Tamara Barker Watson is an entrepreneur, an award-winning builder, Realtor, and Harley riding mother of two.
I do not let others perceptions of me, define me. Belief in myself and my abilities have made me who I am today. Honesty, keeping my word, displaying a strong work ethic, and communicating clearly are the foundations of my success.
It has long been said that the Newfoundlanders are a hardy breed but being a young girl with a scoliosis diagnosis and a body cast, had me questioning that belief. I found strength and inspiration in observing the no-nonsense business spirit of my mother and in the solid belief held by my father that his three girls were as capable as any man. My parent’s faith in me created a strong belief in myself and my abilities.
Leaving Newfoundland to attend university, my parents were still the first people I thought to call when I wanted to share an achievement or when I encountered a seemingly insurmountable problem. They were there to ask the right questions, offer support, and guide me to my own conclusions.
While in university, I developed an interest in housing, becoming a realtor. Now I do everything from landing acquisitions to overseeing construction projects, negotiating contracts, scheduling, and budgeting. Passionate about eco-friendly and energy-efficient living, I created Whitestone Building and Renovations, one of the first green companies on the local construction scene. I have been building and designing homes in Halifax, since 1995. My success with Whitestone spun off into other companies including two landholding companies and a storage facility.
Each day I get up and jump out of bed because I can’t wait to get to the job site to watch the process of a homecoming to life and feel the excitement of my clients. I am not just building houses; I create homes for friends. I don’t believe in work-life balance because as an entrepreneur, when you find more free time, you fill it with work because you #lovewhatyoudo and see it as a lifestyle, not a job.
Today, ranking as one of Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneurs, I hope to inspire other ladies to look at entrepreneurialism as more than just a dream.” It can be a way of life if you just believe.”
