We were lucky to catch up with Tonya Cross recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tonya , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?

Creating a positive customer experience is something I practice and coach to other fellow handmade business owners. Customers is the foundation and vehicle that drive every business. One thing I’ve learned while in business is that people love to be recognized and appreciated. It’s an innate desire that we all have.

One way that I show my customers appreciation is through a thank you card. All of my first time buyers that I ship to receive a hand written thank you note. The note is frequently mentioned in my reviews. I address my customer by their name and let them know how much I appreciate their purchase and support. Because of my customers I Can!

I also follow up with all my customers; first time and repeat customers. I ask if they’re enjoying the accessory design they purchased and express my continued appreciation. This is a way to establish a personal rapport with my customers. My repeat customers are my best brand ambassadors because they tell their family and friends about their experience with me and my brand. Word of mouth is the best marketing strategy hands down!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m an accessory designer for my brand Accented Glory. It’s a handcrafted fashion accessory brand that specialize in cowrie shell and African print designs. My pieces include hair accessory, jewelry, and handbag designs.

Cowrie shells is my primary creative muse! I incorporate the seashell into most of my designs. The shell has African roots and is believed to be a gift from the African Water Goddess Mama Wata; who’s the most celebrated mermaid deity in Africa.

Something else that makes my designs unique is their adjustability. One of the biggest complaints I hear about headbands is how they’re often too tight and cause headaches. All of my headband hair accessories are adjustable to allow the wearer to control how tight they fit. I also have adjustable bracelets, necklaces, and handbag straps. So whether you’re small, medium, or large, I Got You!

I’m also a handmade business coach for my coaching brand Strategypreneur™. My clients include hand-crafters, food/beverage entrepreneurs, organization leaders, and authors. I show creative women entrepreneurs how to gain organic online brand visibility and start converting followers into customers.

I host a weekly Tuesday Chat in my Facebook Group Digital Marketing On A Budget. During the Facebook Live chat, I share free marketing tips and advice. In addition, I have a 90 day marketing planner, e-book, and courses available.

I’m most proud of being featured in Essence, Refinery 29, and Good Housekeeping online magazines. All of the features affirmed that my designs are publication worthy. Each feature inspires and motivates me to keep creating!

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

Yes, I handcraft my designs. I’m a self taught designer that doesn’t have formal design training. I first started making hair accessory designs for myself because I had a hard time finding “natural hair friendly” accessories. Other people liked my designs and asked if I could make designs for them. My brand snowballed from there; my hobby eventually became a business.

Having a manufacturing schedule has helped me tremendously. I create certain designs on specific days. This helps me maintain inventory for my online shops on Amazon and Etsy. It also minimizes my processing time and improves my shipping speeds.

Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?

I have two supplementary revenue streams for my handcrafted fashion accessory brand. I recently started hosting accessory making classes. The designs created in my classes can be made in 5 or less steps. I provide all the materials attendees need; the only thing they need to bring is a creative mindset.

I did my first small batch custom design for a women’s retreat. The host gave me the creative freedom to create a design that resonate with theme and destination location. The earring design was a hit with the retreat guests.

Through Strategypreneur™, I also offer “do it for you” marketing services. I manage clients’ social media accounts via posts and engaging with comments.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.accentedglory.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accentedglory
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accentedglory
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyacross
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/accentedglory
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@accentedglory
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/AccentedGloryhttps://www.tiktok.com/@accentedglory