Meet TraMel: Physical Therapist, Singer, Song-writer, Artist, and Father of 2

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

Hi TraMel, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk-taking has been pivotal to any major accomplishment in my life. Going against the grain seems to be inherent in anything that anyone does that would be considered risky. For this reason, risk involves a great degree of fortitude, resilience, and perseverance. My career path as a physical therapist at the time seemed like a big risk due to the low presence of black Americans in the field. When I would voice my goals, there may have been one or two people who were supportive. Most people thought it was a big reach. It was the same when I began my journey as an R&B artist. In the beginning, the believers were few. I learned that sometimes the doubt can be a great motivator. I don’t consider them haters. Most often, they just can’t see the vision. The doubters have actually motivated me by understanding what I’m up against and so I put a series of short-term goals in place in order to get to the larger objective. When someone was asked, “How do you eat an elephant? Their reply was, “One bite at a time.” “If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you But make allowances for their doubting too.” – from “If” by Rudyard Kipling

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am both a business owner (The Everlast Entertainment Group and Everlast 4 L.I.F.E.), artist, and a licensed and practicing Physical Therapist. From a professional standpoint, attaining my master of Physical Therapy was difficult because it lacked practitioners who looked like me. Trying to break into a field that was difficult enough due to academic rigor, but to add the fact that class sizes were limited and the number of programs nationally are limited in number, it did seem like a long shot. The limitations never bothered me at all. I just understood early that it was just another challenge and I was aware of my capabilities for the most part. Because very few believed in my path, I didn’t just want to get into school, I wanted to be the greatest PT that anyone has ever had the chance to meet. The key was getting totally involved. I majored in Biology, I took every opportunity to learn as much as I could about the human body. I volunteered to work with the athletes at Paine College and local high schools. I became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. While in PT school, I worked as a PT tech in the hospital on the weekends. Total immersion was the key along with setting small attainable goals As an artist, I’m doing the same thing. I’ve totally dedicated myself in all aspects of artistry and the business of music. I started an LLC, hired a vocal coach, hired a piano teacher and take every opportunity to improve my writing skills. It’s a dedication to your path. While I’m not a well-known artist at this time, I can look back and both see and hear my growth. “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul” from Invictus by William Ernest Henley

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.
I’m so much of an introvert that I really don’t know. I can tell you some things about kid-friendly places depending on the season, but that’s it for the most part. I do enjoy finding different vegan restaurants on the weekend although I am not a full-time vegan and finding unique pastry places. If it came down to it, three musts would be Scream’n Nuts, Slutty Vegan, Moreau’s Oven. I love the food at these places. I’m all about the food. 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 owe so much to my children Ashton and Antonio. While there have been other very important sources of inspiration such as Lydia Pierre, Weku Did That, Kathy Taylor, my mother Janice, my grandmother Ella, my father OC, and the members of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Incorporated, my kids have been the reason why giving up is not an option and why finding a way to reach higher levels of success and happiness is imperative. However, to be a sermon (how I live) instead of just giving one (talking) is what I believe will be my ultimate gift and legacy for everyone who has contributed to my growth in all aspects. “I would rather see a sermon than to hear one any day;” from “Sermons We See” by Edgar A. Guest

Website: https://officialtramel.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trameleeg/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TraMelEEG?s=09
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TraMelEEG/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZn3-_odrA5uZqM9D0lmrxg