We were lucky to catch up with Toni Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Toni, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

During my life, I’ve noticed a deeper thread that weaves through the fabric of my mission: a commitment to building the visibility and reputation of Black women. It’s not just a professional endeavor; it’s a deeply personal journey, born from my own experiences, struggles, and a desire to rewrite narratives.

Pursuit of Excellence:
My story begins with a relentless pursuit of excellence. From early on, I understood the weight of expectations and the importance of standing out in a world where the odds often seemed stacked against me. At 14, I attempted my first job as a hair salon assistant. I failed miserably and quit the same day. From that point on, I realized that excellence wasn’t just a goal; it was a necessity, a pathway to breaking through stereotypes and challenging misconceptions.

Defying Failure:
The fear of failure has been a constant companion, pushing me to strive for more, work harder, and shatter any preconceived notions about what success looks like. In a society that often misunderstands and undervalues the potential of Black women, I found my resolve to be unyielding. Failure wasn’t an option; it was an invitation to rise above expectations.

Embodying Resilience:
In a world that often overlooks and underappreciates the struggles of Black women, being resilient is at the core of how I live despite any challenges. Building a personal brand while raising a child and going through a very difficult marriage (which I no longer am in), is a testament to the resilience inherent in Black women—a strength that deserves acknowledgment, celebration, and elevation. Through my lived experiences, I learned to navigate spaces that didn’t always recognize my worth, embodying a strength that went beyond stereotypes.

A Misunderstood Demographic:
The realization struck hard: Black women, despite their brilliance and beauty, were frequently misunderstood. Society’s gaze often failed to see the multifaceted identities, talents, and contributions of Black women. I recognized the urgent need to change this narrative, to showcase the diversity, brilliance, and dynamism that defines Black women. By focusing on personal branding for Black women, I’m able to reimagine what it looks like to be a powerful, multi-faceted, and successful Black woman – one client at a time

Celebrating Unapologetic Identity:
It’s about celebrating the unapologetic identity of Black women. From the corporate boardroom to the arts, from academia to entrepreneurship, Black women have been instrumental in shaping culture and driving progress. Yet, their stories are often sidelined. I aim to bring these stories to the forefront, painting a narrative that reflects the true essence of Black womanhood through personal branding, storytelling, brand strategy, and social spaces.

Toni, 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?

When I first started Skye Media Group, my design agency, I erroneously believed that a logo and website were the sole prerequisites for navigating the intricacies of business and attracting clients. Despite my fervent passion for design and branding, the journey was rife with challenges—consistently generating income, articulating my expertise, and crafting an authentic brand proved to be formidable hurdles.

A transformative shift occurred when I started to focus on brand strategy and messaging. It became evident that personal brands and businesses demanded more than the surface allure of a logo, business card, or website to truly flourish in a competitive arena. Since that pivotal realization, my unwavering focus has shifted towards brand strategy and messaging as the core of all creative endeavors, spanning visual design, marketing initiatives, creative direction, and website design.

Reflecting on this journey, my proudest moments resonate with the impact of prioritizing my own personal brand From engaging in insightful discussions on branding through television appearances and speaking events to being honored with the “Woman of the Year” Award in Baltimore, each accolade serves as a poignant testament to the transformative power of branding. Also, observing firsthand the positive transformation in the lives and legacies of the Black women I’ve collaborated with has profoundly fulfilled me.

I’m not your conventional warm and fuzzy designer, though. I’m the one who marries technical abilities with strategic acumen, delving into the deeper layers of brand and design. As a self-proclaimed “tough love” designer, my collaboration with Black women goes beyond aesthetics. I strive to cultivate personal brands they and their audience will wholeheartedly embrace, urging them beyond any perceived boundaries or limitations, so they can embrace their potential and purpose. T

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Absolutely, the intricacies of my journey as a creative professional often face a disconnect with those who may not fully grasp the value embedded in design. One of the key challenges is the underestimation of the true worth of creative services, often exemplified by the prevalent notion that a logo, for instance, should come with a minimal price tag, perhaps as low as $100.

What might be challenging for non-creatives to comprehend is the profound impact that design can have on brand recognition, loyalty, and longevity. A logo isn’t merely a graphic; it is a visual representation of a brand’s identity, a symbol that can either forge lasting connections with consumers or leave a brand as a fleeting memory. When the stakes are this high, the value of design extends far beyond a mere image—it becomes an investment in the success and longevity of a brand.

Creative services aren’t priced exorbitantly just for the sake of it; they reflect the intrinsic value of the impact that design has on consumer behavior. People buy what they can visualize and are drawn to, and the role of design in influencing these choices is monumental. Design isn’t a frivolous expense but a strategic investment in how a brand is perceived, remembered, and ultimately embraced by its audience.

Contrary to the misconception that creativity is a switch that can be turned on and off, being a designer or creative thinker is a cultivated skill, honed over a lifetime of observations, experiences, and a unique perspective on the world. No two designers, given the same project, will produce identical results because creativity is a deeply personal expression, rooted in individual perspectives and life journeys.

It’s crucial to understand that creative professionals aren’t just image-makers; they are problem solvers. They don’t simply create visually appealing content; they strategize and communicate messages that resonate with audiences, addressing the nuances of human connection and psychology.

In recognizing and respecting the skill, effort, and unique perspectives that go into creative work, there emerges a deeper appreciation for the value that designers bring to the table. Design isn’t cheap, nor should it be, because its impact on the world, on perceptions, and on the success of brands is immeasurable. Creativity isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity and a powerful force that shapes the way we engage with the world. For designers, the journey isn’t just about creating pretty visuals; it’s about solving complex problems, telling compelling stories, and leaving an indelible mark on the world.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

This one is simple. I wish I had a true customer management system versus trying to track clients in Excel. I now have a client management system that handles everything from proposals to contracts and invoices.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brandcoachtoni.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/brandcoachtoni
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/mstonisbrown
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYm4zcQpRkqsItvfGFx0xBA

Image Credits
Jon Will Photography