Meet Tonya Cross

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tonya Cross. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tonya below.

Hi Tonya , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

I simply embraced the fact that “I’m That Girl”! However, it has taken a lot of work to get to and maintain this point of view of myself. I challenge negative thoughts by reminding myself who I am and whose I AM. I don’t identify as religious, but spiritual. My divine connection with God keeps me on course of my purpose and destiny. I also reflect on my personal and entrepreneurial accomplishments. I remember where I’ve been and how far I have come. This gives me the strength and courage to be all I’ve been called to be.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a creative spirit that enjoys making things by hand! My handcrafted fashion accessory brand Accented Glory is how I express myself creatively. My specialty is cowrie shell and African print designs. My pieces include hair accessory, jewelry, and handbag designs. My designs have been featured on Essence, Refinery29, and Good Housekeeping as Amazon and Etsy finds.

Over the years I’ve learned a thing or two about running a handmade business and now I coach fellow creative women entrepreneurs through my coaching brand Strategypreneur™. Strategypreneur™ is a term that I have coined for an entrepreneur who maps out a plan for success. I show my clients how to gain organic online brand visibility and start converting followers into customers.

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?

Being Face of My Brand – I received this great business advice from my oldest daughter who’s a business consultant. She told me to stop hiding behind my logo and let my audience know who I am! When I stepped outside my comfort zone and did it I saw a big shift in my confidence and business sales. I realized people buy from individuals they resonate with.

Marketing Through Relationships – Collaboration and partnerships has been a game changer for both of my brands! As an accessory designer my network has had a positive impact on my networth. I’ve collaborated with several individuals and businesses that serve my target audience and its been a win-win for all involved. I’ve received several referrals for my coaching services from fellow women entrepreneurs within this network as well. All of my business besties have mentioned my name in many rooms of opportunity and I’ve done the same for them. We all understand that we can go so much further collectively than alone!

Being My Genuine Self – Real knows real. I’m so glad that I’m the same person on and off line, so going live on social media, creating videos, or reels is not a task. It’s simply having a conversation with friends who happen to be my a part of my target audience. My audience accepts and welcomes me as I am!

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m always looking to expand my network! Right now I’m specifically looking to partner with museum gift shops and high end brick and mortar boutiques. I want to expand into these type of retail settings. My designs have both an Afrocentric and boho chic vibe. My cowrie shell designs perfectly accent both design styles.

I have also added small batch wholesale to my services! So, I’m looking to connect with individuals who are looking for fashion accessory designs for bridal parties, girl trips/retreats, swag bags, subscription boxes, and client gifts. Anyone interested in stocking my designs or small batch wholesale can email me at tonyacross@accentedglory.com.

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