We recently connected with Tonya Todd and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tonya, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
They exposed me to the arts and humanities and allowed me to explore my interests with few limitations. Schooling was important, but so were books, music, movies, and museums. My mother, especially, told me that I could do or be the best at anything I chose, and I think she still believes this.
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.
My artistic journey started with a literal dream, and when I woke, the story wouldn’t leave me. I wrote and wrote and eventually had this story about a woman who quits her office job to become an actress. Somehow, that manifested into my life, and now I’m a writer and an actress. My first book, 52 Love: Weekly Love Lessons in Bite-Sized Bits, is due out in December.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I have been able to connect with people all over the world and share artistic passions, I have the privilege to help others tell their stories and to tell my own. And I am blessed with a platform to promote advocacy and activism important to me and those in my network.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Not to self-reject based on fear of others’ rejection. Imposter syndrome often makes you feel like you aren’t worthy of opportunities. So you turn down auditions or query requests because you assume they will not want you. You don’t want to waste their time or invite their rejection. But you were asked for a reason. Don’t close doors on yourself. There are plenty of people to do that for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mstonyatodd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mstonyatodd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mstonyatodd
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-todd-b05b1918a/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsTonyaTodd
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/The52LovePodcast
- Other: https://www.femmeon.show/ http://www.mstonyatodd.com/newsletter/
Image Credits
Olga Filatova Knight Studios Mike Burton Charles Larson Kat Fieler