The Livable Forest®

Tamara Colbert- Journey to Success Interview

Posted on March 22, 2023

Introduce yourself

Hey there! My name is Tamara Colbert, Owner of Peace in a Pod Organizing Solutions. I’m an Accountant by degree and single mom of three. I love helping busy moms Maintain organization and Maximize free time.

Let’s talk about your journey to where you are today. What were some of the biggest obstacles you faced and how did you overcome them?

Biggest obstacle is the inconsistency. Entrepreneurship is new and exciting but has it challenges, especially when there’s no one way to achieve success. I created other offers to supplement income in the down times.

I’m a big believer in work-life balance. How do you manage to stay grounded and connected to your personal life while pursuing your professional goals?

I’ve worked hard to set boundaries in my personal life that has allowed me the space to create for my business. Productivity is key in knowing what your schedule looks like ahead of time so you know what else you can add to your plate.

We often hear about the importance of work-life balance, but it can be hard to achieve in practice. How do you make time for the things that matter most to you outside of work?

My kiddos come first so I have their schedule written down for us all to see. I work backwards from there as what is priority and add accordingly. It also allows me to see the free time I have.

It’s always interesting to hear about the people who have influenced and inspired us. Who are some of the most important role models in your life?

My parents have definitely inspired me. They are complete opposites in their approach les but have the same goals. I was blessed to see both sides of control and relaxed and I think I have a healthy mix of them.

Let’s talk about your values. What are some of the core beliefs that guide your decision-making and actions?

It goes deep as physical clutter affects your mental state so I have to really think about what I really need and want in my space. Most things we do as parents is because it’s what we know and was done to us. Or we may do the complete opposite! Life hit me in the face so I had no choice but to climb myself out and set my own standards.

We all have hobbies and passions that bring us joy and fulfillment outside of work. What are some of yours, and how have they enriched your life?

Well I love to eat and cook so being creative in the kitchen excites me. I love the water as it calms me so taking trips by the water is fulfilling. Spending time with good girlfriends and having adult time is super important. You have to make time to do things you enjoy no matter how small it is, even taking a bubble bath uninterrupted!

Let’s talk about self-care. What are some of the practices or routines you have in place to prioritize your own well-being?

Taking a bath has become a very calming time for me and doing it more consistently to regroup. Making sure my body is taken care of wether it be a massage, pedicure, getting my hair done, etc. Also not overextending myself to be everywhere people want me to be. Taking care of my mental health is priority.

The world can be a challenging place, and sometimes it’s hard to stay positive and focused on our goals. How do you stay motivated and resilient in the face of adversity?

You have to write down your goals so when you’re feeling down or defeated, you can look back at why you started this in the first place. Know that the right people will find you and there will always be a hater. Stay on course and push harder when you have doubts. It’s worth it!

Let’s talk about your upbringing. What were some of the most important values or lessons you learned from your family or community growing up?

Gosh, so many. Definitely having a servant’s heart, extending grace, spreading positivity, and not judging people has been a huge part of who I am today.

As someone who has accomplished a lot in your life, what advice would you give to someone just starting out on their own journey?

Don’t disable yourself! What I mean is don’t think of all the things you don’t have and just start with what you do. Everything is trial and error. Know that you can absolutely change things along the way and that’s your business! If it’s in you, it’s for a reason; so don’t waste it. Someone out there needs you.

As someone who has experienced success in multiple areas of your life, how do you define success for yourself?

Hmm, it’s not monetary for me. That’s more of the cherry on top. Success is knowing that I’ve helped people achieve the purpose we set out for. Success is the free time I get with my kids and for myself. Knowing I can do what I set my mind to.

I’m a big believer in the power of gratitude. What are some of the things you’re most grateful for in your life right now?

Super grateful for mine and my families’ health when this world has been on such a decline for a few years. Grateful I was able to purchase my first home in 2022 and have a successful business that has been in my heart to do. More great things are coming!

We all have moments where we feel like we’re in a rut or not making progress. How do you break out of those patterns and stay focused on your goals?

Go back to why I’m doing this. You have to know nothing is at peak high all the time and use it to your advantage. If you focus on something else you won’t notice it and you’re making progress towards another goal.

Let’s talk about mentorship. Have you had any mentors or advisors who have had a significant impact on your life or career?

Yes, I had a business coach who taught me the ropes of entrepreneurship. Even though it’s different for everyone I learned a lot. She taught me about target audience, niche, how to offer digital products for passive income, and how to market them. My stylist also is a majorly successful businesswoman and entrepreneur and is always dropping gems to me. Having friends who are also entrepreneurs is special because you can help each other stay accountable on your journeys.

Let’s talk about the importance of community. How has your network of friends, family, or colleagues helped support you in your personal and professional growth?

They are so great, always sharing and supporting my business. Not one person in my circle had a negative thing to say. My mom of course had reservations but you have to give grace as they are used to 9-5 jobs and entrepreneurship is new and scary, and I get that. They keep me humble and grounded and their positivity is so appreciated.

As someone who has achieved a lot in your career, how do you handle criticism or setbacks? Can you share an example of a time when you faced a major challenge and how you overcame it?

It’s par for the course but doesn’t make it feel any better, especially when you’re just starting out. It used to bother me but I had to remember my coach telling me the right people will come. If there is backlash, then that’s not my client. And she was right! I just move on to the next person who is ready for my help and not dwell on the negativity or try to win everyone over.

As someone who has achieved a lot in your career, how do you handle criticism or setbacks? Can you share an example of a time when you faced a major challenge and how you overcame it? (copy)

What are some of your future goals and aspirations, both personally and professionally? What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

Hmm, I really want to help more single moms or moms coming out of rehab get back on track with the functionality of their home and personal lives. I have a lot of unique life experience that I believe can help others get out of their own way and be much happier. I hope to leave behind a legacy of kindness and positivity and Never giving up on you.

Lastly, let’s talk about the future. What are some of the biggest challenges or opportunities you see on the horizon, and how do you plan to navigate them?

Not sure of what I’ll face in the future but with God on my side I can overcome anything and I have such a peace about it. Great things are coming my way and I rest easy knowing that.