Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tishoy Allen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Tishoy, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
“Life is like a coin, you get to spend it once so spend it wisely.” This quote echoed in my mind as I stood at the crossroads of my life. I am Tishoy Allen, a woman with a vision and a heart full of dreams. For years, I had harboured a passion for designing, a spark ignited and nurtured during my time working with Vistaprint. But despite this passion, my dreams of starting my own business remained unfulfilled, overshadowed by fears and financial constraints.
My journey had been a turbulent one. I had always wanted to dive into the world of entrepreneurship, but the fear of what others might think and the strain of financial struggles kept me tethered to my comfort zone. The dream seemed perpetually out of reach, and the weight of my mother’s passing only deepened my sense of loss and unfulfilled potential.
Then came a moment of profound clarity. After my mother died, I made a solemn vow to myself: I would honour her memory by building something meaningful and leaving a legacy for my daughter, Tishonique. It was in this moment of grief and resolve that the idea of T & T Divas Designs—a company specializing in customized T-shirts, mugs, tumblers, and key chains—came back to me with renewed urgency.
The journey from a fleeting thought to a tangible business was both exhilarating and challenging. Here’s how I took the leap:
The First Step: Vision and Planning- The day after I made my vow, I sat down with my diary and poured out my ideas. The name T & T Divas Designs was a natural choice, representing both my name and my daughter’s. The “T & T” symbolized our bond and commitment to this new chapter.
Next, I created a detailed business plan. I outlined my goals, target market, and the types of products I wanted to offer. I researched competitors and identified what would set my designs apart—unique, personalized items that would resonate with people on a personal level.
Financial Planning: Turning Dreams into Reality- The following month was dedicated to addressing the financial aspects of my dream. I meticulously reviewed my finances, identified areas where I could cut costs, and set aside a budget for initial expenses. I also explored various funding options. With guidance from my spouse who is a financial advisor and my boss who is a business owner, I looked into small business grants and loans that could support my startup costs.
Setting Up: Building the Foundation – Once the financial groundwork was laid, I began setting up the logistical aspects of the business. With the help and guidance from my boss Dr. Desmond Parkin, OD (best boss ever), I registered T & T Divas Designs as an official business, obtaining the necessary permits and licenses. I researched suppliers for materials and equipment, making sure to choose those that offered quality and reliability within my budget.
Design and Branding: Bringing the Vision to Life- With the business structure in place, I turned my attention to design and branding. I spent countless hours creating and refining designs for T-shirts, mugs, tumblers, and key chains. Every design was crafted with care, reflecting my passion and vision. I also developed a brand identity—designing a logo and my business cards.
Marketing and Launch: Making Waves- The excitement of the launch day was palpable. I created a few personal items for some family members and friends. Words started spreading, the response exceeded my expectations, and the initial orders began rolling in.
Growth and Reflection: Moving Forward- As the months passed, I focused on growing the business. I engaged with customers, gathered feedback, and continuously improved my products and services. Each success was a testament to the hard work and dedication that had gone into bringing my dream to life.
Reflecting on the journey, I realized that overcoming my fears and financial obstacles was worth every challenge. T & T Divas Designs wasn’t just a business; it was a symbol of my commitment to my mother’s memory and my promise to be a positive role model for my daughter.
In the end, I learned that spending the coin of life wisely meant pursuing my dreams with courage and perseverance. And as T & T Divas Designs flourished, I knew that I had honored my vow and built something truly special.
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.
Hello, I’m Tishoy Allen, the Founder and CEO of T & T Divas Designs. I’m thrilled to share my journey and the heart behind my brand with you. My path to this business has been both an exploration of my creative passion and a deep personal journey of overcoming challenges.
My love for design has been a lifelong passion, which grew stronger during my time working with Vistaprint. There, I delved into various aspects of design, from promotional materials to personalized products, and it was through this experience that my confidence and skills were honed. Despite this, starting my own business always felt like a distant dream. The fear of judgment and financial constraints held me back for years.
However, after the passing of my mother, I made a personal vow to honor her memory by building something meaningful that could also positively impact my daughter, Tishonique. This promise led to the birth of T & T Divas Designs. The name, chosen by my daughter, symbolizes our shared dream and dedication—T & T standing for both our names: Tishoy and Tishonique.
What We Offer: At T & T Divas Designs, we specialize in creating customized and personalized products that allow our clients to express their individuality and make every occasion special. Our offerings include:
T-Shirts: From casual wear to special events, our customized T-shirts are designed to reflect personal styles, memorable moments, and unique messages.
Mugs: Perfect for home or office, our mugs are customizable with designs that bring joy, motivation, or a personal touch to every sip.
Tumblers: Ideal for on-the-go, our tumblers are designed to be both practical and stylish, with custom designs that make them stand out.
Key Chains: Small but meaningful, our key chains are perfect for keeping memories and personal touches close at hand.
What truly sets T & T Divas Designs apart is our commitment to personalization and quality. Every product we create is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each piece is not only aesthetically pleasing but also resonates personally with our clients. We take pride in working closely with our customers to bring their visions to life, whether it’s for a special event, a gift, or everyday use.
We also stand out due to our story and dedication. Our brand is built on a foundation of perseverance, personal growth, and a desire to honor a loved one’s memory. This personal touch infuses every product with a sense of purpose and authenticity that resonates with our customers.
I am most proud of how T & T Divas Designs has evolved from a dream into a thriving business that makes a real impact. Each successful design and satisfied customer reaffirm the value of pursuing your passion, no matter the obstacles.
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that T & T Divas Designs is not just a business but a reflection of a heartfelt journey. Our work is driven by a desire to create products that are both meaningful and memorable. We are dedicated to providing exceptional quality and personalized service, ensuring that every interaction with our brand is positive and fulfilling.
In essence, T & T Divas Designs is about more than just products—it’s about celebrating individuality, creating lasting memories, and making a positive impact. Thank you for being a part of our story and supporting our vision.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Certainly! It was a few months into the launch of T & T Divas Designs, and I had just landed an order for a black tumbler from a Lecturer that that was apart of a team to approve a grant for my business. He had a specific design request as it was his wife’s birthday gift. It was an important order, and I was eager to ensure everything went smoothly. At one point I was thinking it was maybe a test to see my design skills.
The day came to print the tumbler, and I was filled with mix emotions of excitement and apprehension. I carefully set up the design and prepared the printing equipment, making sure everything was aligned and calibrated. However, as I unwrapped the tumbler after it was printed, I realized that the design was not correct. The colors were distorted, and the alignment was off. It wasn’t just a minor issue; it was a major flaw.
I tried again, re-calibrating the printer and making adjustments to the design. But despite my best efforts, the next few tumblers were equally disappointing. Frustration began to set in as I faced the reality that this was becoming a serious problem. I considered the possibility of quitting—returning the client’s down payment and admitting defeat. But deep down, I knew I couldn’t let go of this opportunity without giving it everything I had.
As I stood in my workspace surrounded by failed attempts, I had a moment of reflection and prayer. I asked God for guidance and strength, hoping that with a final effort, I could get it right. I had one last tumbler in the size the client needed. It felt like the final chance to turn things around.
With a renewed sense of purpose, I took a deep breath and meticulously prepared for one final print. I reviewed every detail, adjusted every setting, and prayed for success. As the tumbler went through the printing process, I watched closely, my heart racing with hope and anxiety.
When I unwrapped the tumbler design, I was overwhelmed with relief and joy—it was perfect. The design was vibrant, aligned correctly, and exactly as the client had envisioned. It felt like a small miracle, and I knew this was a turning point.
I delivered the final tumbler to the him with a heartfelt note explaining the challenges I had faced and the effort that went into making sure his order was perfect. He was not only satisfied but genuinely thrilled with the result. His happiness and appreciation made all the struggle worthwhile.
This experience was a powerful lesson in resilience. It taught me that perseverance and faith in oneself can overcome even the toughest obstacles. The journey of getting that last tumbler right was a testament to my commitment to quality and my refusal to give up, even when the odds seemed stacked against me.
Looking back, I’m proud of how I faced that challenge head-on, turned a potentially negative situation into a success story, and upheld the integrity of T & T Divas Designs. It’s moments like these that define my journey and reinforce the core values of resilience and dedication in my business.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that perfection was the only path to success. This lesson was deeply ingrained in me from my early experiences, both personally and professionally, but it became evident that clinging to this belief was hindering my growth and well-being.
From a young age, I was taught to strive for perfection in everything I did. Whether it was in school, work, or personal projects, the idea of doing something perfectly was instilled in me as a marker of success. This mindset followed me into my journey with T & T Divas Designs. I believed that every design, every product, and every interaction had to be flawless to be worthy of success.
In the early days of my business, this quest for perfection led to significant stress and self-imposed pressure. I would spend excessive amounts of time perfecting designs, obsessing over minute details, and double-checking every aspect of the production process. This not only slowed down my workflow but also caused anxiety and a fear of making mistakes.
The turning point came during a particularly challenging period when I faced multiple issues with a customized tumbler (as detailed in the previous story). I was so focused on achieving perfection that I nearly derailed my business. The stress and pressure of meeting my own impossibly high standards made the situation worse.
It was through this experience—and with the support of my spouse and my boss(my biggest cheerleader)—that I realized the importance of embracing imperfection and learning from mistakes. I had to unlearn the belief that only perfection would lead to success. Instead, I needed to understand that progress, learning, and adaptability were just as important, if not more so.
By unlearning the need for perfection, I was able to approach my work with greater flexibility and creativity. I found joy in the process of creating and problem-solving, rather than stressing over every detail. This shift not only improved my productivity but also enhanced the quality of my work and the satisfaction of my clients.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: t.t_divas_designs
- Linkedin: Tishoy Allen
- Other: Tik Tok: tish_t_allen
Amazon Book: https://a.co/d/32kJjtT
