Fairygodboss of the Week: Tata Tickaradze
Tata Tickaradze is a master of innovation. The entrepreneur says she started being a businesswoman at five years old, when she started selling her parents' home goods at the corner of her street in her hometown Tbilisi, Georgia. A year later, her family moved to the United States in the pursuit of the American Dream.
Over the course of her career, Tickaradze has held over 40 jobs across industries. She says her job hopping was something she was ashamed of until she realized the amount of knowledge and experience she possesses. That unique experience led her to where she is today — fulfilling her professional dreams as the successful Founder of Barter & Be, a curated membership directory that matches female entrepreneurs and creatives who can exchange essential goods and services without utilizing capital to allow their small businesses to thrive.
Recently, Tickaradze shared her journey to successful entrepreneurship and what she's learned about making her dream business concepts a reality. She also shared where she draws inspiration, how she unwinds and her best career advice for women no matter where they are on their career path.
Fairygodboss of the Week: Tata Tickaradze
Founder, Barter & Be
Los Angeles, CA
Tell us a little about your career. How did you get where you are now?
I created Barter & Be about three years ago, in 2018, out of my own necessity. In 2016, I made a huge jump from the corporate world to the freelance world. It was nice controlling my own schedule, but finding business and building a digital presence came with a price tag that I couldn't always afford. I thought to myself: Could I trade my skill set to get the things I need for my business to succeed?
I started asking that same question in my creative network and I was met with great response. So, I started to trade my services for the things I needed, like graphic design, a website, copywriting, and legal and accounting work. Within a few months, I had the things I needed for my social media agency, To The Moon Social, to succeed. I felt I had solved a huge problem that most small business owners encounter when starting their own businesses. At that moment, I knew I could help others by building a platform to connect like-minded creatives so they can trade their essential goods and services without utilizing capital.
What's an accomplishment that you are proud of?
Building an online community of female creatives and entrepreneurs to help grow their businesses through trade and collaboration. Helping others build the business of their dreams has truly been my biggest accomplishment.
What's a challenge that you've faced and overcome?
I think everyone has a great business idea at some point in time, but actually taking that idea and materializing it is always a challenge. For me, I knew I had a great idea, but executing that idea came with a handful of challenges. The only way to overcome these business challenges is to learn all the aspects of your business and to not to rush the process. Be nice to yourself through the process and do your homework. There is no shortcut to success.
What's the No. 1 career tip that you'd like to share with other women?
Your idea or concept isn't crazy — just start.
Who is your Fairygodboss? Why?
My sister, Nina Tickaradze. She's a BOSS and a fearless one. I think a lot of my entrepreneurial spirit comes from her and our parents.
What do you do when you're not working?
When I'm not working, I'm enjoying time with family and friends or connecting with nature — all of which really fuels me to keep pushing forward and working harder.
If you could have dinner with one famous person — dead or alive — who would it be?
100% Audrey Hepburn because of her grace, kindness and talent.
What's your karaoke song?
"The Power of Love" by Céline Dion.
What's your favorite movie?
"Something's Gotta Give."
What book would you bring with you on a deserted island?
"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain.
What's your go-to self care activity?
A long shower, mask, tea and watching "Friends."
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