Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya Hawley.
Tonya, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey began at the University of Dayton, where I quickly learned that a communications major was much better suited for me than my current psychology major. Upon graduating with both my undergraduate and graduate degrees, I began my communications/public relations career in corporate America at a utilities company followed by a position at the housing authority and a television station. In addition, I also gained experience and found my true passion by volunteering for many organizations such as several non-profits, my sorority, a radio station, and a television/stage production company–all of which I did public relations, entertainment, and event planning. Realizing I wanted to be in a market that offered more opportunity to grow, with no job and one friend in the area, I relocated to Atlanta.
Upon my arrival, I arranged to volunteer at a public relations firm while looking for employment. Soon I found work at a major wireless company while simultaneously working a successful network marketing business. I also began freelancing and contracting in the Communications/Public Relations area. A special interest of mine has always been music and entertainment and I continued to network and connect with people in this industry while I worked my full-time job. Soon, my business, The KAMDI Group, was founded. Under this umbrella, I continue to perform public relations and marketing consultant work for businesses and music artists throughout the country. My light shines the brightest when I can bless others and help them shine.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Challenges will always come, it is just a matter of how you choose to deal with them. It took a lot of persistence and faith to keep going when there were not enough clients, health issues, family obligations, “more month than money,” self-doubt, and much more. No matter what the struggle may be, I hold on to one of my favorite bible verses, “Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because the testing of faith produces perseverance.” So my challenges just make me stronger and with God I persevere.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The KAMDI Group – what should we know?
The KAMDI Group is a faith-driven, detail-oriented boutique-style public relations and marketing consulting agency specializing in small business marketing, entertainment public relations and more. Whether you need a publicist or social media campaign, a press kit or press release, marketing collateral, or a special event, we can help. Every client’s need is unique and our service is designed to accommodate this uniqueness. We take pride in giving the personalized and detailed service the client deserves. Our light shines the brightest by helping others shine. The KAMDI Group has been credited with a style that makes our clients feel at home and comfortable in being themselves. We strive to bring out the best IN them so we can use this in our marketing efforts FOR them.
I am proud of the creative marketing efforts and opportunities we have been able to give our wide range of clients from the small business owner to Grammy nominated Artists. Currently, I am excited about a recently launched virtual happy hour chat that I host through social media on the Fans of the Unsung Facebook page. This event brings national recording Artists to chat with their fans on a weekly basis supporting music artists and entertaining the fans.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I could not have been able to pursue this dream without the support of my husband. I will forever be grateful for his confidence in me and willingness to step in wherever and whenever needed, whether it be with our children or helping me at an event. My three children always motivate me to keep going so they will one day know they too can accomplish their dreams. I thank my mother, who has always inspired me to get the job done–whatever the job maybe!
I am very blessed to have had mentors and friends Valerie Elijah, Jennifer Davis, Terrie Kelly, Sheree Knowles and Lynn Thornhill, who helped inspire a vision and spark a passion for me starting in college and continuing throughout my career and life. I also give credit to my clients who have supported my business and trusted me to work with them on various levels. They inspire me to keep going every day because they are so worth it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thekamdigroup.com
- Phone: 7703800053
- Email: info@thekamdigroup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekamdigroup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theKamdiGroup/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKAMDIGroup
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