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Tamara McKenzie

Like for many Bahamians, the pandemic has meant total upheaval for this writer and editor. She tells Cara Hunt about the lessons she’s learned and how she finally found the courage to take that ‘leap of faith’ to start her own business.

Like many hospitality workers, Tamara McKenzie had to get creative when it came to managing her finances during the COVID-19 pandemic. The communications specialist tapped into her natural talents to create a multimedia agency called Power of the Pen. She recently sat down with Tribune Weekend to share some of the lessons she learned from the events of 2020. “For many years I’ve worked as a freelance writer, a professional journalist, a public relations professional as well as an educator,” she explained. “During my off days from my full-time job I would take on various assignments from persons who were looking for professional writing and editing services – from the creation of content for websites and social media pages, to writing political speeches, newsletters, business correspondence as well as offering my services as a professional copywriter and editor. I also took it upon myself to assist a number of small businesses and offer them advice on how best to polish and promote their brand.” While she had previously flirted with the idea of starting her own full-time business, fear always prevented her from moving forward with the idea. “How in the world was I going to step out on a limb, quit my full-time job and do my ‘own thing’ when I have a mountain of bills to pay and various financial responsibilities?

“As far as I was concerned, I had a job and was comfortable with making a steady paycheck while carrying on with my side hustle during my spare time. However, it wasn’t until last March 2020 that something kicked me in the butt to get started with my own business, and that something was the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said. “Out of adversity comes success. Had it not been for this pandemic, the idea of creating a boutique

PR agency and writing service probably would have never come to fruition.”