Meet Tionna Gill

We were lucky to catch up with Tionna Gill recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tionna, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

My journey to discovering my purpose has been deeply influenced by both of my parents. My mother was raised in a small town called Franklin, VA, and I learned from her that it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. Coming from a single-parent household, she overcame numerous challenges, graduating from Virginia Union University on full academic and athletic scholarships. My mom lost her own mother at a young age, but my grandmother had enough time to instill in her strong Christian values and morals, such as treating people how you would want to be treated. My work ethic stems from my grandmother, who worked every day as long as she stayed healthy, until she eventually fell ill. Her dedication to hard work, kindness, and faith left a lasting impact on me. My father, in particular, was my biggest advocate, always telling me that I had what it took to become an entrepreneur. Through countless heartfelt conversations, he instilled in me the importance of believing in myself, even when the road ahead seemed uncertain. Together, they taught me the power of hard work, faith, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. Their constant encouragement was a guiding light, and it was through these conversations that I began to understand the power of pursuing a path aligned with my passions and values.

I am resilient, as both my parents came from humble beginnings. My dad was from Churchill in Richmond, VA, and my mom is from Franklin, VA. Watching my parents for decades give back to the community deeply shaped who I am. They donated a community center called the Charles and Wanda Gill Center to ensure inner-city kids had valuable resources to succeed. My dad, the youngest of seven children, often spoke about coming from humble beginnings, wearing hand-me-down clothes, and how his parents did the best they could. Despite the challenges, he achieved success, and that story always inspired me.

In 2021, I lost my father, and it was the most heart-shattering experience I have ever been through. I lost my biggest advocate, my supporter, and my greatest inspiration. But through this grieving and immense loss, I found purpose in Shielded & Blessed Cosmetics. My dad had always pushed me to pursue something I loved doing, knowing that when you follow your passion, it never feels like work. That’s when I started making homemade shea butter products, including body butter, body scrubs, and lip balms.

I began sharing my products with family and friends, and the response was overwhelming. People loved the quality, the natural ingredients, and most importantly, the love and care I put into each batch. That was when I realized that Shielded & Blessed Cosmetics was more than just a business—it was a way to honor my father’s legacy and continue the values he instilled in me.

My father always believed in giving back, and I wanted my business to reflect that. Shielded & Blessed Cosmetics is not just about skincare; it’s about self-care, confidence, and empowerment. I aim to provide high-quality, handmade products that nourish the skin while also encouraging people to embrace their natural beauty. Each product is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of belief—belief in oneself and in the purpose God has for each of us.

Starting this business in the midst of grief gave me a sense of healing and direction. I realized that my dad’s encouragement, his life lessons, and his unwavering faith in me were preparing me for this moment. Shielded & Blessed Cosmetics represents everything my father stood for: perseverance, generosity, and faith. Through my products, I want people to feel not just physically nourished, but spiritually uplifted, knowing that they, too, are shielded and blessed.

I am also deeply motivated to leave a legacy for my niece and future children. Since she was just three years old, my niece has shown an interest in helping me make products for Shielded & Blessed. Without ever asking her, she is always so excited to assist me in any way she can. Her curiosity and joy in what I do inspire me to keep moving forward, and I hope to instill in her the same entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic my parents instilled in me. My purpose now is not only to build a business, but to create a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations to be strong, resilient, and true to their passions.

Finding my purpose wasn’t an easy path, but it has been one of great meaning. My grief over losing my dad has been immense, but through Shielded & Blessed Cosmetics, I have found healing and a way to honor his memory. My purpose is deeply tied to the values of love, faith, and resilience that my parents passed down to me. This is not just a business—it is a reflection of the legacy I want to leave behind, not only for my family but also for the community I serve.

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?

As the visionary founder and CEO of Shielded & Blessed Cosmetics, I lead with passion and purpose, creating high-quality, handmade skincare products using raw shea butter and mango butter. My mission is to inspire others to embrace glowing, healthy skin while spreading the gospel, as I’m led by God to remind people that if they trust Him with their whole heart, they will be shielded and blessed. The most exciting aspect of this journey is that I’m at a point in my life where I trust God more than ever to guide me, and I am walking in faith as He leads me to new heights.

Shielded & Blessed Cosmetics has recently received our trademark registration, marking a significant milestone in our brand’s growth. Additionally, we have officially structured our business as an LLC taxed as an S-Corp, reinforcing our commitment to long-term success and scalability. As we continue to innovate, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our homemade roll-on body fragrance oils, which will be available in April 2025. We’re also actively seeking opportunities to be featured in retail stores globally, expanding our reach and sharing our message of faith and empowerment with a wider audience.

My goal is to not only offer products that nourish the skin but to create a brand that inspires confidence, faith, and self-care. Through Shielded & Blessed, I’m creating a legacy of empowerment, and I can’t wait to see where this journey will take us next.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Through my journey to create Shielded & Blessed Cosmetics, I’ve learned that life is a series of moments that shape who we become. Along the way, three essential qualities have guided me—resilience, faith, and entrepreneurial vision—each of which has helped me navigate challenges, fuel my passion, and build a brand that reflects my values and purpose.

1. Resilience & Faith

Resilience and faith have been the most impactful qualities on my journey to Shielded & Blessed Cosmetics. These qualities have shaped who I am as a person and as a business owner. Resilience, combined with faith in God, has helped me overcome obstacles and continue pursuing my passion, even through difficult times. My entrepreneurial vision has allowed me to build a brand that not only reflects my values but also inspires others to trust in their own journey.

Advice: To develop or improve resilience and faith, I encourage people to stay grounded in their values and beliefs. It’s important to trust in a higher power and remain committed to your purpose, even when things get tough. Remember that resilience is not about avoiding setbacks, but about bouncing back stronger each time. Also, be kind to yourself in moments of difficulty—embrace those moments as opportunities for growth.

My grandpa, in particular, taught me the importance of living fully in the present moment. He would always say, “All we have is one day.” That simple yet profound statement serves as a constant reminder that life is fragile and fleeting. People often get caught up worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, but my grandpa’s words remind me to embrace the here and now. One day is all we are truly given, and how we choose to live it defines everything.

2. Entrepreneurial Vision & Innovation

Building Shielded & Blessed Cosmetics was a result of my entrepreneurial vision. I saw an opportunity to create something meaningful—something that could touch people’s lives while also honoring my father’s legacy. Starting this journey required me to be innovative, to think outside the box, and to develop products that aligned with my values of faith, resilience, and empowerment.

Advice: To develop or improve your entrepreneurial vision, take time to dream big and get clear on your passions. Surround yourself with people who can inspire and challenge you. Don’t be afraid to think differently or take risks, because innovation often comes from the courage to try something new. Stay connected to your purpose and let it guide your decisions. Believe in your vision, even when others might not see it right away.

3. Marketing & Customer Engagement

Connecting with my customers and building a community around my brand has been vital in growing Shielded & Blessed Cosmetics. I’ve made it a point to not only offer high-quality products but also to encourage people to walk in faith, trust God, and embrace self-care. It’s about building relationships with people and inspiring them, not just selling a product.

Advice: To develop your marketing and customer engagement, always be authentic and stay true to your values. Customers connect with real, genuine stories. Share yours, and let them know what drives your passion. Build a community by listening to feedback and making people feel valued. Use social media to engage in meaningful conversations and create spaces where people feel comfortable connecting with you and your brand.

In addition to these qualities, my grandpa’s wisdom about living in the present moment has become a guiding principle in both my personal and professional life. His words, “All we have is one day,” are more than just a saying—they are a powerful truth. As you move forward in your own journey, remember to focus on today. Live each day with intention, walk in faith, and trust that every step you take will bring you closer to your purpose. Life is short, and one day is all we truly have—make it count.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

The ideal client for Shielded & Blessed Cosmetics is truly anyone with skin looking to improve it—because radiant, nourished skin is for everyone. Our products are carefully crafted for those who want to prioritize self-care while using high-quality, natural ingredients that work with the skin, not against it.

We cater to individuals who are seeking hydration, glow, and protection for their skin—whether they struggle with dryness, irritation, or simply want to enhance their natural beauty. Shielded & Blessed Cosmetics is for those who appreciate the benefits of raw, organic ingredients like shea butter and mango butter, knowing that what they put on their skin matters just as much as what they put into their bodies.

Beyond skincare, our brand resonates with those who believe in walking in faith, embracing their journey, and trusting in God’s plan. Our mission goes beyond beauty—we aim to inspire confidence, encourage self-love, and remind people that when they trust Him wholeheartedly, they are truly Shielded & Blessed.

Whether you’re someone looking for deep hydration, a smooth and even complexion, or an all-natural approach to skincare, Shielded & Blessed Cosmetics is here to help you achieve healthy, glowing skin—while uplifting your spirit along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shieldedandblessed.com
• Instagram: @shieldedandblessed
• Facebook: Shielded & Blessed Cosmetics