Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Holland.
Hi Tara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Maryland, raised in Delaware, and seasoned in Atlanta. I’m really close to my family. My Mother’s only sister lived in Decatur, and I would visit in the summers. I fell in love with the music, fashion, and vibe of the south. I knew that post high school I would attend college at Clark Atlanta. However, my life took a turn and I ended up in Huntsville, Alabama. While there, I decided to attend Alabama A&M University. When I turned 25, I finally made the move with a vision of entrepreneurship, just like my parents.
I did not have a business model, just a super cool business name – Word of Mouth Atlanta. I started to attend networking events and share my business vision as if it were a reality. I quickly began volunteering and partnering with various individuals and organizations including The Empowerment Experiment Foundation, Black Enterprise Magazine, and Rolling Out Magazine. I was a Promoter and Marketing Manager for a popular restaurant and lounge where we held various events featuring the RHOA, V-103’s car and bike show, and more. I hosted my own series of events around town and connected creatives together to support other small businesses.
After closing the Word of Mouth Atlanta chapter in 2012. I took some time teaching social media classes and offered consulting courses. I had a daughter in 2015 and returned to the hospitality industry as an Event and Sales Manager for Marriott hotels. In 2019, I was recruited by Live Nation, Inc as a Sales Manager. In the end of 2019, I began to pursue my real estate license. I was/am supported by my Live Nation peers as I focus on this next chapter of my career.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As with any business you have ebb and flow. Being your own boss can be challenging, you are the manager in every aspect of the business. If you fail to plan accordingly, self-employment can take a toll on you physically and mentally. I ended my previous business due to health reasons that were caused by stress. However, I learned a great deal about the power of partnerships, the need for a greater balance, leadership, and consistency. Being an entrepreneur is extremely rewarding, and as a single Mom, I have more flexibility with my daughter to support her activities and time to volunteer for charitable organizations that are important to me, like the City of Refuge, a faith-based environment that helps individuals and families transition out of the crisis.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a licensed Realtor in the Atlanta area with a passion for homeownership education to minorities and creating wealth through investing. I consult across the country for first-time property investors. I belong to an amazing and diverse Real Estate Team – The Strive Real Estate Group, run by the Investing Powerhouse – Erika Brown, and powered by Bolst.
I’m known for marketing, events, consulting, and connecting. I’m proud to call Atlanta home but more proud of the relationships that I’ve formed over the years. What sets me apart from others in this industry is that I’m a one stop shop. If you purchase a home, sell your home, or wish to flip a property – I’m able to assist you in every aspect of the transaction. From moving companies and landscaping to minority-owned inspectors and construction companies. I’m still very much “Word of Mouth Atlanta” but in a different career field.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taraaroundtown
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaraHolland
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/wordofmouthatl
Image Credits:
instagram.com/geraldliyosiphotography (headshots in fushcia and white)
