Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Brown.
Before we jump into specific questions about the business, Toni, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After graduating from the University of Maryland, I enrolled in Howard University’s Paralegal Studies program. I wanted to enter law because I liked the law’s technical and analytical side, and I also wanted to help people. I quickly realized being a paralegal wasn’t for me, so after completing the program, I got a job as an Executive Assistant in a law firm.
While the job was satisfying, I had another passion stemming from my childhood: making things by hand. I used to sew my Barbie’s clothes but got away from crafting as I got older. This passion, though, was still inside of me. I was intrigued by early social media networks like MySpace, Friendster, and Blackplanet, wondering how they worked.
For years, I talked about being a graphic and web designer but was too scared to try. In 2010, I took that leap though and started Skye Media Group. Through tutorials and mentorship, I learned how to design graphics and websites. Today, I’m focusing more on the strategy and messaging behind building brands and websites.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My road was bumpy. From working full-time to moonlighting as a designer and getting through a rough relationship while raising a daughter practically alone, my journey has been bumpy. I started my business during a time when entrepreneurship, online courses, support communities, etc., were just getting started. The only platform I was on was LinkedIn. There was no Instagram, and Facebook was still in its early stages. I didn’t have any support to bypass the pitfalls that plague new businesses. I hustled the old-fashioned way at trade shows, sending mailers, and buying ad space. I also struggled with being good enough to actually charge people. I knew I could do it, but I needed my skills to catch up with my confidence.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Since I started Skye Media Group, I’ve branched off into two other business endeavors: my personal brand, Brand Coach Toni where I work with corporate women transitioning into full-time entrepreneurship; and Marketing x Melanin, the agency I co-founded with my friends to serve clients at higher levels in the government, real estate, hospitality, and health & wellness sectors.
Through Skye Media Group, I collaborate with nonprofits, change-makers, and social entrepreneurs on a mission to positively impact the world. I empower them to reflect the future of their organization, initiatives, programs, and business by delivering fresh messaging, visuals, and online solutions.
The strategy is at the core of every project I take on. Many entrepreneurs think a logo is a brand, but it’s not. There are many stages to branding and logo design comes after strategic planning and messaging. More than a designer, I think strategically and get hired to think moreso than I’m hired to design. Many designers operate as “order takers.” I don’t consider myself an order taker but a strategic creative partner.
What were you like growing up?
I used to sew my Barbie clothes and sell PB&J sandwiches and lemonade to my mom’s friends. I made $40 one summer when I was nine. I guess this was the start of my creative entrepreneurial journey.
Pricing:
- Brand Message Mastery session – Strategic planning, copywriting and brand messaging 2-hour session $2500
- Brand Coaching – Brand audit, monthly strategy reporting, coaching calls – $1297 / month
- Custom Website Design – starts at $5k
- VIP Day – Strategic Planning + Coaching, Brand Photo Shoot, Visual Identity, Website and Message – $10k
Contact Info:
- Address: www.brandcoachtoni.com
www.workwithmelanin.co - Website: www.skyemediagroup.com
- Email: hello@skyemediagroup..com
- Instagram: @skyemediagroup @brandcoachtoni @workwithmelanin
- Facebook: /skyemediagroup /brandcoachtoni
- Twitter: @iamskyemedia
- Other: growupmastermind.com
Image Credit:
Jon Will Photography (my brand shots)
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