FOX23 Behind the Business: Local mother empowers women to create professional life of their dreams | News

TULSA, Okla. — A local entrepreneur and mother is taking it upon herself to create a space within the executive and administrative industry for women. 

Tara Payne, Founder and CEO of Mavens Meet, said she started her business out of necessity during COVID-19 as a way to bring in income without having to leave the house. 

Mavens Meet coaches women to be virtual and administrative assistants and matches them with founders, CEOs, and businesses to provide assistance. 

“I thought ‘What did I already have to bring money into the home?’ After starting, I got a part time job at 36 Degrees — now Gradient. There, networking led to me having a high number of clients and needing to connect people to others,” said Tara. 

Tara took her idea to a pitch competition with Build in Tulsa and the rest is history. 

She said Mavens Meet is geared towards Black women and other women of color, however this is not by design. 

“Not by design, no; we welcome all women. Our mission is to leverage the powers of connection and education to help scaling CEOs and struggling solo-founders find their right-fit teammates,” Tara said. “Also, to help administrative professionals to leverage their skillset and safety.” 

While there are many similar businesses sprouting through Tulsa through accelerator programs, co-working spaces, and initiative programs, Mavens Meet is different and especially unique to the fabric of Tulsa. 

“It’s a double-sided marketplace,” Tara said. “While we do market to women in Tulsa to have the opportunity to work administratively, we provide mediation, [and] we provide professional development on both sides.” 

Tara said her goal for Mavens Meet is to help 1,000 moms create a stream of income that allows them to live a life they want and deserve. Her other goal is to foster community. 

“As a Black and Native woman, community is at the heart of everything I do. No man is an island,” Tara said. “Our goal is to include the community, which includes the individual. My goal is to impact the community by impacting the individual.” 

Tara described what it means to be a Maven, citing authenticity as a top skill.  

“Innovative, collaborative, to be appreciated for the expertise that you bring,” Tara said. “[Being a Maven is] to be authentic.” 

If you’re interested in learning more about Tara or Mavens Meet, or if you know someone who is gifted administratively and think they would like to know more, Tara said they’re looking for more people. 

Mavens Meet holds monthly meet-ups every fourth Monday. The next scheduled meet-up is on June 23. 

Mavens Meet is also looking to expand to support organizations as well as individuals. 

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