Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tequila “tee” Hopkins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tequila “Tee”, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
Ah, my first non-friend, non-family client—that’s a story I love telling. Picture this: I had just launched my consultancy and no one really knew about it–but I needed that first “real” client to validate,so I got strategic.
I attended a bunch of local networking event for small business owners. Everyone was exchanging pleasantries and business cards, but I was there on a mission: to show how I could provide real value. As the event went on, I overheard a woman venting about how she felt stuck with her business growth and startegy that she had launched 4 years prior. That was my moment.
I casually joined the conversation, asked a few thoughtful questions, and offered a small but impactful piece of advice right there. Her eyes lit up! We talked for another 20 minutes, and by the end of the evening, she asked if we could meet to discuss working together. A week later, she became my first official client, and when that first payment hit my account, I knew I had found my stride. It was more than just earning money—it was the realization that the value I brought to the table was exactly what people needed.
And honestly, that thrill of solving someone’s problem and seeing their business grow- more importantly the relationship I have built over time is still just as exciting today.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My journey into consulting began when I realized there was a gap in tailored, hands-on support for small organizations—especially startups. These groups often have the passion and vision but lack the resources and strategic guidance to scale effectively. I saw an opportunity to merge my passion for business with my desire to create lasting impact.
The services I provide range from business development and operational strategy and brand positioning. For For everyone, I provide coaching on growth strategies, market positioning, and how to attract investors or scale their business without losing their core values.
What sets me apart is my dual focus on impact and relationship building Many consultants focus purely on the numbers, but I ensure that the businesses I work with not only grow financially but do so in a way that aligns with their mission and values. I help them think big without compromising on integrity.
What I’m most proud of is seeing my clients reach milestones they didn’t think were possible— Being a part of their success stories is incredibly rewarding.
The main thing I want potential clients to know is that I’m not just a consultant—I’m a partner in their journey. I take a personalized approach to each project, deeply investing in their success. My goal is to provide clarity, strategy, and action, so they can focus on what they do best. If you’re looking for a consultant who understands both the heart and the hustle of building something meaningful, then we’ll be a great fit.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that “being busy” equates to being productive. Early on in my career, I bought into the mindset that the more hours I worked and the more tasks I juggled, the more successful I would be. I’d fill my calendar with meetings, chase every lead, and constantly be “on” because I thought that’s what it took to grow my business.
The turning point came after a particularly despite working around the clock, I wasn’t seeing the results I expected. I was stretched thin, my creativity and energy were depleted, and worst of all, the quality of my work started to suffer. That’s when I realized that the real key to success wasn’t about doing more—it was about doing the right things, efficiently and with focus.
I had to unlearn the glorification of busyness and embrace prioritization. I started being more strategic with my time, learning to say “no” to projects or meetings that didn’t align with my goals, and focusing on high-impact activities that truly moved the needle for my clients and my business.
What truly matters is not how many hours you put in, but how effectively you use them to create value for your clients and for yourself.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I had a plan: I’d leave my job, build a solid client base, and hit the ground running. But as many entrepreneurs quickly learn, things don’t always go as planned.
After the initial excitement, I hit a rough patch. The leads I thought were sure bets didn’t pan out, and the clients I did have were small projects that barely covered my expenses. I was investing a lot of time and effort, but nothing seemed to be gaining traction. Doubt crept in, and I started wondering if I had made the wrong choice.
One particular week, three prospective clients, who I was certain would sign, all pulled out last minute. That was a horrific feeling. I was at a crossroads.
I decided to stop focusing on short-term wins and instead leaned into building stronger relationships and offering more value up front. I started providing free workshops, volunteering at events, and sharing expertise without expecting immediate returns. Slowly but surely, people began to see me as a trusted advisor, not just another consultant selling services.
It took months of hard work, but the tide eventually turned. One of the nonprofits I helped for free referred me to another organization, which turned into a large, long-term contract. That snowball effect helped me stabilize my business and grow in a sustainable way.
That experience reinforced my belief that resilience isn’t just about pushing through adversity, but also about recalibrating, adjusting your approach, and trusting that the seeds you plant will eventually grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tequilahopkins.wixsite.com/realteellc
- Instagram: Whytegirl_tee
- Facebook: Tee Hopkins
- Linkedin: Tee Hopkins
