Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Kasper.
Tamara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I graduated with a psychology degree back in 2008. My idea was to get real life experience before going back to school to receive my Ph.D. However, 2008 was a recession. While people were losing their jobs, I was trying to find any type of work. I did many miscellaneous jobs and one was auto mechanics. I didn’t expect to fall in love. But, the more I began working on cars, the more I realized, one, I was good at it and two, I enjoyed it. It wasn’t easy working in a man’s field, many ups and downs. However, I just kept taking a step forward. That’s what you do in this world, no matter what happens- step forward.
Eventually, I was gaining side work. I was tired of working in the streets, parking lots, etc, basically any place I can find to work. So, I began renting a shop. My customers kept recommending me to their family and friends and I kept growing.
I moved my shop three times as the customer demands grew. Always feeling like, I am not doing enough, I realized the best way to help people to move into a low economic area to help build and hire the people around the area. Now, here I am with Six13 Shop. A shop focused on helping underprivileged families gain their independence back, an open road and a safe car. Six13 Shop is a nonprofit auto mechanic shop. And we are ready to help.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has definitely been a bumpy road, since the beginning working on cars. But, as a business aspect keeping up with the demand, finances, good help, etc. Every struggle you grow from and learn a better way. We call it growing pains.
Just some are more painful and others.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Six13 Shop story. Tell us more about the business.
We structured our business to help individuals who need a little help getting back on their feet, to gain their freedom, to have safe transportation for them and their family. Building an automotive shop to help less unfortunate is something, we can get up everyday feeling proud. We make a difference.
We work on most makes and models.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Creating a richer economy in the Gulfgate area, moving into a bigger facility with more employees and making more people happy with their safe and dependable transportation.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6702 South Loop E Houston, Texas 77087
- Phone: 7138989049
- Email: firstimpactmatters@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImpactAutomotiveCenter/
Image Credit:
Friends and family
Jill Patir
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
