MEET TONYA EMPOWERS
FOUNDED BY
TONYA MONTELLA
LOCATION: Boston, MA
@TonyaEmpowers
THE INTERVIEW
Written by Boston Women’s Market
Boston Women’s Market: Can you tell us a bit about what led you to begin your journey as a Career Coach? Was there an aha! moment?
Tonya: For years I found that folks within my network would send their friends/family my way to receive help with their resume, advice on making career transitions, and career development. My a-ha moment happened at the beginning of this year when it started happening more frequently. I realized how much of an impact I was making on other women's lives, and how fulfilled I was after coaching these women. I first had to figure out what this work was called (I hadn't previously heard of career coaches), then I officially opened my LLC!
BWM: For many women starting out in the entrepreneurial world, there can be a lot of self-doubt. Do you have any personal stories about how you conquered self-doubt? What guidance would you give to others?
Tonya: One thing that I kept reminding myself of was other entrepreneurs that have become successful with fewer resources than me - and for me, that person was my husband. I thought "if he can do it, then I can do it!" The other way that I've overcome self-doubt is to just do, and not think.
Once I realized that career coaching was something that I wanted to lean into fully, I just started acting.
Building my website, speaking to other entrepreneurs, putting my message out into the world via podcast, and the list goes on. As long as I was in action-mode, I didn't have time to let self-doubt settle in. It would try and creep through, but making progress on achieving my dreams would always stifle it.
BWM: Many women begin their small business journey as a way to seek fulfillment they may not be getting in their 9-5 job. Others aren't sure where to begin and need help "digging deeper" to find what it is that fills their cup. What are some steps someone can take today to begin that journey of discovery?
Tonya: You first have to take a trip down memory lane and reflect on the work that you've done throughout your life and career to date. Whether that's in a 9-5 job or in volunteer work or other activities, you engaged in those things for a reason and it's important to reflect on what that reason was. This allows you to understand what fills your cup, uncover your 'why', and identify what areas you excel in. When you blend those together, you start to notice a theme, and that theme then informs the work that is going to be most fulfilling for you and where you're at in your journey.
BWM: We think the stories of failure are just as important as the stories of success. Can you talk about a time that you failed in an entrepreneurial venture or objective? How did you face and overcome this failure? What was the lesson learned?
Tonya: I failed in the very beginning stages by attempting to move too quickly to gain traction among my target audience. I did so by creating freebies and running ads for them on Facebook and Instagram. I did no research on my target audience beforehand, was investing money in the wrong platforms, did not have a strategic plan in place, and in general I was throwing spaghetti at the wall hoping that something would stick. Well, nothing was sticking. I was so used to being a top performer that gets results quickly in my corporate roles, that I attempted to proceed with the same speed and mentality in my business. After speaking to other entrepreneurs I quickly realized that this is a marathon, not a sprint, and that I must practice what I preach which is having a coach to support and guide me in areas where I needed it, so I hired one.
BWM: How have you continued to manage the growth of your business while also finding time and ways to invest in yourself?
Tonya: I accomplish these tasks simultaneously. Revenue generated in my business goes back into my business as an investment in systems, my business coach, or other opportunities that will fuel my success. I know that the more I grow, the more my business will grow, and vice versa, so I make sure that the two feed into each other.
BWM: If our community wants to dive deeper into empowering their own journey, what resources do you offer?
Tonya: My Career Change Champions podcast is a fantastic resource for both 9-5ers and entrepreneurs alike. I talk with people who have either fully transitioned into a new career, or added a source of fulfillment to their streams of income and have found success and joy in doing so. We discuss the challenges they've overcome, difficult decisions they've had to make, and advice they have for others that are seeking a similar change. The podcast can be found on my website at tonyaempowers.com/podcast , YouTube, or wherever you like to listen to podcasts.
I also recommend checking out my eBook which is titled Fulfilled. How to Empower Yourself to Maximize Your Life & Career. It's for the woman who is seeking to let go of self-doubt and complacency, and unlock her true power.
The eBook provides 6 methods that you can implement to maximize your life and career, using my own personal stories to share how I used these methods to empower myself.
It includes links to playlists, podcasts, and even items that she uses around the house (and no, I'm not paid to share these 😊).
BWM: From one small business owner to another, what is your favorite go-to business tool or resource you can recommend to our community?
Tonya: I love having a QR code generator. It's so handy to easily share whatever content or link I want with folks depending on the audience. Whether I'm at a job fair, pop-up event, or speaking engagement, it prevents me from having to print a ton of flyers or brochures and makes the experience much more modern.
BWM: What is your go-to Podcast or book of the moment ( besides your own of course!)?
Tonya: I love hearing stories of other entrepreneurs' success, so I tend to tune into the Social Proof Podcast, The Side Hustle Show, or The Goal Digger Podcast.
BWM: Anything else you'd like to share?
Tonya: I'm extremely passionate about helping women to discover and own their power, and live intentionally. If you know of anyone who is embarking on a career transition, or just needs help getting and nailing interviews, please send them my way! I offer a free 30 min strategy call to understand where they're at in their journey and how I can help them.
PROGRAMS WE LOVE
CAREER CHANGE PROGRAM
Whether you already know what career you want to step into next, or you're seeking help figuring that out, this program is for you.
CAREER CHANGE CHAMPIONS PODCAST
Career Coach, Tonya Montella talks to people who, like her, have navigated career changes and found both success and fulfillment on the other side.