Meet Tonya Slater

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

Hi Tonya, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Discovering My Purpose: A Journey from Survival to Empathy

Growing up, I had no concept of “purpose.” Life was about surviving day to day. My childhood held moments of darkness and hardship, ones that shaped and haunted me. My mother, barely more than a child herself, had a past filled with struggles. Yet, she fought to provide for her three children however she could, even as she faced her own battles, enduring abuse and instability. Watching her gave me a front-row seat to survival’s cost and resilience’s strength. But for a child, witnessing such pain took a toll on my spirit and sense of self.

I carried heavy challenges with me, from health and learning difficulties to the sting of family bullying over my appearance. My self-confidence was often fragile. To cope, I developed a sense of control—OCD and perfectionism became my safety nets. But with that came a burden of fear and worry that followed me well into adulthood, often shaping my decisions in ways I didn’t fully understand. Yet, these trials weren’t without silver linings. They quietly nurtured a profound empathy within me, guiding my heart toward those who felt unseen or unheard. This compassion became a kind of strength, an urge to advocate for those who felt voiceless, though I still struggled to fully stand up for myself.

Even as a young girl, my empathy extended to everyone I encountered. Rich or poor, popular or misunderstood, I befriended them. Looking back, I realize I was drawn to those who struggled in their own ways. I knew their pain, and I wanted to be a light for them in whatever small ways I could. This part of me—an unbreakable desire to bring comfort to others—kept emerging, despite the negative voices in my head or around me that often made me second-guess myself.

As I grew, my journey was filled with typical ups and downs, but I became a young mother of three amazing children. Watching them become parents themselves has expanded my understanding of love and fueled my desire to do even more with my life. Recent losses, including my mother and one of my sisters, have been painful reminders of the importance of health and healing, both physically and mentally. When I see people hurting, or our environment in danger, my heart aches, and I feel an unshakable urge to help.

In my early 30s, my world crumbled around me. My 11-year marriage ended unexpectedly. In an instant, everything I knew, everything I had worked so hard for—our business, investments, and, most painfully, our family—was gone. The man I adored and looked up to no longer wanted to be married, and I was devastated. I felt lost, ashamed, and alone, completely broken. But even in that darkness, something inside me whispered to get up, dust myself off, and keep moving. So I did, like a little lost sheep searching for comfort and security. Without realizing it, I was searching for myself.

Several years later, I discovered Louise Hay’s How to Heal Yourself, and it became a pivotal moment for me. Her words resonated deeply: “You must heal yourself before you can help yourself.” This message led me to embark on a journey of healing. I didn’t just stumble upon my purpose—it revealed itself slowly, over time, through the struggles and small victories, through being that young girl with a heart full of empathy and a quiet strength that grew with every challenge.

Ironically, as I sit here, finishing this story and feeling disheartened by the current state of things, a stranger approached me, asking for restaurant recommendations. Our casual conversation turned into a heart-to-heart, and he poured out his struggles—pain from his childhood, the anxiety that shadows him even now. Here I am, realizing again that my purpose has always been seeking me out. I didn’t choose it. My purpose found me.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Harmony Design Studio: Creating Healthier Spaces for a Healthier Community

At Harmony Design Studio, we don’t just design spaces—we create environments that support healthier, happier living. My journey led me to believe that spaces have the power to heal, and this conviction is at the heart of my work. My mission is to transform homes and businesses into sanctuaries that nurture physical and mental well-being, aligning with principles of eco-consciousness and holistic health. With each project, I’m reminded that our surroundings deeply affect our lives and that every detail matters.

The studio has taken an exciting step by partnering with Dr. Jason Mettler, a Naturopathic doctor, to bring community workshops focused on healthier living. Together, we’re on a mission to educate our community on making practical, healthy changes in their spaces, touching on topics like improving air quality, reducing EMFs, and using eco-friendly, chemical-free products. This collaboration allows us to empower others with knowledge that can truly impact their lives.

While, of course, I hope Harmony Design Studio will grow, our true focus is on making a difference in our community. We believe in educating, supporting, and walking this journey with people as they transform their spaces and, by extension, their lives. My faith in Jehovah strengthens this mission, guiding me to serve with compassion and purpose.

In a world that can feel overwhelming and busy, we strive to bring balance and harmony—one space at a time. This isn’t just a business for me; it’s a calling to uplift others and make wellness accessible to everyone. Harmony Design Studio is here to help people heal holistically through their surroundings, giving them a foundation of strength, peace, and health.

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. Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey?

Empathy, Passion, Desire, Courage, Purpose, Curiosity, and a Background in Construction.

Each of these qualities has been instrumental in my journey. Empathy has helped me connect deeply with my clients and understand their needs on a human level. Passion drives me every day, keeping me motivated even when challenges arise. I’ve always had a deep desire to make a difference and a sense of purpose that gives my work direction. Courage has allowed me to push past fears and step outside my comfort zone. My curiosity and eagerness to learn have fueled my growth, constantly asking questions and seeking out knowledge. Lastly, having a background in construction and an inspiring, multitalented mother gave me foundational skills and the confidence to pursue my path in design.

2. What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Starting a business is challenging, but it’s rewarding if you stay focused and true to your purpose. Here are some steps to help:

Don’t let anyone, including yourself, derail you from pursuing what makes you happy. Once you know your passion, learn everything you can about it.

Research your industry and local market. Understand the other businesses around you, especially within a 50-mile radius. This will help you find your niche and know your competition.

Find the right tools and resources to take your business to the next level, and commit to mastering them.

Seek a mentor. Ideally, connect with someone in your industry who is successful and willing to guide you. Mentors can offer invaluable advice and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Ask questions and learn from others. Don’t be afraid to inquire and gather insights. Experiment with what you learn, and implement the approaches that resonate most with you.

Stay focused on your purpose or “why.” Avoid the distraction of “shiny objects.” Remind yourself regularly why you started, and let that drive your actions.

Financial preparation is key. If possible, have savings to support yourself for at least six months. It gives you the freedom to build without immediate financial pressure.

Embrace fear as a companion, not an obstacle. Think of fear as a passenger in your car. It can come along for the ride, but it’s not allowed to control the radio or take the wheel. Healthy fear pushes us out of our comfort zones and into growth.

Embrace failure with the same excitement as a win—it’s one of our greatest teachers. If you chase perfection, you’ll limit your growth. Remember, we’re all imperfect beings, so welcome failure as a stepping stone. Each setback is a chance to adapt, innovate, and find new ways to make your vision work

And remember: Work harder on yourself than you do on your business (Jim Rohn). When you’re doing what you love, it never feels like work.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the past year, my focus has been on self-development. I realized I needed to examine where my mindset was truly anchored: was it on my “why”—my purpose—or was I getting distracted by the pursuit of money and “shiny objects”? I asked myself if I was allowing fear and scarcity to control my actions or if I was setting healthy boundaries with myself and others.

This past year, I took a step back and embraced a new approach through prayer, meditation, and what I call surrendered manifestation. I shifted my focus from chasing financial success to building meaningful relationships. I faced my fears, allowing courage to lead, and learned to be kinder to myself, embracing grace, forgiveness, gratitude, and love. I’ve also learned that it’s not about how fast or hard I push toward my goals but rather the pace and purpose with which I move forward. This perspective has transformed both my life and business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://harmonydesignstudios.com
• Instagram: harmonydesign_studios
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonyastaler
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-slater-b0408338/

Image Credits

Professional Shots by: Kaylene Dabbs
Others by Me