We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Toni Tomlin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Toni below.

Toni, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

The world had changed. It was 2020 and COVID-19 had shifted not only the way we interacted but also the way we shopped. Online platforms thrived as businesses grappled with the pandemic’s turbulence. For many entrepreneurs, this was a golden period, where sales soared beyond their wildest dreams. Yet for me, the founder of Faith2Felicity, the digital landscape was proving to be more challenging than I’d anticipated. No matter how many strategies I employed, the digital algorithms seemed like an enigma I couldn’t unravel, pushing my brand into the shadows of the vast internet market.

When the restrictions began to lift, a window of opportunity opened. The world outside beckoned with outdoor markets humming with life, laughter, and a tinge of optimism. The first time I set up my stall, I felt the sun warm on my face and the gentle buzz of conversations around. There was something deeply fulfilling about these face-to-face interactions, far more touching than any online comment or like. The smiles of customers, the immediate feedback, and the meaningful connections made me realize that the essence of Faith2Felicity lay not in pixels but in personal interactions.

During these vending sessions, I witnessed a surge of handmade jewelry stalls. Beautiful, yes, but also eerily similar. It was this realization that led to the birth of the ‘Bracelet Bar’. An interactive experience, where customers became the artists, choosing their beads, charms, and accessories to create a bracelet that mirrored their personality. Our team would then professionally finish these creations within 30 minutes, turning dreams into tangible accessories.

Fuelled by the success of the Bracelet Bar, I knew I had to expand. My vision wasn’t just a stall but a haven where creativity met fashion. After an arduous search, my dream found its home in a bustling tourist area, a place that saw footfalls from all over the world.

October 2021 marked the genesis of the Faith2Felicity brick and mortar store. It wasn’t just another commercial space, but a labor of love. My family and I spent hours painting the floors, hanging fixtures, and meticulously placing every product. From beads for the custom bracelets to affirmation fashion, the store was a reflection of our ethos. The air was perfumed with the scent of natural soy candles, while the shelves were adorned with organic handmade bath products. Faith2Felicity branded necklaces, earrings, and bracelets glittered under the soft lighting, enticing visitors with their uniqueness. And for those seeking solace and inspiration, books, journals, and stones awaited.

The journey of Faith2Felicity, from a struggling online store to a thriving physical space, wasn’t just about business. It was a testament to the indomitable human spirit, the importance of connections, and the beauty of perseverance. Every bead, every charm, and every page in the store whispered a story – a story of faith, felicity, and a dream realized against all odds.

Toni, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Faith2Felicity Inc is a lifestyle brand that blends the transformative power of positive energy with unwavering faith.

We are an innovative and thriving small manufacturing business that takes immense pride in producing an enchanting array of jewelry, candles, bath/body products, and apparel.

Alongside our manufacturing operations, we also operate a
charming retail store that serves as a haven for creativity and personal expression. At our store, we offer a unique and
interactive experience by providing custom bracelet making services, allowing customers to design their own bespoke
jewelry pieces.

Our passion for artistry and craftsmanship is evident in every product we create. Our jewelry collection ranges from delicate and elegant pieces to bold and expressive designs, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. The scented candles we produce fill spaces with soothing fragrances, creating an inviting ambiance for customers to immerse themselves in. Our bath and body products are carefully formulated using premium organic ingredients, offering a luxurious self-care experience that rejuvenates both mind and body. Additionally, our apparel line boasts a curated selection of trendy and stylish pieces that exude contemporary charm and comfort.

The retail store complements our manufacturing business, providing a platform to showcase our exquisite products directly to customers. By offering custom bracelet making services, we empower our patrons to engage in the creative process and design their own one-of-a-kind pieces, fostering a sense of connection and uniqueness.

When I reflect on our journey, my heart swells with pride thinking about the genuine connections we’ve forged with our clients. In a world where digital interactions often overshadow personal touch, our commitment to personal, heartfelt experiences stands tall. Our “Bracelet Bar” isn’t just a service, it’s a testament to the idea that every individual’s expression is unique and deserves to be celebrated.

The essence of Faith2Felicity isn’t just in the products we offer, but in the stories they tell. Each bead, charm, and accessory has a narrative, woven with passion and crafted with dedication. Our shelves don’t just hold items; they cradle dreams, emotions, and moments that resonate with our patrons.

So, what would I like potential clients, followers, and fans to know?

Authenticity: At Faith2Felicity, every piece is a promise. A promise of authenticity, quality, and a personal touch.

Empowerment: Our brand isn’t just about fashion; it’s about empowerment. With every affirmation fashion piece or custom-made bracelet, we aim to instill confidence, self-love, and a sense of identity.

Eco-consciousness: We take pride in offering products like natural soy candles and organic handmade bath essentials. We’re deeply committed to the well-being of our planet and strive to make choices that reflect this ethos.

Community: The brick and mortar store we’ve set up is more than a shopping destination. It’s a community hub where creativity meets camaraderie. Every visitor is a valued member of our Faith2Felicity family.

Growth and Adaptability: Our transition from struggling online to establishing a physical presence in a tourist hotspot is evidence of our adaptability. We listen, learn, and grow. Our story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering faith.

In essence, Faith2Felicity isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement. A movement towards celebrating individuality, fostering connections, and promoting conscious choices. I invite everyone to be a part of our journey, to share in our passion, and to find a piece of themselves in every product they choose.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Starting Faith2Felicity was not just a dream; it was a passion, a vision that I was determined to bring to life, come what may. The initial phase of funding was, without a doubt, one of the most challenging parts of this journey. Like many entrepreneurs, I faced the harsh reality that launching a business, especially as a minority woman, is no walk in the park. Traditional funding avenues weren’t readily accessible to us, but I was determined not to let this be a deterrent.

In the early days, every personal credit card I owned became a lifeline for Faith2Felicity. I poured every asset I had into the business, believing in its potential and in my vision for what it could become. It was a huge risk, but I was willing to bootstrap my way to success, fueled by an undying spirit and an unwavering belief in my mission.

But bootstrapping was just one part of our funding story. Our hard work and dedication began to shine through when we clinched victory in not just one, but two pitch competitions. These wins not only validated our business model but also provided much-needed capital to sustain and further develop our store operations.

However, even with these achievements, the path was still fraught with challenges. As a small, woman-owned, minority business, we’ve faced countless hurdles when approaching big banks for financial support. Despite our successes and growth, the traditional financial gatekeepers still often see us through a narrow lens.

Yet, amidst these challenges, there lies our silver lining. My initial investment in Faith2Felicity has borne fruit in ways I could only have dreamed of. From a modest revenue of $31k in our first year, we leaped to six figures in our second. And the journey doesn’t stop here; we’re still growing, evolving, and reaching new heights every day.

In retrospect, funding Faith2Felicity was a rollercoaster ride, filled with highs, lows, moments of doubt, and bursts of elation. But every credit card swipe, every pitch, every rejection from a bank, and every sale in our store has been a chapter in our story—a story of resilience, determination, and triumph.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

Manufacturing, or as I’d like to call it, ‘crafting with a touch of divinity,’ has been a profound journey for Faith2Felicity.

It all began during the unprecedented times of COVID. I found solace in crafting bracelets by hand, each imbued with prayer and hope. What started as a therapeutic endeavor swiftly transformed into a burning passion. The desire to craft other jewelry items was overwhelming, yet I found myself at the crossroads of ambition and inexperience.

While the world turned to experts and professional courses, I found my guru in the most unexpected of places – YouTube University! Yes, you heard that right! It’s funny how the universe works sometimes. The countless hours spent on the platform helped me devise a system to ensure our bracelets were not just aesthetically pleasing but also durable. The feedback from our beloved customers, who consistently praise the longevity of our elastic bracelets, stands testament to our commitment and the efficacy of my ‘unconventional’ education.

As my understanding of stones, metals, and designs deepened, I realized the need to hone my skills further. Pursuing a formal class in jewelry making was a revelation. It not only equipped me with advanced techniques but also amplified my appreciation for the artistry involved. With newfound knowledge, I began crafting other pieces, each echoing the ethos of Faith2Felicity.

Being an innate crafter, the transition to creating candles and bath products felt natural. The joy of creating, experimenting, and eventually perfecting these products is indescribable.

However, my most ambitious project to date, the Affirmation PJs, has been a whirlwind of learning. Starting from understanding textile files to discerning the right material that aligns with our brand’s values, each step was a blend of challenges and discoveries. This venture gave me a deep dive into the world of manufacturing partners. Collaborating with them and watching an idea evolve from a mere concept to a tangible product has been both fascinating and enlightening.

In reflection, manufacturing at Faith2Felicity isn’t just about creating products; it’s about pouring our soul into every creation. The lessons learned, both from formal settings and from the candid realms of YouTube, have shaped our brand, ensuring that every piece, whether it’s a bracelet, a candle, or a pair of PJs, resonates with love, dedication, and authenticity.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.faith2felicity
• Instagram: faith2felicity
• Facebook: faith2felicity
• Linkedin: faith2felicity
• Twitter: faith2felicity
• Youtube: faith2felicity

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