We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Toni Lumpkin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Toni below.
Hi Toni, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism comes from the Lord. I have been through really dark & depressing times in my life, where if had made the choice to accept that those things would be my forever reality, I would not be where I am today. Theres two scriptures that I put to use every single day, thats Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” & Romans 4:17 Speak those things as though they are not, as though they are. So knowing that despite what I see may be unfavorable, if I just speak life into my situations and have the faith to know that my future will be prosperous things will began to shift, and move and line up to the desires of my heart and matching the positivity I speak out of my mouth. Mediating on the word and putting it into use has produce some great fruit in my life. If you would have seen me a few years ago theres no way physically you would believe this is the life I am living now. What the enemy meant for evil, God turnt it for my good!
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?
I currently work full-time as a Sales Coordinator at an amazing candle company, where I had the fantastic opportunity to design a Unicorn Candle! With a background in Fashion Design, I’ve worked for various design companies for over seven years. Additionally, I’ve been a content creator and a UGC Creator for over four years, enjoying the creative freedom, expression, and fun that come with creating content.
My journey began when I was pregnant with my daughter and I started posting about food around LA( I was a huge foodie!). After her birth, my content evolved into more lifestyle and fashion topics. During a difficult period of postpartum depression and other traumatic changes, I sought an outlet where I could be my authentic self. Through this process, I’ve gained immense confidence, determination, and life-changing opportunities for which I am incredibly grateful for.
Who knew I would meet amazing people from all over the world, who I now call friends, through social media? Creating content has opened so many doors for me that I’m still in disbelief! Some of these opportunities include TV appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show and Good Day NY, invitations to creator events, and recently, my first brand trip as an ambassador with one of my favorite brands, Knix!
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?
I would say persistence, the power of tongue to speak what I desire to see, and prayer. I wouldn’t be where I am if it was not for these three qualities and knowledge. There have been many times in my journey where my efforts did not reflect what I had envisioned myself to be and I began to get discouraged. It was in that very moment that I would stop the negative self talk and change and shift my mindset to the things I desired to see and not what I currently saw. Doing that I began to see positive results like opportunity to work with brands despite my follower count, getting invited to cool events and connecting with awesome creators! Advice I would give someone is to KEEP GOING, don’t give up keep climbing up that ladder there maybe oppositions and challenges but I promise theres a pot of Gold waiting for you at the end of the rainbow! Also, remember your why, why are you doing what your doing, whats your goal and that will be your motivator!
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I take a mental break and detach from my phone, and anything outside that will cause me to be distracted. I spend time with myself, and read my bible/worship and just reflect on my thoughts. Advice would be to know that you wont feel overwhelmed forever, understanding the root of why your’e feeling overwhelmed and to not be so hard on yourself. Give yourself grace and time to truly feel instead of rushing through it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://toni-lumpkin.my.canva.site/?
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toni_lumpkinn/
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