Meet Tonya Cummings

We were lucky to catch up with Tonya Cummings recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tonya, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being 53 years-old my boldness has increased significantly. I feel like the “chosen one” when I get invited into these spaces. I am a foreigner living in Mexico and not fully fluent in Spanish. Somehow my gifts and talents fit perfectly in this room. I don’t hold back on any opportunity, instead capture the moments. When these opportunities are presented I prepare my American English lessons, consult with clients on living abroad and take my time to bake the best pound cakes. You only get one chance to showcase your products or services, so give it your best. It is about living authentically and being humble in these rooms.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am an International Baker, American English Maestra, and Travel Consultant living a simple lifestyle in Mexico. At 53-years old I am finally living a true authentic lifestyle. I do what totally pleases me and tap into my intuitive super powers. Living abroad for two-years has allowed me to discover my true hidden talents and gifts. Now, with these gifts, I have created three businesses within two-years. I really enjoy baking, teaching, and helping people to discover their simple lifestyle. The most exciting thing about what I do is the freedom and unrestricting. I get to create different recipes with the pound cakes and let the people of Mexico experience my grandmother’s recipe. I get to creatively design an entire American English Academy and watch it unfold in real-time on August 20, 2024 in Mexico and Online. Now, I’ve created Simple Living Abroad, where I help people to permanently leave the United States to a more fulfilled and balanced lifestyle in Mexico.

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?

The first quality is to be humble and respectful. These characteristics will get you into amazing opportunities. Don’t be arrogant and think you know everything. Know that you can always learn something new. It shows that you are willing to listen and learn. A humble attitude will transcend you into amazing experiences in relationships and business. The second most important quality is being authentic. In business people love authentic and genuine qualities. It showcases the true essence of who you are and makes you very transparent. Finally, the last quality is learning how to take chances. You have to get out of your own way and the self-sabotage syndrome and just go for it. Again, my customer base are foreigners with a native-tongue in Spanish. My belief in what I have to offer encourages me to look beyond the language barrier. You have to think what I have to offer- they want or are just curious. Just know that in business people want to collaborate with real, humble and authentic people.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

I measure my growth on the number of opportunities that are offered and fulfilled. My business services are offered seasonally, therefore give me the flexibility when I desire to participate in baking events, or act as a travel consultant or teach English in a nine-month cycle. I operate on a wellness lifestyle-business balance, simply means I am in complete control of my business and time. In addition, my biggest improvement has been learning how to organize multiple passions at one time and have fun.

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Tonya Cummings

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