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

Toii, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

In 2024, I took a leap of faith.
With nothing but my tax refund check and a vision, I invested in a business that I hoped would change everything for me and my children. I didn’t know if it would work. I didn’t know if my dream would come to life. But I believed in myself, and I was determined to show my kids that betting on yourself is always worth the risk. At the time, everything in my life felt like it was falling apart. As a single mom, I had little control over the chaos around me. I was essentially homeless — it was the lowest point of my life. But even in that dark place, I found the courage to reach out to a friend and ask for help bringing my business idea to life: a home-delivered meal service. It didn’t happen overnight. It took time, grit, patience, and unwavering faith. But eventually, that small investment became the foundation for something bigger than I imagined. Today, I am a proud business owner of a service that not only provides for my family but also gives back to my community — especially the elderly and disabled. I have no regrets. That leap of faith gave me more than a business — it gave me purpose, stability, and a future.

Toii, 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?

My name is Toii Pryor. I’m a 38-year-old single mother of three and the primary caregiver to my disabled mother. While I come from a medical background, I chose to turn my passion and purpose into a business that would allow me to provide for my family — and give back to my community. My mother is the heart and soul behind Speedy Eats. At just 53, she has survived five strokes and battles congestive heart failure and kidney failure, among other health challenges. Caring for her every day opened my eyes to the critical role nutrition plays in health — and how hard it is for people, especially in lower-income communities, to access nutritious meals. Growing up in the lower class in the U.S., I know firsthand how limited the options can be when it comes to healthy food. I realized that if my mother had access to better nutrition earlier in life, her health might look very different today. That realization sparked a mission in me — to help her and others like her through food made with love, care, and intention. That’s when Speedy Eats was born — a home-delivered meal service focused specifically on the elderly and disabled. Every meal I prepare is tailored to meet each client’s health needs. I don’t just cook; I prepare, package, and deliver every order with personal care and compassion. What sets Speedy Eats apart is that I’ve lived on the other side — I know how important it is to have meals that are both healthy and enjoyable, especially on a restricted diet. It wasn’t until I started meeting my clients face-to-face that I realized the true impact of my work. Many shared how their health had improved after starting my meals — some even said their doctors were amazed at their progress. Others told me how excited they get when they see my delivery truck pulling up, knowing a warm, delicious, and nourishing meal is on the way. I take great pride in what I do. Cooking has always been my passion, and helping others has always been my purpose. Through Speedy Eats, I’ve found a way to combine the two — creating a business that not only sustains my family, but also uplifts the lives of others. Outside of work, I enjoy the peace and creativity I find in gardening, the escape and wisdom in reading, and the joy and energy of live music. These simple pleasures help keep me grounded and inspired as I continue growing both personally and professionally.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Let’s be real — building an audience on social media can feel awkward. We worry so much about grabbing someone’s focus long enough for them to see life from our perspective. But from my experience, I’ll tell you this: Just start.
There is no perfect way. No right or wrong way. If you’re genuinely living in your purpose, God will send you your audience.

I remember being nervous to even go live on Facebook. I used to spend hours trying to perfect everything — how I spoke, what I wore, what time I should post — instead of just being authentically me. I was so focused on presenting the “perfect” version of myself that I wasn’t letting people see the real Toii Pryor.

But once I let that go — once I started showing up fully as myself — everything changed.
The right people started to show up.
The right doors started to open.
Because people wanted me, not some version I was trying to mimic.

And by showing up as myself, I was able to promote both of my talents at once:
I love to cook. I love to bake.

Now, I run a popular business in my hometown. I’ve sold desserts in four different restaurants, and I’ve even shipped cookies to 10 states across the U.S.

So here’s my advice:
Stay rooted in who you are. Stop overthinking. Be real. Be consistent.
You never know what’s going to happen when you take that leap — but I promise, something beautiful is on the other side.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

If you want to grow in business, the best strategy you can ever use is networking.

That means stepping out of your comfort zone and putting yourself out there — whether it’s through social media, face-to-face conversations, or live events. You have to pitch yourself. Talk about your business. Share your passion. Let people know what you do and why you do it.

Think of it this way:
When you work a 9-to-5, you go hard to get noticed — to earn that raise, that promotion, that recognition.
Treat your business the same way.
Grind for your own name like you’re trying to get promoted by yourself.
And here’s the thing: the more you put yourself out there, the more you’ll realize just how many people are quietly watching, rooting for you, and ready to support you. People are drawn to integrity. They admire determination. And here’s the truth: Character and integrity will take you places that degrees never can.
So show up. Speak up. Be bold.
Your next client, partner, or opportunity could be one conversation away.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Toii Pryor/Toii’sSweets/Speedy Eats