Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tamara Allen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tamara, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

Speaking Out! Media.

I came up with the name in 2004 when I decided to start a local access television program and magazine. It was the perfect way to describe me – a woman who had always been vocal about advocacy and change. At the time, I was trying to change the face of “Christian culture” and usher in a new generation of worshippers. I was tired of tradition and had taken on the cause of what they called at the time “Holy Hip Hop,” which was founded by one of the members of Kid N’ Play, Christopher Martin also known as “Play.”

However, this had always been who I was: a person who was never afraid to “speak out” on whatever it was I felt passionate about. My primary passion was for the disenfranchised – those without a voice…people…like…me. Those who did not have mentorship, those without financial assistance, those trying to get started, those who needed a “chance…” So, when I decided to launch a business, the only appropriate words were “speaking out.”

The exclamation is to emphasize that passion.

Now, the company has evolved into brand management: publishing, social media, branding, and more.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

There is not a lot about me yet so much. I am a woman just trying to make it, trying to find my way. Daily, I am going through transformations physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually – finally awakening but realizing that I should have taken the blue pill…

What can I say about myself? First-generation college student raised in a Pentecostal household, I entered the world very green from being sheltered my entire childhood. I saw the world as a place for new opportunities and growth, but I received a shocking reality check when I experienced life outside of my parents’ home. Growing up, I noticed a lot of disparities within my community. Additionally, I witnessed people who were thrown away by society find another chance at life through my church’s ministry “Road to Deliverance.” I wanted to help people like that – outside of the church walls.

As a young woman in my 20’s, I saw an opportunity to provide transformative, positive programming by launching a television show and magazine. I addressed topics that were considered controversial within the church community in hopes to advocate for reform. Due to a lack of funds, I had to learn how to create and produce everything on my own. So, armed with a video camera, access to the University of Kentucky’s computer lab for editing, and Microsoft Publisher for graphic designing, I started Speaking Out! TV and Speaking Out! Magazine.

As a business owner and manager of my own brand (for now), I got into the brand management industry by learning some of the key skills needed to be successful in this business: graphic/web design, social media strategy, SEO, self-publishing, marketing, and more. This required long hours of training for certifications while working full-time. Every time I learned a skill, I offered it as a service for those who needed help getting started as I did. Not everyone is tech-savvy or even has the time to develop the skills to handle things themselves. So, I made myself available to that demographic.

Currently, Speaking Out! Media, LLC houses the following:
– T. Allen Speaks™ (Coaching the Coach Life Series on Facebook/Speaking Out! Saturdays commentary on YouTube/the Speaking Out!cast podcast)
– Book Publishing
– Social Media Management
– Branding (logos/identity/culture/recognition/strategy/more)
– Public Speaking (facilitation/emcee/training/more)

What makes Speaking Out! Media so unique is that it serves individuals and businesses that are trying to get started. Yes, there are a lot of self-help websites out there, but there is a demographic of people who may never know how to utilize them or have the time. Websites like Canva or PosterMyWall and Amazon KDP or BookBaby are great for self-starters, but they typically require some industry knowledge like graphic design, branding, typeface, positioning, dimensions, and more. Additionally, clients also may not have the funds to pay someone to perform those services. That’s where my company comes into play. By offering cost-effective services, those who may never have an opportunity to gain exposure, increase the likelihood of it happening. It’s not about self-help access; it’s about HOW to access these tools appropriately that makes this company unique.

As of 2023, I am launching Allen Life Industries, Inc. which will house my other current ventures, including Speaking Out! Media:
– Allen Coaching Group (life and career coaching)
– Allen Nuptials (ceremony officiating)
– Andro By T. (fashion line and accessories coming soon)
– (Real Estate coming soon)

How did you build your audience on social media?

Through heavy research, I came to understand peak times, algorithms, and how to target my ads to generate a following on social media. However, the key to true engagement is all about content. Creating videos, images, and other recurring content will ensure your audience’s growth. By allowing them to hear my stories through Coaching the Coach Life Series or sharing positive thoughts throughout the day, my audience was able to relate to me – resulting in them reaching out to me for services.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

There was a time I had no clients. I was producing content every day, all day with no growth. I was starting to feel discouraged that no one would ever contact me. However, I had to remind myself of what I shared with others every week online: to practice the Law of Attraction.

The Law of Attraction tells us that whatever you give your energy to, you draw it to yourself – positive or negative. I had to transform my thinking from concentrating on what wasn’t happening for me to what I was excited about happening in the future. I revamped my methods of marketing, connected with mentors, and relaunched my brand.

Now, I have clients from all over the United States in cities like Los Angeles, Houston, Lexington, and Atlanta. I never gave up, and I learned how to use my 9-to-5 to fund my dreams of entrepreneurship.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tallenspeaks.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/tallenspeaks
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/tallenspeaks
• Linkedin: www.linked.com/in/tallenspeaks
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/tallenspeaks
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/tallenspeaks

Image Credits
SharpEye Photography, LLC – Tamarah Brooks, Owner www.sharpeyephotography101.com