We recently connected with Tonya Rivens and have shared our conversation below.

Tonya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

Looking back, I would have started my business later. I was a single mom when I started the business in 2003 and my son was born in 2003. Two births in the same year!

As a senior in college, I had a vision that came in the form of a dream, to keep my grandfather’s legacy going. The following morning, I documented the dream by drawing pic of a diner & barbershop. Grandad died when I was 3 therefore I had no memory of him. However, he owned a barbershop on valuable land in my hometown of Cornelius/ Lake Norman, North Carolina. Traditionally, my community loses land via property taxes or other measures. Upon graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in Journalism, I discussed my dream with my Mom, who explained that my grandfather was one of the first barbers in Cornelius and in addition to the building that housed his barbershop, my grandmother owned a diner. My mother is one of twelve children. When my grandfather died, none of his children wanted to become entrepreneurs. I purchased the property from my uncle in 2003 and did renovations. However, it has been a struggle. After grandad, there was an entire generation lost since none of his children continued the business. Although the property is located in one of the wealthiest towns in North Carolina, the business is also in an historical Black neighborhood, which is currently undergoing gentrification. I’m big on family and legacy but I allowed that passion to cloud my judgement.

By starting later, I would have been more knowledgeable about funding, financing, contracts, people and more business savvy. I plan to write a book on ‘what not to do when starting a business.’ Starting later would have also allowed me to have taken more business classes and to partner with a business mentor.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

When I purchased the building and renovated it in 2003, it was the first business there since granddad died in more than 40 years. It’s an historical black community in the south and the only neighborhood where black people could live at the time. The Town of Cornelius at the time wouldn’t even allow the community to use its water and sewer lines. The community had to build their own. The Town was forced to allow the connection when sewer started seeping from the ground. Here is article: https://www.corneliustoday.com/in-smithville-getting-city-water-was-a-do-it-ourselves-project/

The land became more attractive once the man-made lake was created. Because I am a native of the community who currently works in media, I’m connected. I’m a seasoned media veteran in radio, television, print, public speaking and community relations with a genuine love for the community and a passion for empowering others. I was raised in a home with a loving mom, who raised five children. (my stepfather was not involved in our lives) Mom worked two jobs to send four of her children to college. Two attended HBCUs and two attended PWIs. I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in Journalism. I am currently in graduate school for Journalism at Syracuse University. Although I am a veteran Journalist, I’m always striving to learn and to be a better person. Media comes easy for me and my goal is to empower others.

My continued success however is essential to encouraging different generations of residents in the area, in the town and in Mecklenburg County. I’m connected by providing community outreach, my 501c3, Ausie & Martin Rivens Scholarship Foundation, by actively participating in voter outreach, by providing jobs, leased space and by offering space for community meetings.
Here is another article that gives great background information: https://www.corneliustoday.com/smithville-revitalization-change-is-inevitable/

A blueprint of who I am and what I represent can be found on my website at tonyarivens.com.

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

Once my business started, I experienced instant success however it became a struggle keeping tenants to honor their agreement. Initially, I leased space for a barbershop, a beauty salon (all family) and I operated the ice cream parlor. Eventually, I hired my nephew to operate the ice cream parlor so that I could return to work in media to acquire additional financial support and for benefits for me and my child.

The beauty salon had closed and the only revenue at the time was from the ice cream parlor and the barber shop. It was New Year’s Eve 2005. The barber was a cousin who I had provided a scholarship to attend barber school. He was the only barber and had worked there for about one and a half years. The young boy walked out and never returned. Prior to sending him to barber school, he had gotten in trouble with law enforcement. I saw his potential and that thought it would be great to have him join me. Clearly, he didn’t appreciate it and he left me without any words of why or what was the problem. I was devastated.

Instead of dwelling on the loss, I asked some of my friends who were barbers to assist me by opening a satellite barber shop location for a few days per week. Eventually, I found another full time barber.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I’ve been able to tie in my media success to my business brand. As a radio veteran, the Smithville native has worn the titles of Program Director, Music Director, General Manager and Community Affairs Director. I’ve also worked in television and write for local print outlets.

TRivens, LLC has benefitted from the media exposure and allows me to offer my professional services. My professional career creates interest in my business location. I also have a strong presence on social media sites.

I created a nonprofit in 2004, which gives back to the community. My service to others builds a positive reputation in my community.

Contact Info:

• Website: tonyarivens.com
• Instagram: thetonyarivens
• Facebook: tonyarivenslive
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-rivens-9695292a/
• Twitter: tonyarivenslive
• Youtube: Tonya Rivens-TTIME, Under the Crown

Image Credits
All pictures are owned by me. Thanks for the opportunity to share my story. Best,