Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tamekis Williams,lcsw, Cctp. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Tamekis thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
I must pay tribute to my late mother, who passed away in November 2021. Losing her was a profoundly earth-shaking experience for me and remains so to this day. As I navigate my grief, I choose to focus on her remarkable legacy and the profound impact she continues to have on my life, rather than the sorrow of her passing. After my parents’ divorce, she became a single mother of three, dedicating herself to providing us with a life filled with love. Her strength was tested in unimaginable ways, including enduring the loss of two of her daughters in her life time. Yet, when I reflect on her life, I am in awe of the extraordinary strength, tenacity, and resilience she demonstrated through every trial and tribulation. She remains an enduring source of inspiration and a guiding light in my journey.
My mother worked in the hospitality department in hospitals and then branched out to build her own business by working nights and weekends cleaning office buildings. Eventually, my mother was able to start her own residential cleaning service until retirement. I remember me and my sisters helping my mother clean the office buildings and residential homes on the weekends and some evenings at times. My mother, as well as my grandparents planted the entrepreneurial seed in me. Once I graduated from high school,I worked odd jobs and then started cosmetology school out of the blue. I walked in to use their bathroom and came out signed up. Let’s just say that is a long story and me and my mother were both shocked! I started out as a shampoo girl, assistant, commission based stylist and then booth rental. After 15 years of being a professional cosmetologist, I made the decision to go to college at age 30, I knew that I was going to end up being an entrepreneur again but I also knew that I was going to have to work as a employee for a while until I could become a CEO in order to gain the necessary skills I needed in the social work and mental health field. Five years after getting my master’s degree, I started my therapy practice part time while I worked a full-time job just like my mom did. Eventually, three years later, I was able to start working full-time in my private practice like my mother. You see, my mother became a single parent of three daughters and was able to work multiple jobs until she was able to work in her own business full-time. I’m a full-time entrepreneur now and my mother was able to walk with me on my journey.
I can’t help, but to be proud to be a part of the same cloth as my mother. What my mother did right was teaching us how to never give up, the importance of tenacity and resilience, to not be afraid to ask for or accept help, always be authentic, and to not seek validation outside of ourselves. My mother is my role model! She did “mothering” right!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’ve always been a creative person, and that creativity ultimately led me to discover my true purpose. But none of this would have been possible without God’s guidance. My journey began as a cosmetologist, a profession I dedicated 15 years to. However, becoming a mother at 25 sparked a desire for a more stable life and a deeper understanding of my life’s purpose, which I knew wasn’t in cosmetology.
Looking back, I realize that being a cosmetologist was part of God’s plan to place me where I needed to be at that time, even though I didn’t fully understand it. For many, the bond with a barber or hairstylist goes beyond just a hairstyle; it’s a moment of connection where people share their joys, pains, and dreams while being cared for.
One day, at the age of 27, I experienced a moment of profound clarity. It felt as though I was watching my life from the outside, questioning everything: “Who are you?” “Why are you still doing hair?” “What will you teach your daughter?” I realized I didn’t truly know myself. Up until that point, I had been going through life without questioning my path, simply accepting it as God’s will. But on that particular day, I began to question everything.
This marked the beginning of a three-year journey of self-discovery. I immersed myself in learning about meditation, mindfulness, cultures, reading, and learning new practices that promoted positive self-care, mental health, and personal growth. I began asking myself important questions: “What are your favorite colors?” “What is truly important to you in life so that you can provide stability, love, and protection for your daughter?” This journey was transformative, helping me evolve from a young woman into a fully realized adult.
By the time I emerged from this journey, I was 30 years old and determined to go to college. My reasons were multifaceted: I wanted to give my mother the pride of having a college graduate as a child, to set an example for my daughter, showing her the value of education, and to prove to myself that I could achieve this goal, providing a stable career and life for both of us.
When I started college, I was unsure of what to study, so I began as an undeclared major. During a meeting with an advisor, I shared that I loved making people feel beautiful, enjoyed talking, and had a passion for listening. She suggested several fields in the social sciences but never mentioned social work. It wasn’t until I attended a class where the professor discussed social work that I realized he was describing me. I had always played the role of a social worker in my relationships and family, and now I had the opportunity to pursue it professionally.
In retrospect, I see how everything was connected. As a hairstylist, I was already serving as a social worker of sorts, organizing back-to-school drives and raising money for sleeping bags for the homeless.When I was pregnant and on assistance briefly, I had a social worker who was amazing and very inspiring to me. I didn’t recognize it at the time, but God was developing the social worker within me, even as I practiced cosmetology. Now, with over 18 yrs. of experience as a licensed clinical social worker and mental health therapist in private practice, I can see how all the dots connect. This is not just my purpose but also part of my life’s assignment, and I believe there is still more out there for me to do. I surrendered and partnered with God.
I am currently a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and a Certified Trauma-Informed Professional with over a decade of experience in private practice. My journey in the field has also included roles within various community organizations, such as the School System, Community Service Board, Department of Children and Family Services, Public Health, and in-home community-based care.
My Therapeutic Brand
I am passionate about representing my field and my practice with integrity and excellence, helping clients navigate life’s challenges and achieve meaningful, lasting change. For the past 10 years, I have been in private practice with 7 years of full time practice now focusing exclusively on adult clients (ages 21+) and couples. While I no longer work directly with children, I bring over a decade of experience supporting families and children to my practice.
What I love most about my work is witnessing my clients grow and transform right before my eyes. In individual therapy, I deeply value building a strong connection with my clients, walking alongside them on their journey toward healing and personal growth. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel comfortable being their authentic selves, recognizing that this connection is a cornerstone of the therapeutic process. I also love watching two individuals fight for the love they share for each other in couples therapy while also partnering with couples to help them build a solid foundation for marriage in premarital counseling. .
My Coaching Brand
Mission Dorothy is centered around living authentically and discovering the unique gifts within ourselves, so we no longer need to seek external validation to feel valued. I created a women’s empowerment coaching brand called Mission Dorothy, inspired by ” Dorothy” in the timeless story The Wizard of Oz.
Mission Dorothy is dedicated to empowering women to reclaim their authenticity, embrace their inherent worth, and recognize the abundance of inner gifts they already possess. Our mission is to empower women to reclaim their authenticity while highlighting their inherent worth and abundance of inner gifts they possess within. We encourage women to navigate their personal journeys with confidence and purpose, encouraging them to step fully into their power and live life unapologetically as their truest selves.
Podcast
The Mission Dorothy brand also consists of live events, group coaching, community building book club and a podcast called “Mission Dorothy: The Podcast,”. Our podcast is dedicated to helping you the listener navigate your unique life’s journey by providing insights, inspiration, and practical tools rooted in goal oriented coaching skills, and the timeless wisdom of The Wizard of Oz. We explore the twists, turns, and challenges of life’s journeys. Each episode encourages each listener to discover your inner strength, embrace your true selves, and realize that you already have everything you need within to find your way home to self. I provide real tools that people can implement into their lives immediately, in order to change their lives.
Lastly, I also am the author of three books listed on Amazon and soon to be listed on my website. I have two therapy companion workbook-journals (his & hers).
1. Hers: Consciously Choosing Me: Getting my Life Together One Step at a Time.
2. His: Letting Go of What No Longer Serves Me: It’s Time to Let it All Out.
3. The Truth Dialogues: Push Past Procrastination to Achieve Your Goals: A Transformative Self-Exploratory Questionnaire
I have developed a Therapy Companion Workbook-Journal designed for individuals considering therapy or already engaged in the process. This resource helps you articulate your emotions, engage in meaningful activities to deepen your therapeutic journey, and provides space to document insights and notes from your therapy sessions. It’s a practical tool for fostering self-awareness and enhancing personal growth. Additionally, I am the author of Push Past Procrastination, part of the Truth Dialogues series. This book is more than just another self-help resource—it’s a transformative guide for cultivating an honest dialogue with yourself. Through a series of thoughtfully crafted questions, it invites you to explore and confront the inner barriers that have been holding you back. By delving into your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, Push Past Procrastination empowers you to uncover the root causes of your delays and take meaningful steps toward progress and fulfillment.
In closing, looking back at my journey, what was most important for me is first and foremost my faith because as a human being, I get tired and I run out of grit sometimes. This is when I also lean on my faith for support. I also feel that I was open to what life had for me instead of trying to challenge everything by blocking my own lessons and blessings. Lastly, being truthful to your authentic self and not being a copy of someone else. Learning to love yourself and I mean all of yourself which includes the good, the bad, the beautiful and the lovely. We can always work on the things that we are not too fond of but we need to allow the things that we love about ourselves to shine very bright even if it doesn’t fit the status quo.
The advice that I would like to give others is to first and foremost be open to what life has for you. Make sure that you provide still moments so that you can hear and see the signs leading you in the direction you are to go. Don’t be too picky but don’t settle for mundane, try not to challenge everything that does not make sense, or does not fall in line with your perceived life assignment. What you perceive and what God may have for you may be two totally different journeys. Lastly, know that when you were created, everything you needed was deposited in you. You were created on purpose, for purpose with purpose! Yes, life will come along and bring pain, suffering, and trauma, but please understand that your authentic self is still present within you underneath the layers of life. All you have to do is start the work, which is to peel back the layers so that you can allow your authentic self to bloom and shine.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
To succeed in the field of mental health as a therapist or social worker, it’s essential to recognize that success goes far beyond training and technical knowledge. While expertise is crucial, your personality and ability to genuinely connect with clients are often the defining factors in building a thriving practice.
Authenticity is the cornerstone of effective therapeutic relationships. Clients are looking for someone who feels real, relatable, and trustworthy. They’re not just seeking a professional with credentials—they want someone who can truly see them, understand their experiences, and create a space where they feel safe to open up. If your clients don’t feel a connection with you, it can quickly become a barrier to progress.
To build this connection, it’s vital to know yourself well. Understand your values, strengths, and vulnerabilities, and let your authentic self shine through in your work. This doesn’t mean over-sharing or crossing professional boundaries; rather, it’s about being genuine in your interactions and creating a sense of shared humanity. People tend to gravitate toward therapists who share some similarities with them—whether in personality, values, or communication style—and who also exude a sense of competence and confidence.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start?
My practice was built on the importance of building relationships with others in your community. Initially, I started my private practice by utilizing an office of a local community partner I met through a friend. After utilizing the office space for less than a year, I then met a therapist at a community therapist meeting who did not use her office in the evenings or weekends and graciously allowed me to use her space for a very low cost. I transitioned from the initial space because it was a cold office space without the therapeutic touch. Moving over to the therapist office allow me the opportunity to have a space that promoted comfort, privacy and inspiration. I utilize her office until I was able to build my clientele to where I was paying her what I could possibly pay in rent for my own space. So therefore, I decided to get my own office about six months later.
Now here is where God steps in (not to say that he was not already involved). I was working for a local community mental health organization that was very toxic while building my business. Now, the money that I made in the evenings and weekends, I never touched it outside of paying my business expenses. During this time, I was on the panel of several employee assistant programs and insurance companies so therefore the payments for sessions were being automatically deposited into my business account. Therefore, I did not really keep up with the balance because I made enough money on my full-time job to sustain my lifestyle. After 3 1/2 years, the day came when I decided to leave this toxic job. In my mind, I thought I still had about three more years of experience to gain, but God had another plan. I was trying my best to hold onto this job, and honestly as I look back, I was holding on to fear instead of faith, because I was afraid to leave this job due to the false sense of security my paycheck provided. I was also afraid to take the leap and go full-time in my private practice. The day came when I decided to put in my notice on the job because I got tired of the toxic environment.
Some events happened that led to me putting in my notice and once I left the job, I fell into a depression. You see I lost my oldest sister a year prior to me leaving this job and the job only gave me a few days off, so I never really had the opportunity to grieve the loss due to the level of stress I was under on the job, so therefore I push the loss into my subconscious. So here I am free during the day and seeing my clients at night and on the weekend while lying in the bed during the day until it was time for me to get up, get dressed and go to the office to work. But in less than a couple of weeks I started getting referrals from everywhere. I was getting referrals from doctor offices, insurance companies, the employee assistance programs, community partners, other clients, and other people who knew me. Before I knew it, I was sitting in my practice completely full. Now don’t forget that I was going through some depression. I allowed myself to grieve, utilize my support system, and continued to heal through healing others.
So, one day I was reading some post in a Facebook group for therapist and there were several therapists stating that they wanted to take the leap and start their private practice or start working in their private practice full-time. I decided to leave a comment and as I started to share my story, I noticed tears running down my face. I realized while trying to inspire others the blessing that God bestowed on my life, my career, my life as a single mom, etc. I also realize the financial blessing that God gave me as well. Remember, I stated that I never really touched the money from when I was working part time while working my full-time job outside of business expenses. When I took out the time to check my business account balance, I had over $16,000 sitting in that account. I did not have to worry about how I was going to fund my business, as well as how I was going to fund my personal life as a single mother with a mortgage, car note, and now a full-time business. I have not looked back since and God has never left me. He is the CEO in my business. The moral of the story is, God will push you out there even when you feel like you’re not ready, but the blessing is he will support you and walk the journey with you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reallifesolutionsga.com/
- Instagram: @tamekisinspiredme
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reallifesolutionsga/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamekis-williams-msw-lcsw-82531761
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@MissionDorothy
- Other: -TikTok: @tamekisinspiredme
-Website: https://www.missiondorothy.com
-Website: https://www.thementaltrap.com
-Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/RLSGALLC/Links to my books:1. Hers: Consciously Choosing Me: Getting my Life Together One Step at a Time.
https://amzn.to/4ea7RVm2. His: Letting Go of What No Longer Serves Me: It’s Time to Let it All Out.
https://amzn.to/4cUFsBB3. The Truth Dialogues: Push Past Procrastination to Achieve Your Goals: A Transformative Self-Exploratory Questionnaire https://amzn.to/3TbxjBO
Image Credits
Tamekis Williams, LCSW, CCTP