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

Tamara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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 am my own motivation because of the blessed gift of great parents. I lost my father at a young age and this made growing up difficult for me. Without my father, I made a lot of mistakes and reckless choices. But my mother and grandmother saw greatness in me even when I couldn’t see if for myself. They were consistent in speaking greatness into my existence and intentional in teaching me to be my true authentic self. I was taught to rise above my shortcomings and adhere to the rule of integrity and to always embrace opportunities for growth.

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 native of Port Artur with a message of empowerment to the world! As an ordained minister, author, motivational speaker, and life coach, I am admired for being my true authentic self, known for my dynamic preaching, edifying teachings, and exhorting delivery. My life and ministry convey a message of freedom that releases the weights of bondage off the wounded, helpless, and oppressed. I have been called to set a new course of inspiration and empowerment that encourages, equips, empowers, and transforms the lives of people.

My struggles shaped me to become an author and motivational speaker. Through the crucible of difficult and trying times, I have emerged refined. My dark place and afflictions pushed me to be the woman that I am today. Life has taught me what it means to be resilient and always to look toward new and promising horizons. Psalms 45:1 describes me best “My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” I write whatever God places on my heart and turn it into a book of empowerment. I have been intentional about this since 2002. Some of the books I have authored are: God’s Poet, Empower, and my most recent book is Be Your Own Motivation. It gives me great satisfaction knowing my books are being read all over the world!
I have had the pleasure of appearing on WE TV where my documentary was aired, spoken on the radio, and have spoken at various conferences. I am most proud of all my accomplishments and the many lives that I have impacted to overcome their challenges.

Life can be sometimes difficult and good people are often trapped in the labyrinths of confusion. Therefore, my goal remains to inspire people to come out of the place of defeat, be empowered to reach beyond their limits, discover their assignments, and go toward their God-given plan for their lives.

One of my distinguishing qualities is that my identity is not conflicted, my purpose is not confused, and my goals are not sketchy. I know who I am, I am liberated to be my true authentic self. I do not depend on others for validation or approval and the applause of people is not the propelling wheel of my dreams and aspirations. I am my own motivation, rooted by grace in enduring victory, and empowered to empower others to do the same.

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, one of the greatest drives for my creativity was my mother. She believed in my abilities when I doubted myself, and she saw my potential when I struggled with my identity. She was the compelling force that pushed me to do more; she invested her time, energy, and resources to make me better and well equipped to accomplish all my goals. However, her death and passing, even though it was difficult to accept or bear, made me stronger, more resilient, and more determined. I still feel her presence urging me on; her memory conditions a positive atmosphere that drives my creative journey, and her words of encouragement have stayed with me every step of the way. More so, my drive is also from within. It stems from the place of conviction and clarity of purpose.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I know and understand my assignment; I am unapologetically me and this has played to my advantage. Knowing who you are and what you are born to do gives you an edge in a competitive world. Discovering your assignment is a crucial step in living a productive life. You also must belive in yourself and be fully invested in your assignment. It is the foundation for enduring success. Deflated self-esteem and lack of confidence are the best recipes for failure. Anything that damages your self-confidence robs you of your future. Never look down on yourself; that will mount an impassable roadblock in your journey. Being determined has given me the impetus and the wings to rise over many intimidating mountains of trials. Even if I fall, I know how to rise again and be my own motivation.

You cannot be your own motiviation if you need to depend on the validation of others. When you depend on others, your dreams will often remain in the shadows of others. Being your own motivation requires courage in difficult times, personal convictions in your abilities, and a resilient drive in the direction of your dreams. It is not enough to dream about the future, you must be intentional about going for it!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: createdtoempower & thatsfavor
• Website: http://www.tamaraguillory.com
• Facebook: Tamara Guillory
• Youtube: Tamara Guillory