Meet Tamula Buck: Realtor and Founder of Ms. Mary’s Helping Hands Foundation, Inc. for youth empowerment

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

Hi Tamula, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Every person wants to meet their goals in life. There are times when self doubt creeps into out mind and we think our goals are not achievable. We must get to a point in life that giving up is a choice rather than an option. Some people look at the glass half full and others look at the glass half empty BUT the glass is ALWAYS refillable. Life is a challenge. People, places, and things can hit us hard, remember to keep you feet moving. It’s the yards after contact that will help you reach the finish line. As long as there is breath in your body, you keep going. When all else fails, I like to T.A.M. it(Thrive, Achieve and Motivate others! We are coming out of a storm, coming through a storm, or about to hit a storm. Be what you want to feel. We don’t get to skip the journey!

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 am a dual career person. I balance working my business as a realtor, founder of Ms. Mary’s Helping Hands Foundation, Inc., non profit, full time job at a local state college, motivational speaker, mentor, and recent graduate of my Master’s degree in Adult Learners and Leadership at Kansas State University while serving proudly as a Mom of two sons. I have the opportunity each day to shape a young adult’s life as I pout into them as an Academic Advisor at the college. As a Realtor, I have a heart of an educator. I advocate for my customer’s real estate needs. It’s more than matching a home to a person. I educate them on the process from the beginning to the end so they can make an informed decision about their legacy. That’s an asset that lives forever. I’m excited about creating a legacy for my children. Recently, my 7 year old son congratulated me on receiving my Master’s degree. He said, “It’s Mega Day”. It brought me so much joy. I want my children to be able to look within their household on how to accomplish goals. I am where I am today due to my parents and great mentors. We all need mentors in our lives. We should strive to seek people that are where we want to be! My journey was NOT easy. I had my first son at 19 years old. I was determined not to be a teenage statistic. Education along with experience helped me rise among my peers. I read everything real estate, financial literacy, stocks, and personal growth. Then, I applied what I read. Losing my Mom in August 2009 was the hardest thing to overcome, but it also birthed Ms. Mary’s Helping Hands foundation. We provide our youth with tools such as interview skills, resume building, college resources, and career opportunities to help empower them to lead successful lives. My faith file reminded me that if God did it before, he could do it again. Faith without works is dead. Allowing myself to grieve and pushing through hard times made me a better person. I used the same skills when business challenges presented itself. Life has taught me you can never be the person you were yesterday. Give yourself permission to reset. You are NOT a tree, you can move. When you grow YOU, you grow your business. Build with the end in mind. Think about the legacy you want to create for your family. What you pour into others is what makes you wealthy-Tamula Buck

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?
If my best friend was visiting the area, we would have a fun filled week. First stop is ordering seafood salad, and variety of cheecakes from a local small business owner called Rockin Pastries. Jacksonville has an amazing Zoo, so we would enjoy wild life. At night we would take in the beautiful sunset at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. We would walk over to River and Post for a rooftop evening. Next, we would drive down A1A to enjoy the water and beautiful homes along the way because you can’t visit Jacksonville and not drive to St. Augustine, Florida, which is about 30 minutes from Jacksonville. We would enjoy Reggae beats and great food from the Conch House, tour the forts and learn about the history of St. Augustine. We can’t go to St. Augustine without visiting San Sebastian winery. We would enjoy a complimentary wine tasting. The St. Augustine pier is a great place to fish and enjoy nature. My best friend and I would ride horses on the beach in Amelia Island. What would a best friend visit be without shopping at Pretty Pieces Boutique. Retail therapy is a must. Although, we don’t have the best team, it’s nothing like attending a NFL game. Finally, we would enjoy a massage and purchase homemade body butters, oils, and scrubs at Amore Creations by Toni to complete her visit in Jacksonville, Fl.

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?
I would like to thank my children Marquis and Lyon for being my biggest cheerleaders. Next, my Dad, Chip Buck for showing me how a man should love and care for his family. My Mom, Mary McAllister was killed 08/01/2009 as a result of this senseless violence in our community, from that the foundation for youth empowerment was birth. Her dedication to the community lives in me. I am grateful for my friend La’Sunjala Robinson for standing in the gap whenever there is a need. I would also like to thank Kimberly Smith, my friend and mentor that provides sound advice and is not afraid to go against the grain. Thank you Shilonda Jackson for the “shout out”. You are always an encourager. Finally, I would like to thank my sister, Tara Buck for loving me in the toughest of moments, encouraging me in the storms, and cheering me on in the sun!!

Website: http://www.msmaryshelpinghands.com/; tamulabuck.kwrealty.com
Instagram: realestate_tbuck

Facebook: Tamula Buck-Keller Williams First Coast Realty; Ms. Mary’s Helping Hands Foundation, Inc.