Today we’d like to introduce you to Damico and Tamika Bartley.
Hi Damico and Tamika, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself and how you got started.
20 years of marriage and we’re still here. 🙂
About year 7, I was pregnant and my husband was in the beginning of an affair. I wasn’t made aware of the affair until after I birthed my daughter, not even a few months later I was informed that my father was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident.
I didn’t feel like I could rely on my husband so I without hesitation I welcomed an emotional affair. Through God, the Word, counseling, and a really strong support system we overcame together and now we literally can’t stay apart from one another.
In the midst of all of this I journaled in a diary, if not every night, every other night. A few years later God impressed me to transfer my journal into a memoir to share with others. Initially, I was afraid but I quickly recalled the many bookstore visits, audiobooks, ebooks, and just simple writings of articles that I could purchase to help me. I found what I should do, what not to do, but nothing ever affirmed my feelings in the moment, nothing ever told me I was ok or I would be ok, nothing raw and real. So here we are, the memoir, “Cheated”, published and released. Now, the book I needed is out here for someone else who does.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes, smooth as butter…..NOT. AT. ALL.
The struggles; Should I stay? Should I go? Filed for divorce. Recanted the filing. Moved to an apartment on my own. Canceled the apartment. Separated. Got back together.
So, yes, there were plenty of struggles along the way. The moment of truth was in all of my indecisiveness my husband’s mind was made up that he wasn’t going anywhere and he would stay with me until he saw me completely whole and he didn’t care what it took, or how it sacrificed his own being.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Tamika Bartley: Business Owner of Books & Brushes – promote literacy with a read aloud, discussion questions, and canvas painting to align with the theme of the book for children and adults alike.
Co-Founder of For the Culture, Literacy Development – professional development that allows participants to identify, highlight, and embed literature created and written by minorities, while broadening their instructional practices.
Sheldon ISD – Secondary Curriculum Coordinator for middle school in English Language Arts
Author of the memoir, “Cheated”
Damico Bartley: Humble ISD – Principal of Ross Sterling Middle School
JLA – Real Estate Agent for Houston and surrounding cities
Tee Shirt Man – Screenprinting company for t-shirts, team shirts, logos, etc.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Facebook: Damico Bartley
Tamika Bartley
Tee Shirt Man
The Bartley Team @TheBartley Team
Instagram:
@bartley.tamika
@damicobartley
@books_and_brushes_literacy
@fortheculture_literacy
Twitter:
@BartleyDamico
@HumbleISD_SMS
@TamikaBartley
Website:
www.forthecultureliteracy.com
Image Credits
Terrence Jackson (TJ Photography)
