Daily Inspiration: Meet Tonya Cornelius

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

Hi Tonya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Columbia, SC native who served in the US Army immediately graduating from WJ Keenan high school in 2001. After serving four years, I returned home to Columbia working odd jobs until I found my love and passion for food while attending the Culinary Institute of USC in 2009. But the cooking really started in my mother & grandmother’s kitchens in the early 90s. Fast forward years later, I became widely known as “Chef T”, owner and chef of Chef T Takeout (2016-2020). I’ve done two episodes of Wach Fox Food Friday.

For the past four years, I’ve discovered an unexpected passion for a financial education. I’ve ventured out into the financial services industry, becoming a Financial Literacy Coach. I’m absolutely dedicated and passionate in delivering great value to the financial well-being of individuals and businesses. I’m a Licensed Life Insurance Broker, Licensed Investments Rep & Licensed in Property & Casualty. I continue to be a student of life, growing and learning daily. I’m a passionate person and love to meet new people. Stay tuned as Chef T/ Coach T continues to grow her FOOD and FINANCES brand as a Personal Chef and Financial Literacy Coach! I like to say I have the best of both worlds because who doesn’t love good food & want to know how to make more money!!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a first-time business owner, the road definitely wasn’t smooth. I made a lot of costly mistakes as far as running a business vs just loving to cook. Business got so bad I wasn’t bringing in any profits & the last year of running my restaurant, I was doing it as a lone solider. Cashier, Chef, Customer service, everything was on me. And then the pandemic happened & it was a blessing & curse. I’ve learned from those mistakes on what to do & also what not to do. I think I might write a book… Lol. The plus of the slow hours I was able to study & get licensed in Financial Services! You always have to take the bad with the good & Vice versa.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m known for my delicious food & sweet treats as Chef T. But what I’m tapping in more is get to know me as Coach T your financial literacy coach!

I specialize in the following
Life Insurance
Retirement Planning
College Savings Planning
Financial Wellness Seminars
Home & Auto Insurance
Small Business Insurance
Business Opportunity & More
Personal Chef/Catering

I’m most proud of that I’m licensed to help Families Create generational wealth now & for generations to come. I don’t know to many Chefs that can come in your home & not only prepare you a delicious meal but can also help you get properly protected, debt free & financially independent!!

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I love, love listening to audiobooks & reading. Just to name a few, You Owe You by Eric Thomas, Building an Empire by Brian Carruthers, Feeding the Soul by Tabitha Brown, We Should all be Millionaires by Rachael Rodgers, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki & the list goes on & on!! I also have access to a financial app that in less than 5 minutes it can you several ways to improve your finances!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/coacht_cheft?utm_source=qr&igshid=ZDc4ODBmNjlmNQ%3D%3D
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyaChefTCornelius?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Other: https://hihello.me/p/cbb95407-fa5c-4497-9f3f-6bb3fce46a8f

Image Credits
Tonya L Cornelius