Meet Tonya Cross | Accessory Designer & Business Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tonya Cross and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tonya, what is the most important factor behind your success?

Being my authentic self! When I first launched my handcrafted women’s fashion accessory brand, I hid behind my logo. It was my oldest daughter that encouraged me to be the face of my brand. The introvert in me finally submitted to my entrepreneurial spirit and I did my first live on my social media platforms. It was not perfect or polished and several years later it still isn’t, but it’s the authentic me. Southern drawl, no makeup, or gimmick just an accessory designer that wants to share her gift with the world.

Being my authentic self has helped me foster genuine connections and build trust. There are thousands of accessory makers that sell online, however daily someone chooses to buy from me. Authenticity helps in building a strong personal brand, attracting customers who resonate with my values, ultimately contributing to my business success. It enables me to leverage my unique strengths and perspectives, encouraging innovation and creativity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I’m an accessory designer! To be honest, it took me a while to embrace the title of accessory designer. I believe it was because I didn’t have any formal training in fashion design; I’m self-taught. For years, I minimized my work as a hobby. Once I embraced it as the art form it truly is, my confidence and creativity began to soar.

My specialty is cowrie shell designs. Cowrie shells have African roots and portrays a message of respect, honor, and inspiration. The seashell is the first symbol of money and wealth known to mankind. Cowrie shells are also believed to be gift from the goddess of water Mami Wata; the most celebrated mermaid like deity from Africa.

The accomplishment I’m most proud of is when one of my designs was featured on Essence. Essence is the premiere lifestyle, fashion, and beauty digital and print magazine for African American women. It was an honor to be featured as an Etsy Find by Black Women Designers.

My entrepreneurial journey has been amazing, I often describe it as a rollercoaster ride of ups, downs, loops, and sometimes go backwards. My greatest lesson learned is to stay the course. When I get discouraged, I remind myself of why I do what I do. Creating things by hand gives me joy and peace. I believe that creative energy is pass on to each design I create, and I want to share it with the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I enjoy spending time in Durham, NC. A great place for accommodations is bed and breakfast Morehead Manor. It has five beautiful guest rooms, as well as a garden.

If you decide to skip breakfast at Morehead Manor, you can visit Beyu Caffe. For a heartier breakfast or brunch, Dame’s Chicken and Waffles is another delicious place. I love their sweet potato waffles and creamy grits.

Local Black History is my cup of tea so, I would recommend Whistle Stop Tours, who offer walking tours of Durham’s Hayti neighborhood. After the tour you can have supper at The Saltbox Seafood Joint to grub on some seasonal NC seafood. Then end your day with dessert from Favor Desserts. All their cakes and cupcakes are delicious!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Fellow women entrepreneurs in my Facebook group Digital Marketing On A Budget keep me inspired and motivated. The group started out as a way to share my journey of learning and implementing digital marketing strategies to promote my brand Accented Glory. Initially we were a small group of friends that were building our brands while still working a 9-5 (day job). Through word of mouth, the group kept growing because of great free and low-cost marketing advice and tips were being shared. We’re now a community of almost 300 members that provides support and encouragement to one another!

Website: www.accentedglory.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/accentedglory

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tonyacross

Twitter: www.twitter.com/accentedglory

Facebook: www.facebook.com/accentedglory

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@accentedglory

Other: www.tiktok.com/@accentedglory