We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tonya M. Cowan. Check out our conversation below.
Tonya M., so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I have rebranded my markerting services and currently planning my annual women’s empowerment event, which both feel very rewarding. It is definitely work, but since they both fuel my passion, I feel purposeful in what I am doing. Rebranding my marketing services marks a significant milestone in my journey. The new name, visual identity, and expanded services reflect my evolving commitment and dedication to staying ahead in the dynamic marketing landscape. While the look may be changing, my core values and unwavering commitment to my clients’ success remain stronger than ever. I truly enjoy empowering women, which makes the planning efforts of my eighth annual event so much fun to do! I get to connect and collaborate with amazing women in the community who are making positive impact, as well as bring positve change to those around me. I perform these duties outside of my 9 to 5 and never regret a day of it!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Absolutely! I am Tonya M. Cowan, the visionary founder behind Ms. Positivi-T, a purposeful brand with a mission to empower, inspire, and uplift people from all walks of life. Driven by a passion for positive change, I created Ms. Positivi-T as a guiding light of encouragement, providing others with the tools and support to embrace their strengths and potential.
I am a graduate of East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education. My leadership, organizational and multi-tasking skills have allowed me to pursue my dream and purpose of being an entrepreneur. I am the proud owner of DesignKind Studio where I offer maketing services to small business owners and the founder of Designed With A Purpose cfs, an organization dedicated to empowering the courageous hearts of young ladies and women to lead with purpose.
Throughout my journey, I have been featured in numerous empowering publications, where my story and insights have resonated with audiences seeking motivation and hope. I have also appeared as a guest on various media platforms dedicated to women’s empowerment, sharing my authentic perspective and inspiring others to live confidently and courageously.
As a speaker, I do my best to captivate audiences with an engaging presence and heartfelt message. I empower women to find their voice, overcome challenges, and pursue their dreams with purpose. My commitment to making a difference is nicely captured in my personal motto: “If I’ve touched one person, I’ve done my job.”
With every initiative, appearance, and word spoken, I continue to embody the spirit of Ms. Positivi-T—proving that one person’s dedication to uplifting others can ignite lasting change in the world.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child growing up in a small town, I believed I was limited by my surroundings and circumstances. I thought my dreams were too big for my environment and often felt that my worth was defined by the expectations and opinions of the people around me. I believed that I needed to fit in and follow a specific path to be accepted and successful.
Now, as an adult with my own children, I no longer have these beliefs. Through life experience and motherhood, I have learned that my value is not determined by others, nor is it confined by where I come from. I recognize my ability to create my own story and encourage my daughters to dream freely, pursue their passions, and define themselves on their own terms. The limitations I once accepted have been replaced by a sense of possibility, resilience, and self-assurance.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
After years of covering up the emotional pain and the social stigma for some of my life choices, I chose to stop hiding my struggles and instead began embracing them as sources of strength. I faced judgment and disappointment by some, and once felt defined by my past and what others expected of me. However, I realized that true empowerment comes from self-acceptance and authenticity.
Rather than letting my life’s disappointments diminish me, I openly acknowledge my journey and use my experiences to inspire others. Each time I share my story with someone, I not only find healing for myself but realize I can also help others facing similar challenges. My willingness to transform pain into power allow me to redefine my identity—not as someone broken by adversity, but as someone strengthened and motivated by it. In doing so, I demonstrate that vulnerability can be a powerful tool for personal growth and for helping others overcome their own obstacles.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
One cultural value that I as a Black woman in America protect at all costs is self-respect and the affirmation of my personal and cultural identity. This value is deeply rooted in the historical context of resilience, pride, and the ongoing fight against systemic oppression and stereotypes. Black women have often faced unique challenges at the intersections of race and gender, requiring us to hold constantly to a sense of self-worth, dignity, and authenticity.
Protecting self-respect means rejecting demeaning narratives and asserting the right to define oneself, one’s beauty, and one’s place in the world. It involves honoring ancestral legacy, embracing natural beauty and cultural traditions, and refusing to let society dictate my value or silence my voice. For many Black women, this value manifests in the way we carry ourselves, the choices we make, and the boundaries we set in both personal and professional spaces.
Ultimately, the protection of self-respect and identity is not just a personal act, but a form of resistance and empowerment that uplifts families and communities. It is a legacy passed through generations, ensuring that Black women remain visible, valued, and respected in American society.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
Being a woman who is a single mother of two daughters, manages a full-time 9 to 5 career, pursues entrepreneurship, and leads as the founder of a women’s empowerment organization, I discover peace by coordinating my various roles through intentional practices and a strong sense of purpose. Despite my busy schedule and many responsibilities, I find moments of peace by prioritizing self-care, setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, and embracing support from my family and community.
Peace comes in the small, quiet routines I plan out for myself—early morning devotionals and reflections, evenings of quiet time with my love, or simply savoring a cup of herbal tea to help calm the demands of my day. I also find comfort in my passion for uplifting others; the fulfillment obtained from empowering women and witnessing their growth feeds my own sense of meaning and calm. My entrepreneurial journey and leadership role offer me the freedom to pursue projects that align with my values, while my career provides stability and structure.
By practicing gratitude, staying organized, and focusing on what truly matters, I manage to pursue inner peace despite the challenges. I celebrate the achievements of my daughters, draw inspiration from the women in my circle, and acknowledge my own growth. Ultimately, my peace is not the absence of activity, but the presence of purpose, self-love, and a supportive network that enables me to thrive in every aspect of my multifaceted life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mspositivi-t.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspositivi_t/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyamcowan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonya.m.cowan2015
- Other: https://linktr.ee/MsPositiviT
Image Credits
John Brown, Brown Boy Photography
