What is your name, age, and location?
Tammy Camp, 31, San Francisco, CA.
What is your profession?
Tech Entrepreneur and Interactive Marketing Executive.
What did you study in school and what degrees do you have?
I hold a Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies in Film and Audio Production.
What was your first job?
I started my first company while I was a senior at University. I’ve never had a “real” job per se as I have always been my own boss.
Who or what inspired you to break into your current line of work?
The “siren of serendipity” played a big part in what really made me break into my current line of work. Most successful entrepreneurs put themselves in situations to “get lucky.” While I think there is absolutely no luck in success, yet hard work, I do think that being in the thick of things and connecting with people increases your chances of being at the right place at the right time.
Name/describe what has been your most rewarding project so far?
My most rewarding project thus far was my successful crowdfunding project of the first ever crowdfunded Kiteboarding World Record Setting adventure. Not only did my community want to see me do this, I used ground-breaking technology to prove that it could be done. I never knew that my online community was so extensive. My executive producers included John Ferber who founded Advertising.com, who exited to AOL Time Warner in 2006 and also, New York Times Best Selling Author, Tim Ferriss. The Kiteboarding World Record was just icing on the cake.
Name/describe one incident when being a woman has helped your career?
Well, being in an industry that has about 25% women can be a bit intimidating at times. Fortunately, my personality always shines through. I think it is more accepted for a woman to walk up and start having a conversation with anyone rather than a man walking up to someone cold and start having a chat.
Name/describe one incident when being a woman has hindered your career?
Being a woman in technology can be a bit rough when it calls for respect. Sometimes I feel like I have to work twice as hard to gain credibility in certain communities. It can be frustrating at times, but I just brush it off and plow through.
Who is your role model or mentor (alive or dead)?
Ani Difranco. She has been my role model since University. I just love how she built her record label her own way. She is such a talented musician, entrepreneur, activist, individual.
If you could give one piece of advice to a woman starting out in your field, what would it be?
Be tenacious, don’t take yourself too seriously, approach things with an open heart, and put yourself around those with similar minds.
Links:
– Interview by Elena Rossini
