business but I’m thankful for the transparency of other business owners that shared similar stories and let me know that I’m not alone. It allowed me to keep moving forward and to remain positive. That’s why I want others to know that it’s okay to fail sometimes. Just learn from your mistakes and keep pushing! My customers keep me on my toes and their ongoing support prevents me from giving up. Overall, the goal of my brand is to make my customers feel beautiful while wearing my products and give them confidence that can only come from within.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Omg this is a funny question because anyone that knows me will tell you that I love to be pampered!!! I work very hard so I love to spoil myself and try new things in the area. First, I would take my friend to get a massage at this place called ” Treat your feet”. You can get a 2-hour massage for a really great rate and the place is amazing. Next, I would suggest brunch at Toast on Lenox or maybe 10th & Piedmont. I love the food and the vibe! I’m a simple woman so I’m cool with these options 🙂 Lastly, I would take my friend to Ponce City Market or the Avalon in Alpharetta just to chill and hang out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I attribute my success to God, family, and my close friends. My faith has been tested throughout this journey but God has never failed me. I love the scripture that instructs me to seek God first and all of his righteousness and he will give me everything that I need. ( Matt 6:33). It’s so easy these days to get caught up with social media and compare your journey to someone else’s. I had to realize that everyone’s journey is different, and success does not happen right away. I gained a new perspective on entrepreneurship because of my friends and their constant encouragement. They are amazing and I’m so thankful for them. There are many times when I’ll call them just to pick their brain and bounce ideas off of them. They are very opinionated so it’s always fun to hear their feedback:) Lastly, I want to thank my family for encouraging me and being there every step of the way! Overall, I’m very blessed to have the support of many people and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

Website: www.corashamale.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cora_shamale/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corashamale1

Image Credits:
Visions by Legit LLC
Akilma Photography

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