We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tonie Piper. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tonie below.
Tonie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
My company name Be A Light Enterprises was inspired by the belief that even the smallest light can break through darkness. I wanted the name to reflect my mission, to empower, uplift, and bring hope to our communities. Whether it’s through entrepreneurship, mentorship, or community development my goal has always been to be a light in spaces where it’s needed most. It’s more than just a name, it’s a calling.
“May you be the light needed by others, to shine on their path” T.Piper
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
We exist to empower individuals, especially those from underserved communities, by creating access to resources, opportunities, and tools that foster growth, self-sufficiency, and success. We focus on real impact by creating programs and services that are designed to make a tangible difference whether it’s helping someone launch a business, gain financial stability, providing housing or access essential life resources. We’re not just talking about change; we’re building it.
Be A Light Enterprises LLC:
Services: Professional Visitation Monitoring
Light House for all Youth under Be a Light Enterprises:
Is an organization created to provide professional monitoring and transportation services. Our services allow children and parents to spend quality time together in a therapeutic setting. We provide services to fathers and mothers who are incarcerated, DCFS cases (including medical fragile children), all individuals experiencing mental health, substance abuse or domestic violence. We work with families privately, professionals in family law and adult protective services who are all working together to reunify individuals with their children and families.
Services: Entrepreneur Training
Be A Light Enterprises is an organization created to train individuals on how to become a Professional Visitation Monitor. Once trained, these monitors will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to deliver high quality professional services to families in our communities. Supporting the development of community-based entrepreneurs through education and opportunity.
LBW Residential Care
Services: Adult Residential Facility-Housing
LBW is a residential care facility that provides housing and 24-hour non-medical care for adults ages 18-59 years of age who have experienced Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), moderate/severe to profound disabilities, mental health and other medical concerns.
Pipers Consulting Group
Services: Consulting
After being in business for some years as a co-owner of an Adult Residential Facility. I worked hard to master the process of opening an ARF. The efforts prepared me to lead with confidence and purpose in leading others. This consulting agency walks individuals through the step-by-step process on how to open an Adult Residential facility (ARF) to provide housing to individuals in our communities. In addition, were helping to grow local entrepreneurship and expand employment opportunities.
Daughters of Love
Services: Transitional Housing for Pregnant/Parenting Mothers
This is an organization that I am the Program Manager for the program/VP of the board that provides housing, life skills training and resources to all young ladies including teen mothers transitioning out of foster care.
Having been a teen mother myself, my partner and I know firsthand how essential safe housing and supportive resources for young ladies trying to build a better future. We have housing available in Hemet (CA), San Jacinto (CA), Beaumont (CA) and looking to expand to Los Angeles soon. Daughters of Love is based out of San Bernadino County and is owned by my partner Medina Pina.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
What’s helped build my reputation in business is consistency, authenticity, and a genuine commitment to serving others. I didn’t just start in my field to build a brand I started it to create change. People recognize that my work comes from real experience, real passion, and a deep understanding of the communities I serve. I chose daily to show up, listen for the need and follow through. And over time, that builds trust. Whether I’m mentoring entrepreneurs, organizing resources, or creating programs, I lead with integrity and transparency. I believe that when people see your heart, your hustle, your honesty and the light God has put into your heart your reputation builds itself.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
Before I became an entrepreneur, I worked in nursing specifically in caregiving and nurse case management. I always knew I had a heart for helping people, but I also knew the hospital or long-term care convalescent settings weren’t where I was meant to stay. I eventually transitioned into the corporate world, working for Time Warner Cable Business Class. I started in an entry-level administrative role and worked my way up over five years until I was unexpectedly let go.
That moment was both challenging and pivotal. My husband and I had just gone through IVF, welcomed our youngest son, and purchased our first home. It was a season of big changes emotionally and financially. But it was also the moment I realized it was time to pursue the purpose I had been carrying all along. My husband encouraged me to go after my dreams, and that’s exactly what I did!
After being let go from my job, I knew I needed to find a way to generate income while also giving myself the flexibility to build the business I had always dreamed of. I started strategizing and researching, and that’s when I came across a training to become a Professional Visitation Monitor. I was nervous about stepping into a new field, but excited at the same time. I didn’t walk into that training just to get certified, I walked in with the vision of becoming a business owner and eventually running my own agency. Within two years of getting trained, I found myself overwhelmed with referrals and requests for service so much so that I had to begin hiring monitors to support the work. That’s when the fear crept back in. I remember sitting with my business coach, hesitant to invest $800 for an LLC, unsure if I’d even make it back. She quickly reminded me: ‘If you’re not ready to invest $66/month to cover the cost of doing business, then you’re not ready to be in business at all.’ That moment sparked something in me. I had to get serious. I had to sit with myself and decide if I was truly ready to build something bigger than fear.
Fast forward to today, I’ve owned my agency for now 5+ years. I’ve built a strong team that continues to provide services under my company. What once scared me is now my testimony. And the $800 I once feared paying? That’s now one of the smallest investments I made towards my vision. It’s amazing to think that what started as a temporary solution just something to hold me over until I could reach my ‘real’ goal turned into a thriving business. What I once saw as a side hustle became the foundation of an empire. Sometimes, the detour is the destination. This journey has taught me that when you stay open, trust God, and move with purpose, He’ll take what you thought was ‘just for now’ and turn it into something greater than you ever imagined.
This journey is proof that if you’re feeling scared about starting, you’re not alone but don’t let fear stop you. Trust the plan God has for your life, and everything else will begin to align. Since launching my first business, I’ve been able to start multiple businesses, create new opportunities, and empower others to walk in purpose too. The road hasn’t always been easy but it’s been worth it and just to think I’m just getting started.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: lighthouseprofessionalmonitors