We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tonia Berry a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tonia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The motivation to start the Berry Collective came from a deep-seated love for hosting and connecting people, which has always been a part of who I am. It all began organically when I decided to host an event to treat my community to a bit of self-care. I invited friends from the entertainment industry whom I knew could benefit from meeting each other and reimagined the networking experience. I set up various activities throughout the house I was staying at, including mini facials, reflexology, 24-karat gold ear seeding, vitamin shots and IV drips, a flower bouquet bar, a DJ, a holistic mixologist, and small bites. Each guest also received a gift bag filled with my favorite things.

This event was a natural extension of my passion for wellness and connection. It was driven by my background and family’s emphasis on holistic practices and community support. My parents’ commitment to wellness and fostering strong community ties greatly influenced this decision. I wanted to create a space that embodies these values, offering a supportive environment where people can grow personally and professionally while enjoying a sense of connection and well-being. The blend of my people, my favorite brands, and my favorite ways to care for myself inspired me to refer to the experience as the Berry Collective.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Tonia Berry, and I’m the founder of the Berry Collective, an immersive wellness community that reimagines the way we connect. As a first-generation Lebanese-American, my heritage has shaped my values, emphasizing community, resilience, and the importance of self-care. Growing up in Dearborn, Michigan, I was immersed in a beautiful Arab-American community that valued hospitality and kinship—values that continue to influence my work today.

The Berry Collective was born out of my passion for hosting and connecting people in meaningful ways. We create experiential events—like product launches, pop-up shops, and brand activations—that blend wellness with networking. By integrating holistic treatments, interactive activities, and unique experiences such as flower bouquet crafting, holistic mixology, and self-care stations, we offer a refreshing alternative to traditional networking events.

What sets the Berry Collective apart is our focus on authentic connections and personal well-being. We prioritize creating environments where attendees can engage deeply and forge lasting relationships, making networking fun and fulfilling rather than transactional. The impact we’ve had on our community is something I’m incredibly proud of—many attendees have shared how our events helped them form new business partnerships, friendships, and collaborations.

For newcomers, I want you to know that the Berry Collective is committed to authenticity, inclusivity, and holistic growth. Our mission is to create meaningful experiences where personal and professional development can thrive, helping individuals connect, learn, and grow together.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most significant pivots in my journey came when I decided to shift my focus from a legal career to embracing my passion for wellness and community through the Berry Collective.

As a lawyer, I valued the problem-solving skills I developed, but I often felt disconnected from my creative side and the desire for more personal connection in my work. While practicing law, I realized I wanted to do more—both in my professional life and in how I connected with my community. I began hosting wellness-focused events on the side, creating spaces for people to gather around self-care and community.

After much reflection, I decided to launch the Berry Collective, combining my legal background with my passion for wellness and authentic connections. Balancing both careers has been a challenge, but I’ve leaned on my legal skills—like negotiation and strategic planning—to grow Berry Collective thoughtfully. I’ve also worked to build connections in the wellness and event industries, recognizing the power of collaboration.

Looking back, I’ve learned that it’s possible to blend different aspects of one’s identity. The courage to pivot has not only allowed me to grow professionally but also enriched my personal life. Today, the Berry Collective reflects my values of community and connection, while my legal work provides the structure that supports both paths.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media has been about authenticity and connection. When I launched the Berry Collective, I knew I had to stay true to my values to stand out in the crowded wellness and networking space. I focused on sharing the essence of our events—behind-the-scenes glimpses, the joy of self-care, and the connections being made—through candid photos and personal stories.

I started by sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the activities, the joy of self-care, and the genuine connections being made. Through candid photos and personal stories, I aimed to convey the warmth and inclusivity of the Berry Collective. To foster engagement, I encouraged conversations by asking questions, creating polls, and responding personally to comments and messages. I wanted my followers to feel like they were part of the Berry Collective community, not just passive observers. This two-way interaction helped build trust and loyalty.

For anyone just starting to build a social media presence, my advice is simple: be genuine. Share your real stories and experiences, and make your followers feel valued and part of your journey. Consistency is key, so post regularly with content that reflects your brand’s values and mission.

Invest in good visuals, whether through professional photos or candid shots, as images can tell powerful stories. Stay open to feedback, adjust your content as needed, and embrace collaboration with like-minded brands or influencers to expand your reach. Building an audience takes time, but by staying true to your mission and fostering genuine relationships, you can create a meaningful social media presence that reflects the heart of what you do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theberrycollective.co
• Instagram: @theberrycollective.co
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theberrycollective

Image Credits

JASMEET BAWA AND DONTE JONES