We recently connected with Tonika Snow-Anderson and have shared our conversation below.

Tonika, 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

I don’t regret when I started my business. I’ve come to realize that God’s timing is best. After successfully working in social services for several years and later running a countertop fabrication company, I was blessed to be in a position to start my own business. It wasn’t an easy decision. In fact, I thought I heard God wrong. Me, a business owner in a state that I’ve only lived in for a few years.
Had I started sooner than I did, I wouldn’t have learned all of the lessons that I needed to learn in order to be successful. The only thing that I would have changed about the process to business ownership is my research. I would have researched and learned of all of the business tools available to me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was a single mother that had recently relocated to Atlanta. My focus was social work and I thought that would be my life story. I’ve always been intrigued with renovations and or remodeling homes. HGTV was the only station that I would watch. After dabbing in the flipping business, I was bit by the home decor bug. In 2018, I stepped out on faith and created Magnolia Home Decor, LLC. We specialize in countertops, cabinets, flooring and remodeling/renovations. Ironically, this industry still allows me to counsel and help people. My greatest joy is taking one person’s vision and making it a reality. Presenting the finished product and watching my client’s eyes light up, makes me most fulfilled with my job. My primary focus is to educate my clients and help them make informed decisions that best delivers the desired results for their projects.
My goal is to give personalized care to each client.

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

I was told and started believing that the construction industry was no place for a woman and especially a woman of color. What I realized is that I needed to be well equipped with knowledge and willing to always learn so that when challenges or challengers presented themselves, I was ready!

Not only is there room for women in this industry, but the opportunities also to create new standards and lead in a male dominated atmosphere are available.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I started my company with my savings and resources. Although my savings was quite small, I was determined to make my little bit work. It was a sale-by-sale bases in the beginning until I was able to actually take some of the profit and keep it in the bank.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.magnoliahomedecor.org
• Instagram: magnoliahomedec
• Facebook: Magnolia Home Decor
• Twitter: @magnoliahomedecor
• Youtube: Magnolia Home Decor @magnoliahomedecor4137

Image Credits
Magnolia Home Decor