As the saying goes, a Jack/Jill of all trades is a master of none…but there are exceptions to every rule.
Chicago native Tamera Fair is that exception.
Actress, Activist, Author, Entrepreneur, and Producer are just a few of her titles. Her affection for children of all ages led her to launch her first early childcare facility when she was barely in her 20s. One facility turned into many, and today, she owns and operates a chain of childcare centers across the city.
Never one to rest on her laurels, Fair has also found success as an actress with several TV and film projects under her belt and is co-host of the popular daily show The Brunch Bunch on iHeart Radio’s Inspiration 1390 AM.
Her latest endeavor is a children’s book she wrote with her daughter in mind—co-written with Tonia Evans, The Purple Turtle: Modi’s Magical Adventures.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the versatile entrepreneur to discuss her start in business, her many business endeavors, and her new children’s book.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Tamera Fair?
Tamera Fair: I am a child of God born to serve. I take that mission very seriously and am honored He ordered my steps in that manner. My purpose is to serve in whatever capacity I am needed.
As a child, what did you dream you’d do for a living?
I wanted to be an airline stewardess. I was always mesmerized by them as a child. They were so beautiful and pleasant. It’s strange because now I hate flying. I also dreamed I would be a singer, which was unrealistic since I can’t sing…but my lip-sync game is dangerous!
How did you discover your taste for entrepreneurship?
My Aunt Mary, a serial entrepreneur who raised me, owned several nursing homes, restaurants, and a catering business. She taught me how to answer the switchboard at her catering company at the age of 5. Later on, when I was about 12, she started taking me to big, important international meetings with movers and shakers all over the world. Those meetings made me know at the tender age of 12 that I also wanted to be a mover and shaker.
Please tell us about your chain of daycares and getting started with it.
While attending Fisk University in Nashville for my undergraduate studies, I scouted out the businesses in that region, compared them to those in Chicago, and realized we didn’t have Wendy’s. I asked my aunt to front me 19K so I could acquire a franchise. She refused me and told me to finish school. I was heated! During my junior year, someone opened a Wendy’s on the south side of Chicago. I said then that I would figure out how to fund my next idea. I did just that. My friend’s mom was selling her daycare. She invited me into her business to watch me interact with the kids. She loved me and my professionalism at such a young age. She said, “I want you to buy my business.” With no idea of how I would manage that with no real money, I gave it to God, and he gave me the plan. I asked another aunt for a 10k loan, which she agreed to. And then the rest is history.
Can you talk about your love of acting? Is it something you’ll continue to do more of?
I love acting because being in business and managing people for many years has given me “boss exhaust.” On set, a director, a crew, and many others tell me what to do. It’s a welcome change from managing people to being managed. I also loved learning lyrics to all the songs growing up. It has helped me manage to learn my lines at record speed. In acting, I don’t have to balance a budget and figure out the bottom line costs, fixed or variable costs, etc. All I have to do is bring a character to life and have fun while doing it. I rarely watch myself until the project airs. That’s the perfectionist in me. I can always see what I could have done better. So as not to make myself unnecessarily nuts, I have learned to enjoy the process.
Your latest project is your recently released book, The Purple Turtle: Modi’s Magical Adventures; please tell us about the book and the inspiration behind it.
The book is actually part of a five-book series that chronicles the whimsical adventures of a little girl, Modi, who receives a rare purple turtle. Modi discovers her turtle can talk and perform acts that broaden her perspective into the magical realms of discovery, learning, and development. Grapie, Modi’s pet turtle, introduces her to a vibrant, mythical world filled with unicorns, mermaids, and other enchanting creatures moving through mythical situations designed to enrich the imagination and promote a child’s intellectual, psychological, and emotional growth. Each fascinating new experience in the books broadens a child’s worldview. Modi’s and Grapie’s adventures are relatable to readers of all ages. The wonderment of each experience makes this series transformative and unique!
Originally, the book was an idea. When I say an idea, I don’t mean it was an idea to write a book. It was an invitation to my administrators to create a collective project (web out an idea) dealing with kids and an opportunity for us to combine our vast childcare experience.
Having to juggle your work and various projects and real life and everything else, how do you maintain your mental health and/or self-care?
I start out by giving thanks to God for putting me on the “wake-up list.” From there, I look at whatever tasks/challenges I face in the day. He lets me know early in the morning I’m not alone. My approach is simple: face it head-on and give it my all. I have a to-do list that I work from. As I write down the to-do list, I celebrate each accomplishment as a victory. I celebrate it in silence and move on. Mentally, when things get too much, I take a beat, breathe, and return to it with a fresh start and heart. No matter what, I keep my eye on the goal, and that’s to finish strong. At the end of my day, I trick my mind into thinking I’m on vacation until the next day. I start all over again and enjoy the beauty of what each day brings.
What principles or ideals do you try to abide by in your business dealings?
1. To provide professional service with gold-rated standards.
2. If we have a hiccup doing so, be honest about the mistake and diligent about the remedy.
3. Panic last, think first.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I think people would be surprised to know how much I want them to succeed in life and that I usually genuinely love most people upon meeting them.
Can you name a book that changed or really impacted your life and give a sentence about why?
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer
Best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
T A S K. – Tackle All Situations with a Kick-A$$ attitude. Defeat is not an option. Do it until it’s done.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“Lead with love and land on love!”
What’s next for Tamera Fair?
My perfume launch is next, along with my Book Tour-Seven Cities, in 4 months.
For more information on Tamera Fair, please visit www.tamerafair.com.
The Purple Turtle: Modi’s Magical Adventures is available at all online book outlets. For more information, please visit www.thepurpleturtlemodismagicaladventures.com
