We recently connected with Tohni Jean Bellis and have shared our conversation below.
Tohni, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
Born from the compassionate legacy of my father, our family business became a refuge for Haitian families facing language barriers. With my siblings, I translated letters and documents, extending a helping hand to those in need. Community support was ingrained in our upbringing, from feeding locals to my mother’s efforts in empowering women through garment design and payment plans.
This ethos inspired the Homestyle Decorators Decor Charity Drive, where we accept donations of home decor to aid anyone, especially women seeking fresh starts. Join us in spreading kindness and building brighter futures.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a lifestyle designer, realtor, entrepreneur, a wife of renowned attorney Richard Bellis, and mother to two wonderful boys, family and sisterhood are my pillars of strength, fueling my journey as a businesswoman. With a passion for helping others create attainable luxurious living & interior spaces, I founded Homestyle Decorators, dedicated to bringing the resort lifestyle into every home.
Our mission is to transform your space into the ultimate staycation at home, also with our HSD resort home decor collection available online and through various retailers. Inspired by my Caribbean upbringing filled with artisan gems, sustainable luxury like palm leafs, sea shells, antiques and vintage treasures, I curate unique finds and craft beautiful pieces.
Through my lifestyle journal at Tohnistyle.com, I share insights into living beautifully, a dose of luxury column alongside hosting crafting classes at Michaels Arts & Crafts for fellow enthusiasts. Join me on a journey of luxury, joy, and Haitian cuisine – a true reflection of my heritage and passions.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? 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?
Stay true to yourself; embrace diverse perspectives and surround yourself with kindred spirits. Eliminate negativity and cultivate bravery and self-compassion on your entrepreneurial path.
Expand your horizons with books, networking, and courses to refine your skills and business acumen. Diversify income streams to weather the highs and lows.
Self-care, stay inspired and resilient—your journey is yours to shape.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
God, myself, my husband, kids, family, dear sisterhood, Instagram community, and supportive business colleagues.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Homestyledecorators.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/homestyledecorators
- Other: Lifestyle blog www.Homestyledecorators.com
Image Credits
Gavin Garrett
