We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Toyia Jackson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Toyia, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I show up as myself. . We must not be scared of our own authenticity. Value proposition is found in uniqueness. Pour into others and be ready to receive. Every room you step in there is an opportunity to do one or the other.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I serve in several areas on various boards. I am the founder of Black Business Women Cry Different and its parent company which seeks to provide resources for women of color and women internationally both personally and professionally driven by media, networking, live events, and education. I am a co-founder of tech start-up Beatify, which is a content streaming service utilizing block chain technology that lets fans contribute to the careers of their favorite musicians in a direct and real way. I am also co-founder of Iconic Choice Management with my husband Siggy Jackson and his father the legendary Jackie Jackson of the Jackson 5. We focus on celebrity and luxury brand management, music licensing, and tv/film production.Our portfolio of companies includes the lipstick line Smile by Shanice and Introspective Design with celebrity interior designer KaNisa Alberto. We are looking forward to our upcoming projects with Yack Shack’s Ceo and Founder Michael Jett who has consulted on retail projects for clients such as Chris brown’s limited edition cereal line. For over 15 years I have been involved in philanthropic efforts. My team is looking forward to the official launch of our non-profit “Thanks to You,” with one of our key initiatives being “Cancer Can’t Have Me.” As the education representative for the neighborhood council for the city of Encino, I am hoping to inspire youth to think outside the box and change the world starting first with their community. As an international business negotiator I believe unity and diversity is a major key to success.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Self care, perseverance, and the ability to pivot. Often times we think of self care as grooming or fashion. Self care often means rest, self forgiveness, healthy eating, and setting appropriate boundaries with yourself and others. Perseverance is essential, there will be many no’s before you get to the right yes. Sometimes you will not realize the yes is not the yes you need until after the fact. Lessons are the real blessings on this journey. With that being said, the ability to pivot when something does not go as planned must be a part of your strategy. The best advice I can give anyone in addition to the previously mentioned tactics includes staying thankful even when it seems impossible to smile, surround yourself with people who want to see you win, remove yourself from people who trigger you in a negative manner, give yourself grace, and love immensely. Have a strategy, not a plan. Never ever give up on yourself.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents taught me to be proud of who I am and embrace people from all walks of life. I credit this to the reason why I can show up as myself everywhere I go. I love diversity. I love learning what makes us different. In addition, they are the reason that I am an avid reader. My punishment as a child was reading books, eventually I began to love it. As a mother I now implement this same tactic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/toyialjackson
- Instagram: toyialjackson
