Meet Tamika Adams: Social Worker and Craftswoman

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

Hi Tamika, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think that taking risks (beneficial risks) are a very important part of one’e personal life as well as one’s business life. Without risks how would one know their full potential? As a small business owner, I’ve taken many, many, many risks… I’ve definitely taken many financial risks! I’ve purchased supplies when my creative genes kicked in, not knowing if my products would appeal to the public. I’ve won and I’ve lost… I’ve learned not to focus so much on my losses because my losses have produced patience, knowledge, and perseverance. One thing about me is that I will continue to take risks, create and invest in my business. I am a firm believer that if you do good then good will come to you. I do not stress over taking risks because I know that, in the end, my return will be greater than my risks!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Craftswoman but my full-time job is with the Georgia Department of Human Services. I am a Post Adoption Manager and I manage Post Adoption cases. I’ve been employed with the agency for 15 years and it was not always easy. I always give thanks to my former County Director J. Bray and my former Supervisor T. Truett. When I started with the agency, I came in with a 2 year Technical College Diploma and my starting position was a Social Services Technician. Although I was support staff, my leaders ensured that I received the same training(s) as the “Degreed” Case Managers received. I did not understand at the time but after 2 promotions and 2 pay increases, I finally saw the bigger picture! Once again, others saw my potential when I did not see my own potential. But even before my career began with the state, I was a Deputy Clerk in Harris County Superior Court Clerk’s office. I was employed there for 3 years and it was an AMAZING experience. When I was hired by J. Alston, I was in need of a decent job so that I could care for my two, young sons. She took a chance, hired me, and it was up and forward from that point on. I began working in the Real Estate Department (plats, deeds, liens, etc.) When the current Clerk, S. Haralson was elected, she saw my potential and moved to the Civil and Juvenile Divisions. This was a very exciting position for me! I was responsible for printing dockets, posting child support payments, assisting the Juvenile Court judge during court hearings (just to name a few duties) and I absolutely loved my job! I came in contact with people from various walks of life and a few great friendships were formed because of my time spent at Harris County Courthouse. But my time with the Clerk’s Office came to an end in 2006 when I accepted the position with the State. My current supervisor C. Brown took a chance on me in 2014 and wanted me on her team of Post Adoption Managers. The road hasn’t been easy. I’ve made mistakes on the job, I’ve felt inadequate sitting in a room full of people with degrees, and there were some days when I wanted to just throw in the towel and walk away from all of it! I’ve learned that in life people are placed on our paths for good, for lessons, for experience, for pain, and for our overall growth. I want the world to know that you can start from the bottom but you do not have to stay there. I’ve learned that working hard, being genuine, and being true to who you are will take you so far in life and “The Right People will accept and respect you. I am where I am professionally because all of the above mentioned people “took chances” on me. People always tell me “Tamika, people just like you!” I always tell people, I’m just who I am. What you see is what you get. I’m the country girl with the VERY thick Southern Accent!! DSGG- Down South Georgia Girl! I am proud of me and my growth regardless of my personal challenges and short comings.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well since I am not a city girl, we would probably start with some local attractions in my area. We would definitely visit Callaway Gardens. The Gardens is such a relaxing and beautiful place. We would definitely spend a great deal of time sitting in our beach chairs on West Beach with a cooler full of finger food and great beverages! The next day we would visit FDR State Park and maybe take a hike or lodge in one of their log cabins. We would then travel to Warm Springs and take a stroll downtown and visiting some of the boutiques and have dinner at the most famous restaurant there The Bulloch House.

If we were to travel to the city, we would for sure dine at 5Chruch. That was my favorite spot when it was “Shout.” I loved the atmosphere and the outside seating. I just love sitting looking at the Atlanta’s skyline. Something about the bright lights and and city life is exciting to me. Although I do not visit the city much, I am always excited when I am there!

We would visit Ponce City Market. I was there a few years ago and it was an amazing experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like send a huge Shoutout to all of the people who have shopped with me and supported my small business since 2019. They are the reason behind Tamika’s success. They believed in my craft when I didn’t. They supported me when they could have easily shopped with someone else or shopped at a local retailer. I appreciate each individual and the love that I have for them is genuine.

I keep God first and I owe EVERYTHING to Him!

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