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

Hi Tamara, how do you think about risk?
I am a moderate risk taker. I would normally stay within the mold or color in the lines. I know that coloring inside the lines is necessary but so is coloring outside the lines. For 20 years I played it safe inside a school building because it offered income security and was a routine that I grew to enjoy. When I shared that I was resigning most of my educator friends thought I was crazy though they didn’t say it out loud their comments lead me to these conclusions. I heard things like “Why are you going to do that?”, “Girl, I would love to have the job you’re leaving”. But it’s not up to anyone to understand your desire, it’s up to you to pursue it with vigor and zeal! I was not always comfortable with my choice but now that I’m coloring outside of lines, I am experiencing freedom I’ve never known were available. All of this by a little girl from the westside of Chicago, with so much more to come.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m most proud of starting, maintaining, and thriving during a pandemic. We started TT Innovative Solutions (TTIS) September 2020 even as the world was still figuring out how we would move forward it was clear that I didn’t want to regret a chance to act. We’re a training company, we teach, train, innovate and provide solutions that are effective, and affordable. We have perfected the art of taking complex problems and compartmentalizing them with simple steps to get you closer to your goal. We build your hard & soft skill set and confidence level by sharing our 20+ years of knowledge as presenters and educators. The idea of going from an education setting to corporate life was very daunting, however, I was prepared. I participated in a 24 week program for Government contracting and all of the material helped me to set up my back office and practices to grow. TTIS desires to grow every customer that comes through our setting whether teacher, small business owner, or professional we’re singularly focused on our customer’s goal.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Houston for so many reasons but the presence of art and food is my favorite to share with friends. I love showing them around to the various murals, stadiums, and museums. If given a weekend we’d tour midtown, the galleria, drop in Triple J’s for barbeque, fine dining at Steak 48, and night vibes at Turkey Leg Hut. I have the most fun during outdoor events held at the Miller Outdoor theater or walking around the parks spread all over Houston. So much to do and excitement all around.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to thank God & my family – Jones, Gipson, Serano for allowing me space/grace to figure things out as I go and rooting me on to the next adventure. My GPI (gpiwin.com) fellows and all the training centers that have offered information to get me going. Lastly thank you Kiva for starting the ball rolling for funding my dream.

Website: https://www.ttinnovate.com/

Instagram: @ttinnovates

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-gipson-74271295/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TTinnovates?t=yyCsAE515ip-jCmBHXH0_A&s=09

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ttinnovates

Youtube: @ttinnovates

Image Credits
Crimson Sparrow Photography, Terry Trimble of Houston Wellness Boutique

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.