We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Antoinella Peterkin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Antoinella , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
My confidence came from me realizing that Ive been fly my whole life. From a child til now I’ve always had a different style of fashion and a smile that could light up any room . It was in high school that I was always remembered as the girl with all the colors . Even still from
colleagues to my students I am always awarded compliments on my daily outfits and as one of my babies said yesterday “You have a great fashion style “ . My self esteem is something that I have worked on over the years because although I was confident in my fashion ability sometimes I didn’t always feel beautiful . I created my program FAME Design Program to help young ladies like myself who may need those extra affirmations , that boost of self esteem to push them beyond their own limitations . I guess you can say we are growing together and in true teacher form I pour into them and they pour into me as well.
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?
When you do what you love you will never work another day !!! My name is Antoinella Peterkin and I am a serial entrepreneur. I find a need that most people have and I work on a plan to fulfill that desired need. For example during the pandemic I saw small businesses who needed an affordable contactless delivery method for their customers . So in true entrepreneurial fashion I created a delivery service that catered to the needs of small businesses . Where some believed the pandemic was a setback for them ; it actually had become a creative outlet for me. In February 2020 I had taken a 5 week DJ course as a new hobby to elevate my fashion show production career. I had no idea that it would turn into my new lifestyle and one of my favorite things to do . In the walls of my studio apartment with practice and virtual opportunities DJ Tuturella was born and I haven’t looked back since . My last Covid creative come up was my braid removal business where I assist customers who don’t have the time , patience or desire to take their own hair out . Most braiding shops and hair salons don’t offer this service so once again I saw a desired need I made a plan to fill it . Lately I have been working on a plan to help connect all my talents together and teach the youth in my city how to find their passion . I have decided to make my Beauty on the Beat conference an annual event where we practice the skills of DJing , makeup artistry , fashion design and runway etiquette. Lookout for more details on this event happening Friday October 18,2024.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1.) Your network is your networth. This saying is so true and the power of networking is such a blessing especially for those businesses just starting out . I am a firm believer of continue to do the work and network with the right people in the right spaces for your businesses . Work hard until you work into rooms and no longer have to introduce yourself . Let your business , character and work ethic speak for you .
2.) Get a mentor in the business . Whatever career path you may decide to take it is important to get a mentor in that field . For example if you want to be a chef find someone in that industry willing to mentor you and allow you to shadow them , ask questions and guide you along your journey .
3.) Collaboration over Competition. Find likeminded people who are passionate about the same things as you . Create ideas , events , and opportunities for you to pull your resources together and learn from one another . I am a firm believer that the only competition I have is the version of myself that I want to elevate ; that person that I look in the mirror and say Go Harder !!!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am looking to collaborate with people who are passionate about their craft and development of the youth in our community . Looking for grant writers and financial advisors for non profits . Looking for women in the fashion and arts industry that are willing to be mentors , speakers and change agents for the young ladies I work with . I am looking for Beauty salons and braiding shops that could use assistance for or provide a reference to their clients that desire a hair take down service . Lastly I am looking for new businesses (cafes , lounges , coworking spaces , etc) that want to draw in a crowd and could use a DJ to do so . Let’s talk about some creative ideas you may have for your space . If you check out in any of these categories I would love to connect . My email is [email protected] . My Instagram is queen_tu_royalty . Feel free to contact me so we can get to work !!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queen_tu_royalty?igsh=MTEyb2w0ZTZ2eGcxYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://linktr.ee/thequeensempire29?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabOvV1pLBV6WDYtEsGtVXCb03wkBvNFlfa4n1BRc2LztcyDdPLvS72OUqs_aem_wAS1LA8BtYwR358EEG8dgw
Image Credits
Photographer : Mykia James
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
