Meet Tonia Thomas

We recently connected with Tonia Thomas and have shared our conversation below.

Tonia, so great to have you on the platform and excited to have you share your wisdom with our community today. Communication skills often play a powerful role in our ability to be effective and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your communication skills.

So, life is an unpredictable journey filled with highs and lows, challenges, and triumphs right. Each experience we encounter has the potential to shape who we are, either breaking us down or building us up. Effective communication is a crucial skill that can significantly impact our personal and professional relationships. My journey to becoming an effective communicator has been one of continuous then and now learning, practice, and reflection.

One of the first steps I took to become an active listener. I realized that communication is not just about speaking but also about understanding the message being conveyed by others. Active listening involves paying full attention, showing empathy, and providing feedback to ensure comprehension. By focusing on what others are saying, I could respond more thoughtfully and accurately. If not it can lead to miscommunication and sometimes leaving each other with a sense of confusion and anger.

I learned that words are only part of the communication equation. Non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and eye contact are equally important. Being mindful of these elements helped me convey my messages more effectively and understand others beyond their spoken words. This can also be sheard in the words they write giving you a sense of what is going on whether with them or against you.

To avoid misunderstandings, I practiced expressing my ideas clearly and concisely. This involved organizing my thoughts before speaking or writing and eliminating unnecessary jargon. By doing so, I ensured that my messages were straightforward and easily understood by any audience, however, sometimes I still have a hard time conveying
what I am saying so practice is necessary for me.

Seeking feedback from others was instrumental in my development. Now constructive criticism was hard for me because I felt attacked, however, I learned to accept it and it helped me identify areas for improvement, while positive feedback reinforced effective habits. Reflecting on my communication experiences allowed me to learn from both successful and challenging interactions.

Confidence plays a significant role in effective communication. If I am not confident in something or myself, I learned to take it to God who allows me to place my confidence in him. Confidence in God means you put your faith in God, trusting that He has equipped you to do what you need to do in life. I also built my confidence by engaging in discussions and debates with family, coworkers, friends, and anyone who I had the opportunity to come across. Over time, these experiences reduced my anxiety and improved my ability to convey my ideas assertively over time and are an ongoing process.

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 you know my name is Tonia Thomas, I am 59 and I am an introvert. I love staying at home and having my own space where I can just listen to God, myself, do the things God called me to do and sometimes just not do anything. This year 2025 has been a little challenging and realizing that there is a time for everything no matter what it is and do not lean on my own understanding but lean on God and his timing.

Right now I am focusing on God, myself, and family and the business as God shows me what to focus on at that time. As for the business I am focused on just adding new things coming in 2026 that I am excited to reveal at that time. In our last interview I did mention that I am looking to open up Shyneeknobs Nail Academy sometime soon as well.

I am the CEO/FOUNNDER of Shyneeknobs Vegan Nail Polish known as the “Nail Polish that inspires through color”. Shyneeknobs is set out to inspire women and girls to love themselves from the inside out , meaning find something positive in every negative situation, then give yourself grace and forgive yourself and others while protecting your peace. Realize that you are not perfect and it is okay to make mistakes, just learn from them and no that you are special in your own eyes no matter what others say. Most importantly have an intimate relationship with only you and God on a daily basis.

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?

Resilience comes to mind because it is the backbone of any entrepreneurial endeavor. The ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and maintain a positive outlook is crucial. In my journey, resilience was tested time and again. Whether it was a failed business proposal, an unanticipated market shift, or personal challenges, resilience allowed me to persevere and continue moving forward. This quality also fostered a growth mindset, enabling me to view obstacles not as insurmountable barriers but as opportunities for learning and growth.

Creative Problem-Solving in entrepreneurship is inherently about solving problems right—often in innovative ways. The skill of creative problem-solving was invaluable in identifying unique solutions that set my ventures apar from others. It involved thinking outside the box, experimenting with new ideas, and not being afraid to take calculated risks.

I believe that effective communication, empathy, and the ability to engage with diverse groups of people were instrumental skills. These interpersonal skills facilitated collaboration with team members, negotiations with partners, and understanding the needs and desires of customers. They also played a critical role in building a supportive network of mentors and peers who offered guidance, encouragement, and invaluable insights. Good interpersonal skills ensured that I could foster a positive company culture and create lasting connections in the business community.

God along with these skills formed the foundation of my journey to self-discovery and entrepreneurship. These qualities not only propelled my professional endeavors but also enriched my personal growth, enabling me to navigate challenges with confidence and purpose.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Reflecting on the past year, the area where I’ve experienced the most significant growth is in emotional intelligence. While the journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurship has always required a certain level of emotional awareness, the past 12 months have truly honed this skill in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

Emotional intelligence begins with the ability to recognize and understand one’s emotions. Over the past year, I’ve become more adept at identifying my emotional responses to various situations, both personal and professional. This self-awareness has been crucial in managing stress and maintaining a balanced perspective, even when faced with difficult challenges.

I’ve learned to better understand and appreciate the emotions of others, which has strengthened my relationships both at work and in my personal life. This ability to empathize has enhanced my interpersonal skills, allowing me to connect more deeply with colleagues, clients, and friend.

My decision-making process has improved significantly. I’ve learned to consider not only the logical aspects of a decision but also the emotional implications for myself and those involved. This holistic approach has led to more thoughtful and effective outcomes. By understanding and managing my emotions, I’ve been able to approach setbacks with a calm and constructive mindset, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shyneeknobs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shyneeknobs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shyneeknobs