We were lucky to catch up with Tonia Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tonia, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My name is Tonia williams, I’m an Athlete, a Veteran, a strong black woman who is owner of the UNCHECKABLE athletics clothing brand. My goal with the Uncheckable design is to not only give back to my community but also fight for justice by artistically giving a voice where sometimes we can’t be heard. To me this is more than a clothing line it is a way of life.

Definition of UNCHECKABLE- a relentless and unwavering force that cannot be stopped by anyone!

After my collegiate basketball career, and military career I would unfortunately end up incarcerated in federal prison for 4 years for a crime I committed while serving as a Georgia department correctional officer in 2016. The details of my case are unique as the government conducted what they call “a reverse sting operation”. 60 correctional officers (including myself) were charged with conspiracy to commit drug trafficking. A scheme that was all set up by the government. I am writing a book called “From blue to Brown” discussing my life before the crime, and exclusive details of my case and how it all happened.

While incarcerated. I struggled with mental stability. I was an all star with a bright future. Good person, I just made a mistake. Depression, anxiety took over and I wanted to check out of life. I wanted to commit suicide. Then god spoke to me and said don’t let hardships Check you out of life. UNCHECKABLE was born. We all go through hardships in life, whether it’s depression, PTSD, lost of a loved one, divorce etc, we can’t let it CHECK US! We have to be a force! That can’t be stopped! We have to use our voice To stand up for what we believe in, and not let others make us waver from what we believe! And for my athletes, you better not get checked by your opponent!

My goal is to give people the supreme confidence that nothing can’t stop them from accomplishing goals. With an UNCHECKABLE mindset you can Conquer the world and Unleash your true power! Check it out!

Tonia, 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 Tonia, I am 32 years old, and I got into the clothing brand business while incarcerated in 2019. I developed and designed everything while incarcerated, and mailed everything to my mom to have her finalize design and get it trade marked. When I was released in 2021 I went straight to work, but unfortunately I didn’t have any guidance on the clothing industry.

Luckily I was able to get guidance from influencers online, and just simply trial and error. They key to success is not giving up when things aren’t going the way you planned. You learn from failures, I stayed disciplined and learned the ins and outs, dos and don’t s.

I provide athletic wear and urban fashion. My brand has charisma and is unique because it can apply to all nationalities and age, athletes, non athletes, everyone! It has a positive and motivational meaning to just keep goin in life!! Don’t let anyone stop you!

I am proud that I bounced back from my failures, and that I created this while incarcerated and I encourage everyone else to not give up on anything they believe in, or to let hardships in life check them! I want my followers and fans to know that you have and control your true power! Are you going to unleash it? Or let life check you? The choice is yours! Let me help you spread your voice! Loud and proud!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn that things are not given to you. I was used to getting everything I wanted without working for it because I was good at basketball. Patience and working hard is key to success

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My time incarcerated! My book “From Blue to Brown” illustrates the struggles I went through and how I was resilient in the end. For me to be able to come home and start a clothing brand speaks volume of my mentality bc it was not an easy process. I jus didn’t give up or let a “no” stop me. From going to an all American basketball star, airforce veteran, and correctional officer to a federal inmate is mind boggling! But I made it! And I can’t wait to use my story to help others not make the same mistakes!

Contact Info:

• Website:  www.uncheckableathletics.com
• Instagram: @uncheckablebrands
• Other: UNCHECKABLE athletics will be having its very first online sale!! Beginning December 12th 2022! Items will be limited! Help support!

Image Credits
Photos by mark mills Instagram: @yomarkmills @houseoftunestv