We recently connected with Heather Dolland Tamam and have shared our conversation below.
Heather, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
For much of my life, I have witnessed how possessing limited beliefs could commit someone to a life of defeat and misery.
Seeing how those beliefs are transferred from generation to generation, I knew I wanted something different for my life and became driven by the pursuit of happiness.
When I wrote my book Pivot: Because Life Doesn’t Always Go As Planned, I realized how many people live like they are in a professional prison. That realization informed what has become my mission, passion and purpose.
My mission became to redefine the journey of professional empowerment for individuals who feel undervalued in unfulfilling careers. My purpose is to transform perceived limitations into opportunities, creating a path where each person’s unique skills, creativity, and ambitions are fully realized.
I believe every person deserves a career and life that aligns with her passions, values, and potential—not just a job that pays the bills. With this in mind, I focus on a unique blend of mindset practices, actionable business strategy, and entrepreneurial guidance designed to provide everything needed to create or reinvent professional lives.
My mission begins with a focus on empowerment and resilience. In a world where change is inevitable—whether from layoffs, career shifts, or evolving personal needs—I am here to provide tools and strategies that make transitions manageable and productive.
I empower individuals to take ownership of their careers by cultivating a mindset that turns obstacles into opportunities. This includes developing a resilient outlook that allows my clients to see setbacks as fuel for growth, not barriers to success. I would always stress that what is important is the belief that they can and will get back up. Don’t focus on falling or failing, trust your ability to get back up. I guide individuals to stand on their own terms, by building sustainable businesses that reflect their values and drive.
The path I create is not one-size-fits-all. I understand that each person’s journey is unique, and my approach respects and celebrates that individuality.
My mission is also deeply rooted in the belief that financial independence and entrepreneurial spirit are powerful tools for creating lasting impact. By guiding people through the process of transitioning their skills into profitable ventures, I aim to cultivate a network of empowered, financially independent individuals who can influence positive change in their communities.
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?
I created Doltam Creative Solutions when I realized that my ability to pivot from one career to another was not something that everyone managed easily. After the release of my book Pivot: Because Life Doesn’t Always Go As Planned, it occurred to me that I can teach my ability to pivot as a skillset.
Through Doltam Creative Solutions, I want to be a catalyst for a movement. A movement where people can embrace their worth, walk confidently in their purpose, and shatter any limitations holding them back from a fulfilling career and life. I aim to create a ripple effect, where the individuals I empower become role models for others, inspiring them to also break free from unsatisfying work environments and create careers and lives that honor their unique talents and potential.
In every program, service, and interaction, Doltam Creative Solutions is dedicated to being a transformative partner for anyone ready to redefine their career. I exist to inspire, to guide, and to support the journey from undervalued to unstoppable.
Doltam Creative Solutions offers personalized programs and tailored resources, from side hustles to fully formed business models.
Whether someone wants to create a side hustle to explore their passion or launch a full-time venture, I am committed to providing the tools and support they need to turn their vision into a reality.
I offer a business kickstart service, that goes beyond just the basics of starting an LLC; I dive deep into the strategies and structures that will sustain growth and resilience in the ever-evolving market.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
My first major pivot happened when I was in college.
Following the advice and guidance that I was given by my thesis professor, I didn’t pass my architectural jury which resulted in me attending Summer School in order to graduate. As an international student, there could not be worse news, with a visa that expired in 5 months.
Unfortunately, that experience also left me emotionally unavailable to pursue a career in architecture; so, I ended up doing my master’s in environmental technology.
Once I began my career as an environmental consultant, it was immediately apparent that I would not remain in that industry for life. I simply didn’t have the passion necessary to endure an extended career.
That’s when I began to think about what would be a better fit and what I needed to do to realize a different vision for my life.
That was the first time I realized that if you want something different, you have to do something different, and if you can’t get a seat at the table, you need to make your own.
I started my first business because my resume read like an architect and scientist, and no alcohol distributor would hire me. I realized after conducting a number of wine and spirits tastings that I really enjoyed the space and wanted to give the industry a shot.
After being told for the 5th time that I was overqualified, I began All The Tastes of New York as a passion project more than anything else. Then the day came when I was given an ultimatum at work, and I decided to walk away.
That resulted in a 10-year foray in the alcohol industry.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
As a serial entrepreneur, I’m deeply passionate about helping people break free from the autopilot of life, especially when it keeps them from finding joy in their work.
With expertise across three industries and three books that have established my credibility in each, I’ve built my journey around one guiding principle: happiness.
Every pivot I’ve made has been driven by the desire for a fulfilling life. Staying in a role just for the sake of the time invested, without regard for the future, has never been a choice I could accept.
We each hold more wisdom and potential than we often realize, and today’s abundant access to information makes it easier than ever to gain new skills and a strong knowledge base.
My purpose is to guide people toward the realization that they already possess the capabilities to create the life they truly want; all they need is the belief that they can do it. I am here to support them on that journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.doltam.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doltamsolutions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.dolland/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherdollandtamam/
- Twitter: https://x.com/HDollandTamam
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@heatherdollandtamam
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/7B7FHHlMFxnEoQYkj6XwYb?si=78b06ea366b3448b
Image Credits
Sharon Daniels (last two images in black top)
Anna Baranat (images with books)