We were lucky to catch up with Tamika Sherman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tamika, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

My business, Hello Financial Acuity was born from my own triumph over a six-figure debt, coupled with a realization of the widespread lack of financial literacy, particularly during adolescence and in urban cultures. Fueled by a calling to share my story, I aim to break the cycle of poor money habits and instill financial acuity through education and coaching. My friends have named me The Budget Evangelist.

My journey began in 2016 when a meticulous budgeting exercise revealed the extent of my debt, including a substantial credit card burden. This prompted drastic changes – trading my Chevy Tahoe for a Honda Accord, adopting a zero-based budget, and fundamentally shifting my mindset and habits. Strategizing for debt payoff became my specialty, marked by moments of triumph, setbacks, and gratitude.

The emotional rollercoaster includes the highs of progress and the lows of setbacks, but my faith serves as a constant source of strength. Through gratitude and humility, I find motivation to start anew, knowing that I am more than a conqueror. This journey has taught me the power of helping others, and it’s a joy to receive messages from people who have found solace and guidance in my story.

While unsure if my approach would work or if I should reveal my real story instead of using an anonymous platform, faith and the positive impact on others have given me the confidence to continue. Not many are willing to assist people in financial ruin, making my commitment to share my story and help others a unique and fulfilling endeavor. My excitement lies not just in achieving personal financial freedom but in aiding others on their paths to financial well-being.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a military spouse and mother of two active athletes, originally from Philadelphia and educated in Delaware. My journey into the social media consulting business, Artistically Graced, began in 2019, stemming from helping a friend manage her DJ platforms. Over almost five years, I’ve assisted numerous business owners and entrepreneurs in leveraging social media for marketing expansion. In 2016, I embarked on my financial freedom journey, later realizing my calling to publicly share my story and address the need for financial acuity.

Transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship in 2022, I officially started Hello Financial Acuity, driven by a passion to help individuals break free from bad spending habits and poor money management. Offering individual and group coaching, I emphasize budgeting and mindset transformation. Additionally, I conduct customized workshops, such as Beauty Industry Basics of finance and Youth Financial Literacy. Anticipating the launch of digital products like budget planners, I bring a unique perspective as someone who has successfully paid off 6-figure debt, fostering empathy and relatability with my audience.

What I’m most proud of is receiving feedback from those I’ve helped, witnessing their wins and gratitude. My personal experiences with financial fluctuations, frequent relocations, and overcoming debt provide a foundation to guide others toward better financial health. I’ve turned my pain into purpose, and my goal is to assist as many people as possible in finding their way to financial freedom.

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

Absolutely, let me share a story that truly reflects my resilience on this journey. There were instances where I successfully paid off five-figure credit card debt, only to find myself facing the challenge of accumulating debt once again a few years later. Despite this setback, what sets my journey apart is the mindset and strategies I developed, allowing me to bounce back not just once but on multiple occasions. It’s a testament to my unwavering determination and the resilience that propels me forward in the face of financial challenges.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I experienced a significant pivot when I decided to leave my career in human resources to pursue full-time entrepreneurship. Interestingly, the business I had been running on the side wasn’t aligned with my ultimate purpose. My true calling was to launch a coaching business aimed at providing impactful and influential guidance to help others achieve better financial health.

Despite my business income not yet reaching the point of replacing my stable corporate income, I remain determined to stay the course. I trust in God to guide me through this journey and press forward with the mission of assisting people in improving their relationship with money. It’s a pivot that aligns with my true purpose, and I’m committed to making a positive impact on others’ financial well-being.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thebudgetevangelist.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebudgetevangelist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebudgetevangelist/

Image Credits
Artistically Graced