We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tamika Baker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tamika below.
Tamika, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?
Well one of the biggest risk I took in my life was moving to Houston, TX without a job and without any family. About 13 years ago, I was at the point in my life where I felt I needed a change because I was feeling stuck and was feeling like I was settling. I had worked for the postal services for over 17 years, not because I wanted to but because I had to. I graduated high school at 18 and had two children before I was even 21 years old, so I took the job at the postal services for stability and security for myself and my sons. After 15 years of working at the postal service, three sons later, the loss of a son in a miscarriage, and a job position downsizing I decided to go back to school to become a medical assistant. After I finished the medical assistant program I entered the cardio sonography program, that is where I really started considering if I wanted to start a career in the medical field I needed to move to where the medical field is flourishing. In 2012, after two years of technology college, I moved to Houston. I left my postal service career, my three sons with their fathers, and everything I ever known in Georgia. My career in the medical field did flourish, I went from being a medical assistant to being a certified medical coder. At first it was hard but I stuck with it and showed my sons that you should never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone or take a risk. I am glad I took the risk to change my career because I would have always wondered and regretted not taking that chance.
Tamika, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a stage two triple negative breast cancer survivor and a cancer advocate that turned my pain and journey into purpose by creating my organization Pink Breastie Sista. Three years ago, as I was recovering from my double mastectomy surgery, I started thinking of ways that I could help give back to other survivors and thrivers in the community. In 2023 I started collaborating with a local salon in Atlanta (Opulence Hair Studio ATL) and a local beauty school in north Houston (Ogle Beauty School) to create an event called Pop Up Breastie Beauty Bar. At this event we create a free experience of pampering for the breast cancer and cancer caregiver community. My organization has expanding its engagement with the community with other events such as Paint Through Your Pain, Couples with Cancer, and Meet The Author: Cancer Reflections. At all of the events we provide resource information for mental health awareness, sexual health awareness, self care awareness, and early detection screening for different forms of cancer. During the aftermath of hurricane Beryl, we were also able to donate grocery and gas gift cards to survivors affected by the storm. What I am most proud of is creating safe spaces for survivors and caregivers to be seen and heard during and after their journey with cancer.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I think my ability to be approachable and engaging with others has helped me build my reputation as a people person that is caring and willing to help others.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
If I could go back I would have chosen to get into the medical field earlier under a different profession such as a social worker, counselor, and/or nurse navigator.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pinkbreastiesista.com
- Instagram: pinkbreastiesista
- Facebook: pinkbreastiesista presents
- Other: TikTok: pinkbreastiesista
Image Credits
Phlawless Phocus Photography