Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tona Michelle. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tona , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

Starting my business as a Mary Kay Consultant at the age of 26 was a pivotal moment for me. At that time, I was eager to venture into entrepreneurship, drawn by my passion for makeup artistry. However, I found myself grappling with the sales and recruitment aspects of the business, which didn’t align with my true passion for beauty and fashion.

Reflecting on my journey, I believe starting sooner would have allowed me to delve deeper into the makeup artistry aspect, honing my skills and building a stronger foundation for my future endeavors. With more experience and guidance, I could have navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship with greater confidence and clarity.

Conversely, starting later might have provided me with more life experience and maturity to approach business with a strategic mindset. I could have potentially leveraged resources and mentorship more effectively, leading to a smoother transition into entrepreneurship.

In hindsight, I wish I had started my business sooner, but with a clearer focus on my passions. Nonetheless, every step of my journey has shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today, and I’m grateful for the lessons learned along the way.

Tona , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m an entrepreneur, creative director, and published fashion/wardrobe stylist with over 20 years of experience in the fashion and beauty industries. My journey began in 2000 when I started my career as a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. Over time, I expanded my skills by attending beauty school and graduating with a license in Makeup Artistry where I trained under some of the industry greats.

In 2008, I ventured into the world of film and music videos as a makeup artist, working on various projects as well as contributing to magazine covers. Additionally, I’ve written for various online and print publications, sharing my expertise in beauty and fashion.

In 2009, I combined my skills in sales, customer service, fashion, and beauty to launch my first online boutique, DC Consignment Boutique, followed by the creation of my cosmetics and skincare brand, Tona Michelle Cosmetics, in 2010. Since then, I’ve transitioned into style consulting and wardrobe styling, becoming known as the go-to person for helping professional men and women create their signature look and style.

My most recent venture, October Moon Branding Agency, was born out of a desire to address the lack of representation for minority and women-led businesses in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle industries. Through my agency, I offer creative direction, branding, and marketing services, catering specifically to minority and women-led businesses.

I pride myself on my ability to understand my clients’ needs and aspirations, helping them achieve their goals by providing tailored solutions and personalized guidance. What sets me apart is my unique blend of experience, creativity, and dedication to diversity and inclusion. I’m passionate about empowering others to express themselves authentically through fashion, beauty, and branding.

I’m most proud of the impact I’ve had on my clients’ lives and businesses, helping them unlock their potential and elevate their brands to new heights. Potential clients, followers, and fans should know that I’m committed to excellence, integrity, and innovation in everything I do. Whether it’s through my styling services, cosmetics line, or branding agency, I strive to inspire and empower others to embrace their individuality and shine bright in their respective industries.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Certainly. Throughout my journey, there were countless moments that tested my resilience, but one instance stands out vividly. It was during my senior year of high school when I received the acceptance letter to Bennett College. At that time, my life was clouded by adversity – from grappling with trauma and family dysfunction to battling depression. The news of my acceptance was like a ray of sunshine breaking through the darkness. It symbolized the possibility of a brighter future, far away from the struggles of my hometown.

However, despite the excitement and hope it brought, the reality of financial constraints loomed large. As much as I desired to seize this opportunity, I simply couldn’t afford it. It was a crushing blow, a reminder of the harsh limitations that circumstance can impose. But even in that moment of disappointment, I refused to let go of my dreams. I held onto the belief that someday, somehow, I would find a way to pursue my passions.

Fast forward over a decade later, when the desire to attend beauty school reignited within me. I embarked on a search that eventually led me to Bennett Career Institute. The connection was uncanny, almost like the universe was aligning the pieces of my life in perfect harmony. Yet, once again, the obstacle of financing threatened to derail my aspirations.

Just when it seemed like I had hit another dead end, a stroke of fate intervened. Out of the blue, I received a letter notifying me of funds from an old 401k account – an unexpected windfall that arrived precisely when I needed it most. It was as if the universe had conspired to provide a lifeline, reminding me that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardships, but also about seizing the opportunities that emerge amidst adversity.

This moment encapsulates the essence of my journey – a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and serendipity. It underscores the belief that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, there’s always a glimmer of hope waiting to be discovered. And through resilience, we can not only weather the storms of life but also emerge stronger and more determined than ever before.

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

The transition from contemplating a brick-and-mortar boutique to embracing e-commerce marked a pivotal moment in my entrepreneurial journey. Initially, I was fixated on the traditional concept of a physical store, but when circumstances prevented that from materializing, I recognized the need to adapt to the evolving landscape of retail.

With determination and a willingness to explore new avenues, I ventured into online retail. Despite encountering challenges and grappling with impatience along the way, I gained valuable insights into the dynamics of e-commerce and the digital marketplace. However, after a period of trial and error, I realized that the online boutique model wasn’t the right fit for me at that time, prompting me to reassess my direction.

Taking a hiatus allowed me to reflect on my strengths and passions, leading me to explore the idea of starting a production company. While initially enthusiastic about this endeavor, the absence of a suitable partnership opportunity left me feeling uncertain. Nevertheless, I refused to let setbacks deter me from pursuing my entrepreneurial ambitions.

After careful consideration and a renewed sense of purpose, I made the decision to forge ahead independently, launching Kreatives Koncepts. This venture represented a departure from my previous pursuits, yet it also tapped into my expertise in branding and marketing, areas where I had demonstrated proficiency both personally and for others.

The pivot towards October Moon Branding agency not only showcased my adaptability and resilience but also underscored my ability to identify opportunities for growth and transformation in the face of adversity. Through each pivot, I have continued to evolve and refine my entrepreneurial vision, embracing change as a catalyst for innovation and success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.octobermoonbranding.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/octobermoonbranding/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/octobermoonbranding
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@octobermoonbrandingtv?si=Pnwg7Geu_P6Qz76p

Image Credits
Jonathan Martin