We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Toni Bullock. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Toni below.
Toni, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from a mix of lived experiences, strong role models, and an internal drive to not let setbacks define me. Growing up, I learned early on that I had to advocate for myself and push through obstacles that others didn’t always see or understand. It wasn’t something that came naturally. I had a lot of strong women in my life—my grandmothers, aunts and my mother—who always taught me that just because one door closes doesn’t mean another one won’t open.
Watching them—especially Black women—carry so much with grace and grit showed me what quiet strength looks like. But over the years, my outlook evolved. Quiet strength also needs room for balance: space for rest, asking for help when needed, delegating, and being okay with not knowing everything—but remaining open to learning. There’s resilience in that too.
Over time, I’ve built a toolkit: faith, community, reflection, and a deep belief that every challenge is either a lesson, a redirection, or preparation for what’s next. That mindset keeps me grounded, focused, and moving forward—no matter what comes next.
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?
I’m an Emmy Award-winning TV producer and the founder of two passion-driven brands: Effortlessly Coordinated, a boutique event coordination company specializing in weddings and special events, and Callsheets 2 Cocktails, a professional collective created to connect, educate, and empower women in the media industry.
Professionally, I’ve spent the last 15+ years developing and producing unscripted content for major networks and platforms including OWN, Bravo, CBS, META, and Netflix. I’m most excited by work that centers meaningful conversations, uplifts underrepresented voices, and challenges the way we think about storytelling in television and media.
In addition to producing, I also develop, package, and pitch show ideas to networks. This can include casting talent, writing pitch decks, producing sizzle reels or proof-of-concept videos, and crafting the materials needed to support a successful pitch. I also help foster relationships between production companies and networks—because in this industry, networking is everything. That passion for connection led me to create Callsheets 2 Cocktails (C2C).
C2C has grown into something I’m truly proud of. What started as a small networking mixer in 2017 has evolved into a multi-city community supporting women across all levels of media. I believe networking shouldn’t only happen in bars—it can happen at a fitness class, a panel, or even a retreat. Last fall, we hosted our first international co-ed retreat in Bali, and I’m now exploring ways to expand our wellness offerings and create more immersive, nourishing experiences for women in entertainment.
As I continued producing and coordinating events, it felt natural to launch Effortlessly Coordinated. With EC, I bring that same creativity and intention into the event space. My experience working with talent, vendors, negotiating contracts, and managing production logistics made the transition seamless. Whether it’s weddings, intimate celebrations, or high-end brand activations, I love helping people bring their visions to life—beautifully and effortlessly.
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?
Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities that have consistently shaped my path and opened doors I never could’ve predicted: adaptability, relationship-building, and initiative.
Adaptability has been key from the very beginning. Working in both television and events means no two days ever look the same. I’ve had projects change overnight, talent drop out at the last minute, and shoots move across the country with very little notice. Instead of resisting the chaos, I’ve learned to embrace it. Adaptability isn’t just about survival—it’s about staying creative, grounded, and solutions-focused, even when things don’t go according to plan. For those just starting out, my advice is to let go of perfection and lean into the learning curve. You grow the most when you’re stretched.
Relationship-building has also been foundational. In media and entrepreneurship alike, relationships are everything. Whether I’m pitching a show, collaborating with vendors on a luxury wedding, or planning a Callsheets 2 Cocktails retreat, I’m constantly relying on the trust and rapport I’ve built over the years. I want to emphasize that networking doesn’t have to be transactional—it should be intentional and genuine. The best relationships I’ve formed didn’t come from formal networking events, but from moments of showing up, following through, and simply being kind. For those just starting out: be authentic, listen more than you speak, and never underestimate the power of checking in and staying connected. People always remember how you make them feel.
And finally, initiative has been a game-changer. No one gave me permission to start Callsheets 2 Cocktails or Effortlessly Coordinated—I saw a need and decided to fill it. So often, we wait for someone to validate our ideas or tell us we’re ready. But the truth is, momentum comes from action. That’s not to say it didn’t come with some hesitation. I was nervous to step out on my own—and yes, I worried about how others would perceive it. But I started small—a brunch here, a gathering there—and let consistency and community build the brand. My advice? Don’t wait for the perfect conditions. Start with what you have, where you are. Bet on yourself. That’s where the magic begins.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely—we’re always looking to collaborate with talented and passionate individuals who share our commitment to creating intentional, elevated experiences.
We recently launched Effortlessly Coordinated, and we’re in an exciting phase of building and expanding the brand. As we grow, we’re eager to form partnerships with vendors, venue managers, floral designers, caterers, photographers, and other event professionals who value creativity, reliability, and collaboration.
Although we’re based in the Tri-State area, we’re always learning about new spaces, vendor options, and destinations we can share with our clients. We’re open to expanding our rolodex to include trusted partners in other cities and regions—especially as we begin curating more destination events and elevated experiences across the country and internationally.
And while we bring a strong production and creative background to the table, we’re also a new company, and we know we don’t have all the answers yet. We’re excited to learn from others in the industry and welcome the chance to grow through collaboration and shared knowledge.
If you’re reading this and think we’d make a great team, we’d love to hear from you! You can reach out via our website at effortlesslycoordinated.com or connect with us on Instagram @effortlesslycoordinated. Let’s build something beautiful—together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tonibullock.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/effortlesslycoordinated
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577015713154
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonibullock/
- Other: https://www.effortlesslycoordinated.com/
Image Credits
White blazer headshot – Ari Scott (https://www.ariscottphotography.com/)
C2C events photo in front of banner – Karen Spicer, MFA
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.