We had the good fortune of connecting with Tresa Chambers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tresa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I came to the notion of starting my business after years of struggling to navigate a corporate career. I was raised to think that the way to succeed in life was to get a college degree, get a job and keep that job until I retired. Problem was, working in traditional corporate jobs didn’t make me feel successful. Instead, I felt dragged down because while I had many skills to offer, I was put in roles based on what the company needs were, not my interests or passion. My experiences led me to try different roles in several industries, but nothing felt like a fit. One common thread in my corporate jobs is that I found myself drawn to the creatives, innovators and outsiders. I admired them, but I found that they were often undervalued, ridiculed and socially marginalized. Many seemed to internalize the negative perceptions of others which seemed to keep them broke, stereotypical starving artists. So, when I considered the kind of business I wanted to start, I knew that I wanted to work with creative people and to help them get the recognition and the receipts their gifts and talents warranted. Even as I fumbled my way through starting a business and figuring out my business model, working with creative entrepreneurs and artists has kept me motivated and excited about growing a business.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In my business, I focus on helping my clients using business-to-business (B2B) strategies, which sets me apart from typical marketing consultants who have a consumer-focused approach. This means that I work with my clients to help them secure vendor contracts, licensing agreements and other deals that get them bigger long-term payouts than they typically get selling to consumers. I gained experience in B2B marketing strategies working in publishing, technology, higher education and nonprofit industries. This background, along with the recognition that creative talent is driving the economy — think smartphones, NFTs, AI/AR, streaming series, environments for content creators/influencers — has allowed me to combine my skills and experience with my passion to serve creative entrepreneurs. I named my business Tenth Muse because it is about helping people harness all of their creative gifts to bring them to life and share them with the world. I am committed to having a world with #NoMoreStarvingArtists.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I still feel like I’m learning my way around the DFW. I’ve lived here for five years now. I have sought out things to do that would make me feel at home, which includes live music, great food and art and culture. So, a visit from my best friend would mean an evening at The Balcony Club In Lakewood, the Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) downtown, or The Free Man in Deep Ellum. We would dine in at Ellen’s, the Island Spot and Meso Maya, have drinks at the Happiest Hour or Hugo’s Invitados in Irving. If we wanted to grab a quick bite I’d go to Eatzi’s or Central Market. For art and culture, there’s the Southern Dallas Culture Center, the Latino Culture Center, the Bishop Arts Theater Company, the African American Museum at Fair Park, an appointment-only tour of the Dallas Civil Rights Museum, and a trip to Fort Worth to attend a play at the Jubilee Theater. My friends know that they aren’t going to sleep much when they visit me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to the women of the Dallas Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-DFW). They have given me the support, encouragement, motivation and guidance to make me believe in myself and to remind me that I am not alone on the journey of growing a business. They are accomplished business leaders and contribute so much to the community. I never have to look too far to find a role model or mentor who can relate to whatever challenge I face in my business. I’m truly grateful for this community.

Website: www.tenthmuseenterprises.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musewithme/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tresac/

Other: https://thecoachchambers.app/

Image Credits
Tyson Pough Photography (Primary image)

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