We were lucky to catch up with Nelda Toñe recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nelda, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome has been a very real part of my journey, especially as a storyteller. The first step for me was recognizing that what I was feeling was imposter syndrome—that gut feeling of not belonging, despite the years of hard work that brought me to where I am.
When those feelings surface, I take a step back and reflect on the journey I’ve been on—the successes, but also the failures that shaped me. I remind myself that both the highs and the lows have contributed to the person I am today. Self-compassion is key here. I make it a point to acknowledge my wins, no matter how small, and even take photos or write about my experiences so I can look back and see how far I’ve come.
Talking to trusted friends has been another crucial part of overcoming these feelings. It’s important to have people you can be vulnerable with, people who remind you of your value.
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparison, but I’ve learned that no one else is like me—and that’s a strength. We each have our unique category, our own space in the world. So, I continue to practice self-compassion and remind myself that I belong, not because I’ve earned it, but because I’ve shown up authentically as myself.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Hi! My name is Nelda Toñe, and I’m a storyteller. I got into this industry because I have a passion for telling inspiring stories. It’s not just about me speaking; it’s about creating a space where others can share their stories too, and let their cultural and life experiences shine. When I first started speaking, I quickly realized something: a lot of people wanted to share their stories, but they did not always know how.
And they feel like they don’t have the experience or they are not famous to do it.
But here’s the thing—you don’t need to be! Everyone has a story, and everyone deserves to tell it in their own voice, in their own words.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just tell my stories—I’ve created a platform where others can tell theirs too. My goal is to make everyone who steps onto my stage feel like a star, with the chance to be heard. And we’re not just telling light, fluffy stories here. We dive into the stuff that matters—the topics people sometimes avoid. Stories about single parenting, racial and cultural differences, mental health, community laws, and even the way history is told (or not told). These stories open up important discussions, the ones that can create real change.
What I’m most proud of is the way I’ve built a space where there’s no discrimination, no bias, no judgment. Everyone is welcome on my stage, and everyone’s story is valued. So, what do I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know? That when you step into my world, you’ll always have the chance to share your story and be heard, because, on my stage, you’ll always be a star.
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?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been courage, persistence, and networking. First, the courage to take that first step. It’s one thing to dream about a goal, but acting on it is where the magic happens. I wasn’t just going to sit around and think about it—I was going to do something about it, and that’s where it all started.
Second, never give up. Believe me, I’ve hit my fair share of roadblocks, and I didn’t always know how I was going to get around them. But I always found a way. Now, I’m not saying you should keep doing the same thing over and over if it’s not working—there’s a difference between persistence and banging your head against the wall! If something isn’t working, take a step back, assess the situation, and try a different approach.
And third—network, network, network! Meeting new people is how you open doors, and those people can help you along your journey in ways you might not expect. Every conversation could be an opportunity.
For those just starting out, my advice is to stay focused but be flexible. It’s okay to shift directions a bit if you haven’t found your niche yet. In fact, when I started, I had four niches in mind, then I narrowed it down to three, and eventually settled on two. Don’t be afraid to explore and figure out what works for you, but once you’ve found your path, stay focused.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always looking for folks to collaborate with! If you’re a podcast producer interested in having an inspiring conversation on your show, I’d love to connect. I’m also looking to work with documentary film directors, event hosts who need a dynamic speaker, and venues that are open to hosting storytelling events. And if you’re putting together a panel and need a speaker, I’m your person!
The best way to reach out is by sending a message through my website or hitting me up on social media. I’m always excited to connect with like-minded people and create something special together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://neldatone.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neldatone/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neldatone
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@neldatone1717
Image Credits
Chris B.
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