03: Starting Over and Taking Big Risks with Tamika Stidham

Traveling to new places is the dream of many people, but we are so hesitant to take risks. As women, we usually sacrifice for our families to the point that we can’t explore like we want. Join us to meet today’s inspiring guest who has taken the leap to leave familiarity behind and live an amazing life in Europe!Tamika Stidham is an acquisitions professional by day and a Curvy Haute Curator by night. Overriding all her endeavors is her love of traveling the world, meeting new people, and exploring new places. You’ll hear Tamika’s inspiring story of leaving her humble homebody life in Cleveland behind–with no regrets and no looking back. Show Highlights:Tamika’s life in Stuttgart, Germany, and why she was inspired to leave Cleveland and explore the worldHow Tamika handles travel in Europe by car, plane, and train, finding it very inexpensive and affordableHow she navigates language barriers and cultural differencesWhy she tries not to be the “ignorant American” in her communicationWhat it was like to pack up and leave her family and country behindWhy black people are characteristically hesitant to leave family and take new risks and opportunities in new placesHow she has found her “tribe” since moving to Stuttgart in early 2021 and learned to be intentional and communal in forming new relationshipsAmong Tamika’s favorite places visited are in Greece: Mykonos, Crete, Corfu, and the Paxi islands; another favorite area is the Champagne region of FranceLife lessons learned by Tamika include:“Don’t allow fear to get in the way.”“Be open to the unknown and try new things.”“Enjoy the beauty of where you are–wherever you are.”Tamika’s online boutique, Curvy Haute Designs–and how she runs it to help other womenResources:www.prettyhautedesigns.com   InstagramStay tuned for Tamika’s travel and lifestyle blog coming soon at _hautegirltravels.