Tamiko Lowry Pugh is a Domestic Violence Expert residing in Atlanta, GA
Your Title/Business Name:
Domestic Violence Expert
Website:
www.tamikolowry.com
Facebook Handle:
www.facebook.com/TamikoLowryPugh
Describe what your hometown was like. Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised on the Eastside of Buffalo, NY in the Jefferson Projects. Buffalo is a small town in upstate NY and borders Niagara Falls, Canada.
Where do you currently reside?
Atlanta, GA
What is your zodiac sign?
Aries
What is your favorite cereal?
Honeycomb
How did you get started on this road of business? What began it all, and what did the path look like along the way?
My career as a Domestic Violence Expert was something that I literally fell into. It’s not something that a little girl desires to be when she grows up. Literally! It was my own experience with domestic violence that got me into this line of work. As a survivor of domestic violence, I know firsthand the need and issues that victims face. I understand how the laws affect victims and I know that our society is not educated on the topic. I almost lost my life in 2007, the day that I tried to leave my abuser. I had nowhere or no one to turn to. I don’t want to see others go through what I went through as a victim. It’s my responsibility to help, encourage and empower those who are going through what I survived. I launched the Still Standing Foundation because I wanted to bring awareness to domestic violence and also make sure that I was able to reach out to those other women, men, whoever else was going through it, to really let them know that they were not alone.
The journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. What started out as a desire to give back has turned into paid speaking engagements, community partnerships, and media appearances. The Still Standing Alliance is one of the most sought-after organizations to teach and train the community on domestic violence. Our Survivor Empowerment Program has been named one of the top programs assisting with the personal and professional development of domestic violence survivors.
Give us some business advice or one success tip in your field.
My success tip is simply this… Service + Significance = Success
What has been the hardest part of being a business owner?
The hardest part of being a business owner is setting boundaries. Not setting crystal clear boundaries can lead to stress and burnout.
In order to prevent stress and burnout, I’ve learned to set my own ground rules, be consistent, communicate my ground rules to my clients and be genuine. You must create and enforce your personal boundaries, and be consistent and honest in all of your relationships.
What’s in store for you this year?
Over the course of the next year, I plan to launch my Living The Empowered Life Podcast as well as launch my Living The Empowered Life Magazine.
What is one thing that you are proud of, in relation to your business or personally?
I am proud of the fact that I took a painful situation and turned it into my life purpose. As a domestic violence survivor, I never in a million years would’ve thought that this would become a full-time business for me.
If we took a look at your iPod, what songs would we most likely stumble across?
The best of Bad Boy, Jay Z, Nas, Biggie Smalls, Tupac. I love old school east coast hip hop.
What are some ways you promote your business?
I promote my business through social media, being visible in the community, and showing myself as an expert in my field by providing content, tips, and tools on a consistent basis.