Meet Toya Robinson

We recently connected with Toya Robinson and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Toya with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My dad has had the biggest influence on my work ethic, hands down. Growing up, I always heard stories about how he came from very humble beginnings and eventually became an entrepreneur who built and managed multiple businesses. Those stories stuck with me. They taught me that where you start doesn’t define where you can go. Seeing how he created opportunities for himself, even when the odds were against him, showed me that success is possible if you’re willing to work for it.
I jokingly call him “Mr. Make It Happen” because that’s exactly who he is. He doesn’t wait around or make excuses, he finds a way, no matter what. He’s honestly the hardest worker I’ve ever known. Watching him go after his goals with so much drive and commitment made me realize how powerful hard work and consistency really are. It’s not just something he talks about, it’s something I’ve seen him live out every single day.
That mindset has rubbed off on me. When I’m passionate about something, I get tunnel vision. All I can think about is the result I want, and I want to get there as soon as possible like, ASAP. Even when I’ve got a lot on my plate or I’m running on fumes, I still push through because I know the outcome I’m after won’t happen unless I put in the work. I remind myself that success isn’t just handed to anyone, it’s earned.
I’ve got some big dreams for myself, and I know they’re not going to come easy. There are going to be rough days, setbacks, and moments where I’m tired or discouraged. But seeing how my dad stayed committed through all of that has shown me that those tough moments are part of the process. And if I keep showing up and giving my best, I know I’ll be able to make it happen too, just like he did.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I wear many hats, but at the heart of everything I do is a passion for breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and inspiring others to see what’s possible for themselves. I’m a model, pageant titleholder, and speaker, and I use each of those platforms to share my story and empower others to step confidently into their own. Having grown up in Detroit and experienced challenges like poverty in high school, I’ve learned firsthand that your circumstances don’t define your future, they can be the fuel that drives you to create something bigger.

What excites me most about my work is the ability to connect with people and create impact in different spaces. On stage, I get to share my voice and my story. As a model, I get to represent beauty, diversity, and strength in front of the camera. In the community, I get to mentor and uplift others who are chasing their dreams. Each avenue is special in its own way, but together they form a brand rooted in authenticity, resilience, and empowerment.

Right now, I’m especially excited about launching a community-based pageant later this year. It’s designed to be cost-friendly and accessible so that more young women can have the chance to shine without the financial burden that often comes with competing. In addition, I have upcoming speaking engagements and modeling projects that allow me to merge fashion, empowerment, and advocacy in powerful ways.

My ultimate goal is to use every platform I have, whether in pageantry, modeling, or public speaking, to open doors not just for myself, but for others to walk through as well. I want people to see my journey and feel inspired to embrace their own, knowing that their dreams are within reach no matter where they started.

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 the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, confidence, and the willingness to continuously learn.

Resilience has been key because life doesn’t always go as planned, especially when you’re chasing big goals. There were moments where things didn’t come easily, but learning how to push through setbacks, stay grounded, and use challenges as motivation made all the difference.

Confidence was another game changer. I had to learn to own my voice, trust my presence, and believe that I belonged in every room I stepped into. That doesn’t happen overnight, it comes from practice, affirmations, and surrounding yourself with people who uplift you. Once you have confidence, opportunities stop feeling out of reach, and you start creating space for yourself to grow.

Lastly, the willingness to keep learning has opened countless doors. Whether it was studying the industry I wanted to be part of, sharpening professional skills, or seeking mentorship, I’ve learned that growth requires humility and curiosity. The more you invest in learning, the more equipped you are to adapt to new opportunities.

For anyone at the beginning of their journey, my advice would be: 1) Don’t be afraid to fail, resilience is built in those moments. 2) Work on your confidence daily, because it’s the foundation of how others see you. 3) Stay teachable, because knowledge and preparation set you apart. When you combine those three, you put yourself in a position to not just chase your dreams, but actually achieve them.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that has played an important role in my development is Go Higher by Big Sean. As someone who also grew up in Detroit, his journey has always inspired me, so getting the chance to actually meet him at his book signing was surreal. It wasn’t just about meeting a hometown hero, it was about seeing someone who came from the same city, faced his own obstacles, and still found a way to create greatness on a global scale. That moment reminded me that my dreams are valid and possible too.

What makes the book even more special is that I keep the Audible version on consistent repeat, especially when I’m traveling to different opportunities within my career. Hearing those words in his own voice, while I’m on the way to model, speak, or compete, always feels like fuel for the journey. It’s become part of my routine, a way to stay centered and motivated no matter where I’m headed.

The biggest lessons I’ve carried with me are his emphasis on mindset, discipline, and consistency. He reminds us that confidence isn’t about having it all figured out, it’s about moving forward anyway. And just as importantly, he talks about lifting others as you climb, which aligns so deeply with my own platform of breaking barriers and opening doors for others.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Theitgirltee

Image Credits

Carlito Clips
Kristen Gravlin
Rick Martinez
Keith Hutcherson
Edwin Shaw