Breaking Free: How Tamika Carlton Built Her Dream Business from the Ground Up

When Tamika Carlton found herself stuck in the corporate world in 2018, she knew something had to change. Like many professionals, she felt constrained by others' expectations and unable to fully utilize her talents. But unlike most, she took the leap into entrepreneurship – a decision that would eventually lead her to multiple appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show and the creation of a thriving relationship coaching business.

From Frustration to Innovation

Carlton's journey began with a personal need. While dating her now-husband, she noticed a gap in the relationship support landscape. "Everyone thought we had this amazing relationship," she shares, "but the reality was we were struggling through real-life situations." Unable to find the right kind of support – someone who wasn't a therapist but could offer guidance without the bias of friends or family – she decided to become that resource for others.

The Reality of Entrepreneurial Success

But success didn't come overnight. Carlton is refreshingly honest about the challenges of building a business: "You have to sacrifice entertainment. You have to sacrifice friends. You have to sacrifice time that you normally spend doing other great fun things." She emphasizes that passion must drive your entrepreneurial journey because money alone won't sustain you through the difficult times.

Her approach to gaining visibility is equally authentic. While many rely on PR companies, Carlton found her greatest success through personal outreach. Her appearances on Oprah came from sharing genuine stories and experiences – a testament to the power of authenticity in business.

Building a Holistic Relationship Empire

Today, Carlton's business encompasses more than just romantic relationship coaching. Through Tamika Carlton LLC and Couples Experience, she offers:

• One-on-one relationship coaching for both romantic and platonic relationships
• Luxury couples retreats
• Quarterly subscription gift boxes
• Comprehensive relationship resources

Her message is clear: all relationships matter. Whether professional, romantic, or platonic, understanding how to navigate relationships is crucial for success in every area of life.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those considering entrepreneurship, especially young people, Carlton offers valuable insights:

• Find mentors and role models you can learn from
• Be willing to learn continuously
• Don't expect to be the smartest person in the room
• Start young if you can, but seek support
• Remember that success requires consistent effort over time

As Carlton puts it, "Entrepreneurship is like cooking a big, delicious meal. You might not want to do all the prep work, but the end result is worth it."