Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Rodriguez.
Tamara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Haiti and migrated to the US at the age of nine and have lived in South Florida since! I am a mother of two girls and married to an exceptional man. My multi-faceted life allows me to speak on struggles and successes on finances, leadership, raising multi-ethnic children, and the lasting emotional and physical scars of living with cancer.
My cancer story is unique because it happened to me! But in reality, I am one of thousands of women that diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 35. Although my cancer journey is now a part of my life story, it is what happened after that makes me very proud. I have established a voice in an area that needed a young, diverse, and uplifting voice. Through my books (www.hairtothequeenbook.com), I have been able to inspire families and educators to discuss cancer with children in a different way.
Professionally, I have been working in Accounting and Finance for over 18 years. This experience has been very useful in all accepts of my life, particularly as an entrepreneur.
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?
The most recent obstacle was my cancer diagnosis and how it impacted my capacity to raise my daughters. Writing the books allowed me to focus on something other than my illness and it also gave my family something to work on together. My goal is to have my books in every school in South Florida and that they are integrated into the curriculum – at least in September when they discuss Childhood Cancer Awareness month. It has been a difficult sell because so many people are still not comfortable talking about cancer, sadly.
On a professional level, I have had to combat the stereotypes of being a working mom. I have been passed on for opportunities because there was a perception that I would not be able to rise to the challenge due to the fact that I had a busy home life. Today, I use the vexation to work harder, prove them wrong, and surpass expectations.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
My books have offered many families a tool to introduce cancer to children and in turn change the stigma around the illness. I also collaborate with Baptist Hospital as an ambassador on their breast cancer campaign and speak on multiple panels that focus on health, motherhood, and entrepreneurship. I continue to work in Accounting and Finance for private and family owed businesses. I am currently working on a TV show that I am very excited about.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Everyone defines success differently. For me, it is about establishing my goals and reaching them. I think my best qualities include determination, confidence in my abilities, and practicing an attitude of gratitude on a daily basis.
Pricing:
- My books are $17.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tamarabrodriguez.com
- Phone: 9542531513
- Instagram: @tamarabrodriguez
- Facebook: @tamara.beliard
Image Credit:
Miami Herald for picture of me and the girls
SiNuchi for the pictures at book event and of me holding the Hair to the Queen book
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