We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tonya Gibson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tonya below.
Hi Tonya, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic has always been deeply influenced by my parents. While they may not have explicitly preached about the importance of hard work, their actions spoke volumes. My parents are naturally busy individuals, constantly engaged in various projects and endeavors. Their work ethic taught me the value of setting high standards for myself and putting in the effort required to achieve my goals. My mother challenged me to push beyond my comfort zone and reach for my full potential. Whether it was academics or personal goals, she always pushed me to be and do my best. My father was the best cheerleader a girl could have. He always encouraged me to dream big, seek my happiness, and believe in my abilities. My parents’ belief and faith in me were the motivation and encouragement I needed to succeed.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
By day I’m the Director of Community Engagement at a wonderful nonprofit called Black Child Development Institute – Greensboro (BCDI-G). In this role, I bridge the gap between the organization, which provides comprehensive support services to students in historically underserved communities, and the community. As a mother of a college and elementary student, I understand the important role education plays in our childrens’ lives and I love that I get to be a part of such a great purpose and mission
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?
Reflecting on my journey as a creative individual, three qualities have stood out as particularly impactful: inquisitiveness, the ability to connect with others, and a love for learning. Being naturally inquisitive has fueled my exploration of different mediums, techniques, and styles, pushing me to constantly seek new inspirations and ideas. This curiosity has been instrumental in sparking my creativity and allowing me to approach projects with fresh perspectives. Additionally, my ability to connect with others has been crucial in collaborating with fellow creatives, sharing ideas, and building a supportive network. By fostering genuine connections, I’ve been able to draw inspiration from diverse sources and collaborate on projects that push the boundaries of my creativity. Lastly, my love for learning has been a driving force behind my growth as a creative individual. Embracing opportunities for skill development, studying the works of other artists, and seeking out new experiences have expanded my artistic horizons and enriched my creative process.
For aspiring creatives who are early in their journey, my advice is to embrace and nurture your own unique strengths and qualities. Cultivate your curiosity by exploring a wide range of artistic disciplines, from painting and drawing to music and writing. Allow yourself to experiment freely and embrace failure as a natural part of the creative process. Stay curious, stay hungry for knowledge, and never underestimate the value of continuous growth and self-improvement. Remember that creativity is a journey of self-discovery, and the most authentic and compelling work comes from staying true to yourself and your unique vision. Trust in your instincts, embrace your passions and interests, and let your creativity shine through in everything you do.
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?
Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic has been a transformative read for me, offering valuable insights that have deeply impacted my personal and professional development. Three nuggets of wisdom that have particularly resonated with me. First, Gilbert’s encouragement to approach life with a sense of curiosity rather than succumbing to fear. By embracing curiosity, we open ourselves up to new experiences, ideas, and possibilities, allowing creativity to flow freely without the constraints of self-doubt or hesitation. Second, Big Magic reminds us of the importance of honoring our creative impulses and pursuing our passions wholeheartedly, regardless of external validation or success. Gilbert emphasizes the intrinsic value of creative expression and encourages readers to cultivate a sense of playfulness and joy in their creative pursuits. Finally, Gilbert encourages us to embrace the creative process itself as a source of fulfillment and meaning, rather than solely focusing on the end result. By surrendering to the journey of creation and embracing the inherent uncertainty and imperfection, we allow ourselves to fully engage in the creative act and experience a profound sense of fulfillment and growth. These insights from Big Magic have inspired me to approach my creative endeavors with courage, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the power of creative expression.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brownbutterflyphotography.com
- Instagram: @brownbutterflyphotography
- Facebook: Brown Butterfly Photography
Image Credits
My personal picture was taken by Toni Shaw, Shaw Photography Group. All others were taken by me, Brown Butterfly Photography
