We recently had the chance to connect with Tonya Cross and have shared our conversation below.
Tonya , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
One of the things that bring me joy is being a GamGam! My co-workers told me a few years ago that becoming a grandparent is a different kind of love. At the time I didn’t understand, but I do now that I’m the grandmother to two beautiful little girls. I’m a long distance grandparent, so facetime allows me to see and hear them regularly. I love seeing them reach milestones and express their personalities. Each minute of conversation with my Littles, brings me so much joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My handcrafted (by me) fashion accessory brand is Accented Glory. My designs include hair accessories. jewelry, and handbags. The cowrie shell is my creative muse. The shell comes from a marine snail found primarily in the Pacific and Indian Ocean. The shell is believed to be a gift from the African Water Goddess Mami Wata.
I use the art of “knot tying” to create many of my designs. Knot tying has African roots and is linked to North African Moors. My designs are wearable art created with natural materials like hemp cord, woven textile, seashells, and leather. Each piece has a design story that illustrates how I weave history, art, and symbolism into the design.
I’m currently working on my leather collection. Most leather fashion accessories have a basic functional design that’s stylish. I bridge the gap by providing handcrafted leather goods that reflect culture, carry meaning, and start conversations!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful is during childhood! I’ve always enjoyed creating things by hand. Bringing an idea in my head into fruition with my own hands is powerful. My fashion accessory brand allows me to continue this experience.
Creating things by hand gives me joy and peace. I believe that positive energy is pass down to each piece I create. It’s reflective through many of the reviews I receive when customers say how my designs make them feel. My designs are more than hair accessories, jewelry, and handbags; they’re conduits of empowerment and confidence.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Running a business is like a rollercoaster ride! It has it’s ups, downs, loops, and sometimes goes backwards. There has been plenty of times that I wanted to give up and call it quits. That one thing that kept me inspired and motivated to keep going is my customers. In those moments, I will always get a reminder through a five star review or request for custom order why I do what I do. My art of accessory making not only brings joy to me, but others as well.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Right now, I’m committed to launching my leather line. I don’t have any formal training in the fashion industry. All the skills I have are innate or self taught. I’ve taken numerous fashion courses, classes and watched endless hours of YouTube how to videos. Leather is my new muse and I plan to create and develop this line no matter how long it takes.
I’ve already done a “soft launch” with my two current leather handbag designs. In a three week period, I received numerous custom orders without any promotions or ads. I simply let my community know about what I was working on, shared some photos, and the direct messages for custom orders started rolling in. Seventy percent of those orders were from first time customers, which is proof that a leather line will expand my customer base.
The most valuable lesson learned from my launch is that having the right skills and tools makes all the difference. I’m fine tuning my leather work skills and purchasing tools that’ll improve my production time and quality.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel at peace when I’m creating. It don’t necessarily has to be fashion accessories. It could be coloring, puzzles, or painting. I’m a creative spirit and doing these type of things is therapeutic for me. These type of activities are calming.
I also share the joy and peace of creating things by hand with others by hosting accessory making classes. Staying true to Accented Glory’s brand, the designs have an afrocentric vibe. Participants learn about the history and African roots of materials used to make the accessory.
The future is looking bright for Accented Glory. As the brand grows, my designs continue to empower and give my customers confidence. No look is complete without great accessories!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.accentedglory.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accentedglory
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyacross
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/accentedglory
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accentedglory
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@accentedglory
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/accentedglory
