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

Tonya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

Looking back, the question of whether I wish I had started my business sooner or later is a complex one. If I could go back in time, I would say that I wish I had embraced entrepreneurship sooner, but the timing also feels divinely orchestrated.

Throughout my career, I always felt like a square peg trying to fit into round spaces. I explored various roles, from serving as a prosecutor to working in education and nonprofit organizations. However, as a single mother, I often found myself torn between climbing corporate ladders and being the mom I wanted to be. Motherhood always took priority, leading me to forfeit opportunities for career advancement.

Despite dabbling in entrepreneurship alongside my other roles, stability was a constant concern. It wasn’t until the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 that I was forced to fully embrace entrepreneurship. As one of the last team members to be furloughed from my position as a youth director for a large nonprofit, I found myself at a crossroads. Rather than seeking another job, I decided to lean into what I had been exploring on the side for years.

Going full-time as an entrepreneur was both overwhelming and liberating. I set markers for myself, intending to give it a certain amount of time before reassessing. However, with each milestone, I found myself setting new goals and pushing forward. It took about a year and a half for me to fully commit to pursuing my purpose of bridging gaps, amplifying voices, championing women, advocating for youth, and guiding people to live boldly.

So, in hindsight, while part of me wishes I had embraced entrepreneurship sooner, I also recognize the divine timing of my journey. Every experience and role I’ve had has prepared me for this path, and I’m grateful for the journey that led me here.

Tonya, 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?

Absolutely!

My journey into my industry and business is deeply rooted in my diverse background and experiences as a single mother, lawyer, educator, and advocate. I founded Bridge Every Gap with a mission to create, cultivate, and connect leaders, teams, and communities across generations. We offer a range of services aimed at fostering growth, empowerment, and positive change.

Recently, we separated our services into both an LLC and a nonprofit organization, each dedicated to uplifting, impacting, and empowering the lives of women and youth. Our LLC focuses on building teams and systems for the growth and development of leaders and youth, while our Nonprofit seeks to build communities in wellness, leadership, and self-development.

In our LLC, we provide trainings and workshops focused on inclusive education, leadership development, and cultural competence. Additionally, we offer consulting services in systems change, guiding organizations to address systemic barriers and enact meaningful change.

What sets us apart is our holistic approach to empowerment and transformation. We believe in addressing the interconnectedness of individual, organizational, and systemic levels, with a particular emphasis on amplifying voices from BIPOC and marginalized communities.

In our Nonprofit, one of our most exciting initiatives is the SHE Experience, a cross-generational wellness retreat designed to address the unique challenges that women of color face on their paths to success. The SHE Scholar program offers selected students a chance for personal growth and mentorship, ensuring a commitment to wellness, development, and community impact.

Participating in SHE provides women with personal development aligned with our core values of empowerment, community, and wellness. I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve had in empowering individuals and organizations to create positive change.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that Bridge Every Gap is more than just a business – it’s a movement dedicated to breaking down barriers, amplifying voices, and building bridges across divides. Together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our services include presentations, team trainings/facilitated programs, a minimal product line of apparel and journals, and opportunities to attend our events.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I’d be happy to share a story that highlights my resilience. One of the most defining moments in my journey occurred when I was working as a university professor and associate dean while simultaneously raising three children, including an infant. Balancing the demands of my career with the responsibilities of single parenthood was incredibly challenging, especially when my son Evan began to struggle in school.

Despite my thriving career, I made the difficult decision to leave my position and homeschool Evan for three years. This choice required me to step away from prestigious titles and take on multiple jobs to make ends meet, including roles as an afterschool care leader, freelance contract specialist, and even a church janitor.

But I knew that prioritizing Evan’s education and well-being was paramount. Through homeschooling, Evan made remarkable progress, transforming from nearly a nonreader to excelling above his grade level. This journey was a testament to my resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to my children’s success.

Ultimately, my experience taught me that true resilience isn’t just about enduring hardships but also about making tough decisions that align with our deepest values and priorities, even if it means sacrificing personal accolades or career advancements.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What helped me build my reputation within my market? It’s simple: actions speak louder than words. In the consulting world, where talk is plentiful, I’ve always believed that the proof is in the pudding. While social media and marketing help establish credibility, it’s the tangible results and satisfied clients that truly set me apart.

I rely on two key principles to demonstrate my capabilities and what I can offer others. Firstly, I pour my heart and soul into every project, ensuring that my clients receive top-notch care and output. This dedication leads to recommendations, which have been the primary source of my work. Whether it’s consulting for school districts, speaking engagements, executive strategy sessions, program audits, or event participation, the majority of my clients come from referrals and repeat business.

Secondly, I lead by example. My reputation isn’t just built on professional achievements but also on the lives I’ve touched, the individuals I’ve helped, and the communities I’ve influenced. From my own children to past clients, mentees, and community organizations, my impact speaks volumes.

Ultimately, it’s the combination of exceptional service, client satisfaction, and real-life results that have solidified my reputation in the market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bridgeeverygap.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgeeverygap/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BridgeEveryGap
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgeeverygap/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BridgeEveryGap
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BridgeEveryGap
• Other: Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@bridgeeverygap3

Image Credits
Evan Fewell