Meet Tonia Williams of Macon Georgia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonia Williams.

Hi Tonia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was a Division I athlete, playing women’s basketball for the University of South Carolina and West Virginia University. After college, I decided to end my basketball career and search for a new path. I became a correctional officer, hoping for stability, and later joined the military.

A year later, life took a hard turn when I was arrested in an FBI reverse sting operation connected to my time as a CO. That experience led to four years in federal prison, an incredibly difficult chapter that ultimately reshaped my outlook on life.

After serving my time, I wrote a book titled From Blue to Brown, launched my clothing brand UNCHECKABLE, and focused on rebuilding my life with intention and purpose. I later moved to Atlanta and began working for Norfolk Southern.

One day, I took a friend to Tuft Rugs ATL and instantly fell in love with tufting. I went home, researched my hometown of Warner Robins, GA, and realized there was nothing like it nearby. I wanted to bring that same creative energy to my community.

I shared the idea with my mom and my best friend, Parrisha Simmons, and they both loved it. Together, we decided to launch Wanna Tuft Studios, choosing Macon, GA as its birthplace. As co-owners, we share a vision of bringing creativity, connection, and opportunity to Middle Georgia. We want to make surroundings cities like Atlanta while still keeping hometown traditions!

For me, Wanna Tuft represents new beginnings. It’s about showing athletes and anyone who’s faced hardship that life after setbacks can still be filled with creativity, growth, and purpose. Tufting helped me heal and now, through Wanna Tuft Studios, we’re helping others do the same.

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?
Creating the idea for Wanna Tuft Studios came together pretty smoothly. Some parts of the paperwork process were a bit tedious, but overall it wasn’t difficult. The biggest challenge has definitely been marketing and getting the word out. Tufting is such a new, fun, and creative hobby, but when people aren’t familiar with it, they can be hesitant at first.

Thankfully, the Macon community has been incredibly supportive and has really helped us gain visibility. We’ve even had the opportunity to host events at Spelman College, which introduced our brand to a wider audience. It’s been amazing to see how quickly people fall in love with tufting once they experience it for themselves!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in nutrition, overall fitness, and creative expression through tufting. I’m also an author and a professional tufter. Most people know me for my athletic background, my work with Wanna Tuft Studios, my authorship, philanthropy, and motivational speaking.

What truly sets me apart is my discipline and follow-through, I’m known for doing exactly what I say I’m going to do. I’m a go-getter who refuses to let obstacles stand in the way of my goals. That mindset inspired my clothing brand, UNCHECKABLE. The word itself defines who I am: “a force that cannot be restrained, unstoppable, unwavering, and cannot be stop by anything!

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Absolutely

I couldn’t have done any of this without my mother, Janice Williams, who believed in my vision from the very beginning. Her support, faith, and partnership have been everything, she’s not just my mom, but also my co-owner and one of the driving forces behind Wanna Tuft Studios.

My best friend, Parrisha Simmons, is another co-owner and an irreplaceable part of this journey. Blood couldn’t make us any closer, and I knew from day one that I wanted her to be part of this dream. She’s been amazing, and her creativity and dedication help keep this business thriving.

I also have to give a huge thank you to Nia Lawson, owner of Tuft Rugs ATL. We teamed up with her early on, and she became our mentor, guiding us step by step through the process of building Wanna Tuft Studios. I always tell anyone interested in opening a tufting studio to reach out to her, she’s the best in the business.

And of course, none of this would be possible without the incredible support of the Macon, Warner Robins, and Middle Georgia community. From our students to our partners, the love and encouragement we’ve received have been truly inspiring. You’ve helped Wanna Tuft Studios grow into something special, and for that, we’re forever grateful.

Pricing:

• 30 inch farme 80 dollars
• 21 inch frame 60 dollars
• 9 inch drip (3 different models) molds 35 dollars
• 7 inch drip molds 25

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.wannatuftstudios.com
• Instagram: @Wannatuft_studios
• Facebook: Wanna tuft studios
• Youtube: @wannatuftstudios

Image Credits
Shotbyjayo