We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tamara Gipson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tamara, 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?

TT Innovative Solutions started as a technology company. We’d hoped to train people to understand how to use their devices and leverage those skills to a higher-paying remote job. Our direction changed very quickly back to my first love to help educators. For many years before my company had a name, I helped teacher candidates study to pass the state teacher assessment in order to become certified teachers. Our mission is to teach, train, innovate and provide solutions for our customers.

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 background and context?

I am a teacher of 22 years. I began teaching Physical Education in DeKalb, IL after graduating from Northern Illinois University in 1998. Go Huskies! I moved to Texas in 2001, obtained more certifications, and began teaching 2nd & 3rd graders to read. I found my love, it’s where I connected with some of the best educators I still know and consult with today. I worked for Aldine Independent School District for 19 years before I ventured out to start my business. Where we ate attempting to consult the world to be successful. How? We have perfected the art of taking complex problems and compartmentalizing them with simple steps to get you closer to your goal. We build our customers’ skill sets, confidence levels, and knowledge so they can win. Because of our technology background, we have the skills to provide computer training over software such as Microsoft Office products, Google, Apple, etc. We have years of experience in design solutions with graphic designing and website creation and upkeep. As well as experience in hosting, preparing and supporting small and large events. We have technicians that can support in-person or virtual events. We are most proud of our Ezer Foundation program which assists teacher candidates to get fully certified. The problem is a decline in teachers entering the workforce compared to the increase in student enrollment. More specifically potential teachers that never enter or stay in their classroom through alternative certification programs or ACP. These candidates don’t receive the support they need to pass the exam. TTIS steps in as a solution to bridge the gap between the ACP programs and the road to teacher certification. Because our clients have already failed the exam once and sometimes multiple times we focus on building their confidence levels by establishing effective study habits, convenient scheduling for their busy lives, and affordable prices while celebrating their journey to success. TTIS is singularly focused on YOUR goal whatever that might be and helping you achieve it.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the pandemic, I settled enough to notice that I was no longer challenged in my profession. I prepared to reignite my own learning and set the achievement bar high. For as long as I could remember I’ve wanted to own my own business. The spark was lit in high school through Junior Achievement and later when I had my second child and signed up to start an in-home daycare. I reflected and so I resigned after 21 years and started my own business. It wasn’t a rash decision. I made preparation for an entire year by enrolling in a great program. GPI (Government Procurement Innovators) developed by Ms. Paula K. Watts at www.gpiwin prepared me to be a CEO. For 24 weeks I practiced the concepts and completed every task set forth by our instructor Ms. Sherrilynn Toliver. After it was all said and done I gained a wealth of information, had a portion of my business ready to launch, and had three new CEO friends I still meet with today.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I took some funds from my 403b account and set up the infrastructure for an LLC. To continue the efforts I began submitting for additional funds starting with KIVA, a crowdfunding source that helped me raise $5,000. I received a grant from Texas Woman’s University for $5,000 to purchase some much-needed equipment. Then Comcast Rise awarded us with a Media package that developed, created, and ran our commercial on their network. We are grateful for these organizations believing in our company’s vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ttinnovate.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttinnovates/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ttinnovates
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-gipson-74271295/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TTinnovates?t=yyCsAE515ip-jCmBHXH0_A&s=09 https://youtu.be/mOjOpXDVNTE
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCYGfWU50yR8StQzFTm0OkWA

Image Credits
Crimson Sparrow Photography (Orange &white), all other images by Tamara Gipson