We recently had the chance to connect with Tamara Evans and have shared our conversation below.
Tamara, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
In the first 90 minutes of my day, I focus on grounding myself and setting the tone for productivity and peace. I begin by sitting on the side of my bed, taking a few deep breaths to center myself. I speak affirmations, reminding myself that I love me, I’m proud of me, and that today is going to be a great day where my light shines bright enough for others to see. I say my prayers to invite gratitude and guidance into my day. From there, I move into my morning routine—brushing my teeth, washing my face, and getting dressed. Finally, I dedicate 30 minutes to an hour for walking. This is both my exercise and my time to clear my mind, reflect, and prepare for the day ahead. This practice helps me align spiritually, mentally, and physically so I can show up fully present for myself and others throughout the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tamara Nicole Evans, and I am the founder and owner of Dupree Destinations Global Travel, a travel brand I launched in 2018. I call my clients Dupree Explorers because I believe travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about exploring the world, yourself, and the connections you make along the way. What makes my brand unique is the personal touch and intentionality I bring to every trip. I don’t just book vacations—I curate experiences that are soul-enriching, whether that’s a luxury getaway, a milestone celebration, or a cultural journey that connects travelers with history and heritage. My clients know they’ll receive not just a trip, but thoughtful details like personalized travel guides, insider tips, and support every step of the way.
My own story is deeply tied to my brand. Travel has been a lifelong passion and source of healing, growth, and joy for me. As a Black woman entrepreneur, I am proud to create opportunities for others—especially in my community—to see the world, expand their perspective, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Right now, I’m focused on growing Dupree Destinations into a global luxury travel brand, expanding my cruise expertise, and building more group travel experiences. My mission is simple: to inspire people to explore, elevate, and enjoy the world in ways that transform their lives.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed the “dream life” was very linear—go to college, get a good job, get married, and have kids. That was the formula I was taught and, for a long time, I thought that was exactly how my life would unfold. I went to school for accounting, earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in accounting and financial management, and fully expected to use them in the traditional sense.
But as life unfolded, I realized my path would look very different. I don’t work in the accounting or finance industry, and while my degrees gave me knowledge, it’s life itself that has been my greatest teacher. Experiences, heartbreak, resilience, and travel have shaped me more than any textbook ever could.
At almost 46, I’m single, never been married, and I don’t have children—and that no longer feels like I’ve “missed out.” Instead, my definition of fulfillment has evolved. I now believe that love doesn’t have to look like a marriage certificate—it can be about finding someone to explore the world with. And while I don’t have children of my own, I’m blessed with nieces, nephews, and godchildren who bring so much joy and light into my life. I also get to nurture and encourage young people through my work as a substitute teacher, pouring into them the same love and care I would have given my own.
What I once thought life was “supposed” to be has shifted. I now embrace that there isn’t one set formula for happiness or success—my life is rich, meaningful, and uniquely my own.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one thing to my younger self, it would be: “You are enough.”
For so much of my life, I questioned my worth. I poured love, energy, and attention into others—whether friendships or relationships—expecting it to be reciprocated, but often it wasn’t. I tried to mold myself to fit what others wanted: cheering for their favorite football team, adopting their interests, and striving to be the perfect girlfriend, the perfect friend, the perfect listener. I believed that if I just kept giving and fighting for love, eventually I’d be seen, valued, and chosen.
But the truth is—I was always enough. I would tell the little girl in me that she never has to change to be liked, loved, or accepted. Be authentic to yourself, and the right people will align with you. You are beautiful as you are, your name is enough, and your worth does not depend on who stays or who leaves.
Never beg anyone to stay in your life. Never try to convince someone to see your value. If they don’t, that’s their loss. The right people will love you for who you are, without you having to shrink, change, or prove yourself.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The project I am most committed to—no matter how long it takes—is my self-healing.
For years, I stayed in a 12-year relationship believing that love meant you never walk away, even when you’re hurting. I thought if I just held on, things would get better. But staying in a relationship that wasn’t healthy for me caused me to compromise myself—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. When it ended, I had to face not only the pain of what was done to me but also the reality of what I allowed. Healing means asking the hard questions: Why did I accept less than I deserved? What inside of me believed I wasn’t worthy of more?
That same mindset spilled into my business. When I first started charging for my services as a travel advisor, I questioned my value: Should I really ask for a fee when people could technically book trips themselves? But I had to remind myself that my years of travel experience, research, and expertise are valuable. Just like people pay for a chef even though they can cook, or a car wash even though they can wash their own car—my services save time, provide insight, and create unforgettable experiences.
So my healing is twofold: healing from past relationships and healing from undervaluing myself in business. Both require me to affirm that I am worthy, my work is valuable, and my worth is not defined by who leaves or who refuses to pay. That is the lifelong project I’m committed to.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope people tell the story of a woman who lived fully, loved deeply, and traveled widely. Travel has always been my passion—it taught me about the world, about others, and most importantly, about myself. I want people to remember the joy I found in exploring new places and how I shared that joy with others.
I also hope they talk about my heart—how big it was, how much I cared, how I listened. I may have been an introvert at times, but when I told someone I had their back, I meant it. Loyalty and love ran deep with me.
I hope they remember the fun, too—that I was a kid at heart, that I loved to laugh and enjoy life, and that my smile could light up a room. More than anything, I want my story to be one of love, adventure, and authenticity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dupreedestinations.com
- Instagram: @DupreeDestinations @tamara_explorer_evans
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dupreedestinations
