Meet Tresa Chambers of Tenth Muse Enterprises in Delray Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tresa Chambers.

Tresa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I relocated to South Florida from New York, I had spent the previous five and a half years working in the tech industry as a marketer. At the company where I worked, I had three experiences which led me to start my own business. First, in my role as a brand marketer, I became the liaison between the user experience (UX) team, the marketing team, and the developers.

As I worked to build the company’s brand identity, it became clear to me how vital great designers, great artists are to creating products that customers want. Secondly, the first manager I reported to was laid off, and I was now being supervised by someone based in California. I only saw her in person a few times a year, and we worked effectively despite being remote. This was the experience that many of my colleagues had, and we were almost universally high performers. I got a real sense of autonomy that fueled my ultimate decision to start a business.

Finally, I became an inventor. This was the most affirming experience I have ever had about my ability to turn ideas into real products that have value in the marketplace. When I was laid off from the same job that had given me all of this insight, I wasn’t sure what I would do next. However, I also had a passion to support artists, a desire that had been strengthened after running an arts-based literacy program in Miami for nearly three years in the early 2000s.

I loved being in a position to support artists, and I learned about the amount of funding available that goes unclaimed simply because people don’t apply. So, I set out to start a business to help artists figure out their goals, develop strategies and get funding. I soon realized that it is not only artists but also other creative entrepreneurs who need and want this sort of help. Tenth Muse Enterprises became that vehicle to help creative entrepreneurs and artists find and connect with their audience by finding the resources to fund their ventures.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I really love doing all of the activities related to building a business. It creates so much opportunity to learn and grow as a person. However, all those activities don’t translate into money. I have struggled to learn to manage my time in a way that I put most of my time and energy into the work that is profitable. This realization led me to shift the direction of my business so that I focus on the work that uses my greatest expertise, which is writing, editing and coaching others on their writing.

Once I began to focus this way, I also overcame the other big challenge I had: asking people for money to pay me for my services. When you don’t have a product, it’s easy for people to diminish the value of your work. However, when I began to count the number of hours I had spent acquiring the expertise that I have and the amount of money I had invested, it became clear that I couldn’t give my services away.

On top of that, I was talking to a dear friend who I met in the process of building the business one day, and he told me, “Tresa, you shouldn’t open your mouth unless someone is paying you to do it.” He was serious. It was jarring to hear such advice, but he was also letting me know that my words, the knowledge I have accumulated over the years, was worth something.

I had worked in corporate America for decades, and because I knew my check was coming bi-weekly, without fail, it was easy to be free with sharing ideas with my colleagues. I was being paid for that time and the ideas I shared. I realized that my friend was right. I had to get paid for what I shared.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Tenth Muse Enterprises – what should we know?
My primary work is helping others create high-quality content. Writing, editing and coach others on their writing. I work with nonfiction authors, entrepreneurs, and businesses who need to craft stories that connect with their audiences. I also consult with those same customers about strategies that will help them reach their audiences and build their brands in the process.

Much of my professional experience was acquired in New York City at top global media and publishing companies that are household names. The standards of quality and skill that these businesses require to work and to succeed are very high. I worked with leaders of these organizations for nearly 20 years. I also spent 6 years working in technology, and I even invented a product for one of the companies where I worked.

My formal education includes a bachelor’s degree in French, and graduate degrees in Advertising/PR and Publishing Management. I bring all of this experience and learning to my business. Because much of my experience is B2B, meaning I have developed ideas that help companies sell their products to other companies, this is the thinking I bring to Tenth Muse Enterprises.

How do you find customers who will buy your product in bulk?

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I realize that many people start a business for a big payoff really quickly. I understand that I am in this for the long-term and because I had no background as a business owner, it’s like I’m starting elementary school again. I have to get the foundation down before I can advance.

I do recognize that I have certain gifts, talents, and skills that will allow me to advance at my own pace, but gaining the experience and having good teachers all go to my ultimate success. I am a good student and learner, and I have a lot of patience. I think those qualities are critical to success.

Pricing:

• Business Consultation – $250/hr
• Coaching – $1000/month
• Editing – based on project
• Workshops – $2500 half-day/$4000 full-day, plus expenses

Contact Info:

• Website: tenthmuseenterprises.com
• Phone: 646.606.4041
• Email: TenthMuse@outlook.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musewithme/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tenthmuseenterprises/?ref=br_rs
• Other: tresachambers.com

Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.