Conversations with Tonya Cowan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya Cowan. 

Hi Tonya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I have always had a strong desire to lead and empower others. Growing up a young girl in Salisbury, NC, I quickly realized that I wanted to pursue other areas of the world and somehow leave my mark. I am also referred to as “Ms. Positivi-T”.

As a young girl, I experienced challenges of low self-esteem, acceptance and although I had a circle of friends, I still struggled to truly love myself. Fast forward to my young adult years, I began to grow and mature in my life. I learned that I “am enough” and that I have a lot to offer to others. I learned that we all have internal struggles and thankfully, I was strong enough to overcome my struggles with the help of God and my village of family and friend support.

Knowing the struggles I encountered as a young lady, as well as watching my own daughters encounter some of the same struggles, this led me to encourage and uplift other young ladies. As a result, I started Designed With A Purpose CFS (https://www.dwapcfs.org/) in 2018, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity organization created to empower young ladies between the ages of 12 to 18 to be courageous in who they are, faithful in their pursuit of happiness and strong leaders in the opportunities life presents them.

Each year Designed With A Purpose CFS hosts a women empowerment event every 3rd Saturday in October. The goal of the event is to celebrate and encourage women from all walks of life. We bring a different topic each year with speakers and/or a panel, as well as games, prizes, and vendors. We hope to see you at our next event!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Challenges are inevitable. I used to stress over how to get past challenges or how to overcome them. As I have grown and matured through life, I have learned to not take things personally. The majority of the time, it is not personal. I sleep on it, and if it still bothers me I address it at the next opportunity. This allows me time to process what has happened and the time I need to figure out a solution or approach the situation. Since I have been walking in my purpose, the road has been smooth because I am fulfilling my purpose. We all have gifts and talents, and these gifts and talents are usually our purpose. Once we understand what our purpose is in life, and begin to use our gifts for our purpose, the process of what we do is seamless. I truly believe that the reason I have had a great experience with my nonprofit, business ventures, and current career are due to me walking in my purpose.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
First of all, I do a lot! However, I truly enjoy what I do!

I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education, concentration Information Technology, from East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. With over twenty years of experience in marketing, and 15 years in event planning, I have worked in corporate America providing marketing services to numerous clients.

I am also a small business owner. I was able to take my experience in digital marketing and creative talents to start As You Wish websites|engagement|marketing, LLC. I am passionate about using my skills to assist businesses with their marketing needs. Me and my team are always ready to make sure that any marketing service you ask for are executed exactly “As You Wish”! You can visit www.asyouwishwem.com to learn more and contact us for a free marketing consultation.

I am also the Founder of AdorAble Designz, LLC (https://www.adorabledesignz.com/), an online store dedicated to empowering women from all walks of life. Our designs help promote fun and inspiration. AdorAble Designz was birthed in August 2020 with the purpose of shining light into dark places that our minds may sometimes go. Our goal is promote empowerment, peace, unity, inspiration, fun, and life!

Last, but not least, I am the 2021-2022 President of AAF Triangle (https://aaftriangle.org/). The purpose of the President is to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the AAF Triangle and as such provide active leadership for the AAF Triangle and oversee all operations. AAF Triangle is the voice of the advertising industry in the Raleigh-Durham-Coastal Plains areas. Our organization sponsors programs that support our national organization’s (aaf.org) initiatives of Education, Diversity, Public Service, and Government Relations for advertising agencies, marketing teams, freelancers, and students.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think that you should find someone in your profession or industry that has more experience than you, and who will help guide you and nurture you on your journey. Also, be sure this is someone you can trust. Most importantly, be patient with yourself and give yourself grace as you learn and grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/tonya.cowan

Image Credits
Tori McKoy Imagery
Brianne Manning