Meet Tamara Dopwell | Social Entrepeneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tamara Dopwell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tamara, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As a Social worker facing clients that need concrete services agencies do not always have the resources available. Instead of making countless referrals, I decided to create the solution for the problem. Clients need toiletries and other essentials. If I could create a way that they can get these items this will help everyone.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started my social work career in child protection. I have always worked in the local community. Whether it be homeless individuals, children and families and or the geriatric population. I pride myself on working with underserved and underrepresented populations. This is Social Justice. Having equal access to health care and or mental health treatment is important to me. I worked full time while pursing a graduate degree and this experience though challenging was quite rewarding. I learned to trust myself in the process. Understand and know what you value. Do not let any situation or circumstance change who you are at your core.
I have learned that human connection is important. Networking, sharing knowledge and information is important. We are not an island by ourselves. We need others to thrive and survive. I am an introvert at heart, but I know when to engage with the community. This is an art, it’s a technique to this thing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love the cheese cake factory, I’ll venture into another city to have brunch there. Williamsburg is also fun, non crowded restaurants are my thing. Private intimate places to chat and giggle would definitely catch my attention. Let’s just say Karoke is key!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I will be honest my mother. Dr. Patricia Phillip has truly paved the way for me to do the things that I am currently doing. I owe every ounce of credit to her. Her tenacity, her drive, her entire life story. As an immigrant parent she always encouraged me to pursue education and never stop learning. The value of helping others and always growing has left a strong impact on me.

The next runner up would be my sister Candis Dopwell. Let’s just say she is stuck with me as a baby sister. She loves me to my flaws and will definitely keep me in check when needed. It’s this raw and honest love that keeps me going. I run all ideas by her, I definitely get upset if she doesn’t agree, but she will quickly say, “you wanted my opinion right”?

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