Rising Stars: Meet Tara Holt of Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Holt.

Hi Tara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in East Tennessee to two hardworking, working-class parents who instilled in me the values of perseverance, integrity, and community. My first memory of an entrepreneur wasn’t from a business book or television—it was the “Candy Lady” who lived just a block over from my house. She had a 15-passenger van, and every row was filled with non-perishable candy priced from a nickel to a dollar. You could also buy hot food she kept inside her home. At the time, I just thought it was the coolest thing ever. It wasn’t until years later that I realized she was, in fact, a true entrepreneur. That moment stayed with me.

I spent 21 years in Corporate America at one of the top healthcare companies in the country. Throughout those years, I learned a great deal, acquired invaluable skills, and honed my expertise in leadership, facilitation, and training. But during the last two years of my time there, I began to feel a restlessness. I sensed that there was something more I was supposed to be doing.

I remember transitioning into a new role in 2016 and asking God, “What’s next for me?” I vividly recall Him whispering, “Your next move will be home.” I worked in that role for a year and then transitioned to a 100% remote position. I stayed in that role for six years—working from home, and quietly beginning to explore what else might be out there.

That’s when I started noticing ads on my social media feeds from an organization called *Corner to Corner*. They were promoting their *Academy* program—a 10-week entrepreneurship class designed to help you plan, start, and grow your own small business. I saw those ads for two years before I finally felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit to apply.

I applied. I was accepted. And in Fall 2019, I graduated from the program.

That class changed everything for me. It helped me see how the skills I already had could be monetized, and that’s how *ElevateNow* was born. ElevateNow is a Learning and Development Consulting Firm that offers both soft and technical skill training for small business owners, entrepreneurs, churches, and anyone wanting to sharpen or expand their skill set. What makes us unique is our authentic, people-first approach to learning. We create spaces where individuals feel safe to grow as they build their confidence, credibility, and efficiency in business and life.

Then came 2020—and it was a pivotal year for me both personally and professionally. The pandemic forced the world to pivot, and I found myself in a unique position to help. I partnered with someone I deeply value both personally and professionally to help her convert her entire consulting firm into a virtual platform. Having already worked virtually for several years, I was able to step in with the technical knowledge, instructional design experience, and facilitation strategies needed to make the transition successful.

That same year, my own business saw significant growth. As teams and organizations scrambled to move learning and development online, my skills as a virtual trainer and facilitator became incredibly valuable. I had been doing virtual training long before it was the norm, and 2020 became the year that all of those years of preparation met their moment. It was a strong, foundational year for ElevateNow and solidified the value of what I had to offer.

Still working full-time in Corporate America, I began facilitating classes for the Academy program at Corner to Corner. I loved how the organization was deeply community-driven and how it prioritized the voices of those it served. After that, I took on a part-time role in *Academy Invested*, a micro-loan program that teaches Academy Alumni to become responsible borrowers. It’s a beautiful way to help small business owners prepare for the moment when they’re ready to take on larger bank loans.

Then came 2022—another major turning point. In September 2022, I was accepted into the *Goldman Sachs 100 Million Black Women* program. It was a transformative experience that helped shape and sharpen my entrepreneurial vision. I graduated from the program in November 2022, and I count it among the most powerful adult learning experiences of my life.

Shortly after, I was encouraged to apply for the Operations Director role at Corner to Corner. I prayed, applied, and got the job—with a clear understanding that the Lord was opening a new door. So I jumped. I left Corporate America and joined one of the most purpose-driven nonprofits I’ve ever encountered. I’ve proudly served as the Operations Director since October 2022.

These days, I’m fully living in my purpose. I love my role with Corner to Corner. I’m continuing to grow ElevateNow. And I’m embracing all the lessons and blessings that come with walking in alignment.

My time as a Corporate Trainer and Virtual Facilitator—especially before virtual learning was mainstream—equipped me with a unique and timely skill set. That background helped me serve people in real and practical ways, and I’m incredibly thankful that others began to recognize and value what I brought to the table.

Today, I stand as a testimony to what happens when faith meets action. I’m just getting started—and I’m excited about what’s to come.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Juggling a full-time job and working on my own business is a balancing act. But one that is worth it. Both bring me great joy and satisfaction. It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Two things can be true. Although, I loved my new role as Operations Director at Corner to Corner, It was hard adjusting to the non-profit sector. Although I viewed the non-profit as a business, it was very apparent that resources in my new role weren’t what I had been accustomed to in my former role in Corporate America. I had to tap back into a solution-oriented mind-set and go learn it and make it work. Also, I view it as an opportunity to change the mindsets of some of our neighbors from a fixed to a growth mindset. They can achieve success on their own terms through entrepreneurship.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the Operations Director at Corner to Corner, so I handle all the back end things of the business. I’m know for leading well and being attentive to the needs of our organization and employees. I am proud to work for such an amazing organization who’s mission is to help our community thrive and succeed own their own terms through entrepreneurship. I think what sets me apart is my drive to see others win. Throughout my career I’ve been known as a leader whether I had an official leadership title or not. You don’t have to have a title to lead people and help them see their true potential. I can motivate, invest and inspire from day to day interactions and it doesn’t have to be loud or recognized. Its the everyday interactions and encounters that make the difference. I choose to use every opportunity I can to uplift.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is to see the love of God in action through me and others. I’m people-oriented so I always want to be found doing the right thing for the people I interact with. My family, friends, colleagues, people in general. I want to be a living example of love. There are many influencers in the world today. My biggest influencer is God. I want to live a life that He is pleased with.