We recently connected with Nelda Toñe and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nelda, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

How did you learn to do what you do?
I started out with just an idea, a spark of passion, and a whole lot of determination. I wanted to be a speaker, to connect with people on a deeper level and share my message.
But I didn’t just want to talk. I wanted to create a space where others could share their stories too. So, I took a leap of faith and started networking, meeting people from all walks of life. I learned a ton from these experiences, figuring out what worked and what didn’t. It was a trial-and-error process, but every mistake was a stepping stone. And let me tell you, it’s been an exhilarating journey filled with growth and self-discovery.

Knowing what you know now what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
Knowing what I know now, I wish I’d been a bit more fearless in pursuing my goals. I used to let other people’s opinions cloud my judgment, but now I realize that the best way to learn is to trust your gut and dive headfirst into your passions.
If I could go back in time, I’d focus on identifying my niche earlier. Knowing what I’m truly good at and what I love would have saved me a lot of time and energy. It’s never too late to start, but an early understanding of your unique strengths can accelerate your learning process.

What skills do you think were most essential?
The most essential skills for me have been networking and developing time frame goals. I learned early on that connecting with people is key, so I went to Staples, designed my own business cards, and put my name and website on the cards. Then, I started engaging with people—talking about what I do and giving out those cards. Now, there’s no guarantee they’ll visit my website, but I leave the door open for that connection.

Another important skill is not being afraid to speak up. Now, I’m not saying I walk up to random people on the street like, “Hey! My name is Nelda, nice to meet you!” But if I see an opportunity where it feels natural to introduce myself and chat, I take it. In fact, a lot of my speaking gigs came from just seizing those moments to connect.

I also set clear, realistic goals for myself. For instance, I made sure to have my first workshop within a year and to be on stage at least ten times during that same period. The key is not making the goals too big—because if they’re too overwhelming, it can affect my morale. By keeping them manageable, I stay in control of my time and progress.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
The biggest obstacle for me when it came to learning more was balancing a full-time job while developing my skills. It’s one thing to be passionate about what you’re doing, but it’s a whole other challenge when you’ve got a 9-to-5 demanding your time and energy. On top of that, there was the issue of having the right equipment for speaking engagements, which, let’s face it, can get expensive. Starting anything new—especially something like public speaking—takes both money and time, and I had to juggle those resources carefully.

Working full-time meant I had time restraints. I couldn’t attend every speaking event, and even when I wanted to, I had to request time off or sometimes couldn’t take the days I needed. It limited how much I could travel, which felt frustrating because I knew that’s where some of the best learning opportunities were. But at the end of the day, I still had bills to pay. So, I had to strike that balance between pursuing my passion and maintaining my responsibilities—definitely not an easy feat, but it made me even more determined to keep pushing forward.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, my name is Nelda Toñe, and I am a storyteller. I got into this industry because I had both a passion and an idea. I wanted to speak, but more than that, I wanted to create a space where others could tell their stories too—where people could share their personal and cultural experiences in life. When I started out, I realized that so many people have incredible stories they want to share but don’t know how. And often, they feel like they need to be a well-known speaker or storyteller, someone famous or established. But that’s not true. Everyone has their own unique story, and they have the right to share it in their own words, just like I do.

I tell my stories with my own voice, and I’ve built a platform for others to do the same. What sets my work apart is the inclusivity of my stage. I don’t discriminate—on my stage, you will always be a star. You’ll have the chance to share your story, and you’ll also get to hear others’. The stories we feature can lead to powerful discussions about topics people often avoid—whether it’s about same-sex marriage, racial tensions, private vs. public education, redlining in housing, aging out of foster care, or the ongoing struggles with mental illness.

I’m proud that my platform welcomes everybody and every story, creating a safe space where people feel heard and valued. What I want my potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that when you’re on my stage, your story matters. And through storytelling, we can open doors to the conversations that need to happen.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had discovered other storytelling network organizations sooner—ones that shared the same vision and passion for storytelling as I do. Early on, I felt like I was searching for a community that aligned with my approach, and it took me a while to realize there were people out there who felt the same way.

I also wish there had been a stronger presence of younger storytellers, or at least easier access to that community. It would have been great to connect with storytellers from a younger generation, to see how they approach this craft, and to bridge that gap in the storytelling world.

Another thing I wish I had known earlier is that one storytelling organization doesn’t define how storytelling can be presented. There are so many different styles and ways to share stories, and no single group has the final say. Storytelling is vast and diverse, and once I realized that, it really opened up new possibilities for me. It made me feel like I could explore different avenues and create my own space in this world.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, absolutely! My goal is to share the joy and the lessons that have shaped my journey and brought me to where I am today. What truly drives my creativity is the desire to let everyone know that it’s never too late to pursue your goals, your mission, or your dreams. I want to inspire people to keep moving forward, no matter where they are in life.
I believe it’s important to show that it’s okay to care deeply, to empathize with others, and to embrace your mistakes. That’s the beauty of learning and being creative—sometimes the very thing you think is a mistake turns out to be your greatest success. I want to encourage people to step into their journey, to be bold and fearless, and to know that even in the stumbles, there’s progress. You have your own unique story, and I’m here to show that embracing it fully is what leads to growth and fulfillment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://neldatone.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neldatone/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neldatone
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@neldatone1717

Image Credits

Gwendolyn
Chisom Ok.