Conversations with Tonya Davids

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

Hi Tonya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I became a mother at 18, and again at 20. As a young mom, I had to make the difficult decision to leave school so I could work and support my children. I started as a receptionist at an insurance company, and what began as a job turned into a 31-year career built on consistency, responsibility, and resilience.

At 35, I got married and welcomed another child into our lives — a beautiful daughter whose birth filled our home with so much joy. Her arrival came during one of the hardest seasons of my life, as my father passed away unexpectedly around the same time. While grieving his loss, I became the primary caregiver for my two elderly grandparents. Balancing motherhood, marriage, full-time work, caregiving, and grief stretched me in ways I never imagined.

A few years later, both of my grandparents passed away within six months of each other. I was devastated — they had been such a big part of my everyday life. Yet even in the middle of that heartbreak, life brought new hope. The same month my grandmother passed, my son and daughter-in-law welcomed my first granddaughter. Her birth reminded me that joy and purpose can still grow, even after deep loss.

Determined to pursue dreams I had put on hold, I went back to school and earned my GED. I decided to pursue a career in hospitality management, stepping into a new chapter with excitement and determination. However, during my first few months of school, my life changed again — I divorced my husband of 13 years. That transition shook me deeply. The emotional weight of ending a long marriage made it difficult to focus on school, and I made the decision to withdraw so I could process the change, heal, and truly figure out who I was and who I wanted to become.

That season of self-discovery was transformational. Through reflection and growth, I rediscovered my passions. Traveling with my mother opened the door to becoming a travel agent, and I realized I had always loved bringing people together and creating meaningful celebrations. That passion led me to open my own event planning company.

My journey hasn’t followed a straight line. It’s been shaped by early responsibility, profound loss, caregiving, divorce, reinvention, and resilience. Every challenge strengthened me. Every setback taught me something about perseverance, compassion, and purpose.

What began as survival turned into growth. What felt like endings became new beginnings. And today, I stand as a business owner, grandmother, and woman who chose to keep evolving — no matter what life placed in front of me.

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?
No, it has not been a smooth road.

There were times when money was very tight. I even had my car repossessed, which was a hard and humbling experience. I struggled to make ends meet while raising my children and working full-time.

I also went through a lot of personal loss. I lost my father unexpectedly and later both of my grandparents within six months of each other. On top of that, I went through a divorce after 13 years of marriage. Each of these moments was painful and challenging.

But those struggles made me stronger. They taught me resilience, patience, and how to keep going even when life feels overwhelming.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I worked in the insurance industry for 31 years in different administrative roles. During that time, I learned how to stay organized, manage schedules, communicate clearly, and handle details carefully. Those skills helped prepare me to start and run my own businesses.

Now, I specialize in travel services and event planning. I help people plan trips and create special events that are meaningful and well organized. I am known for being dependable, hardworking, and easy to work with.

I am most proud of building my businesses after going through many life challenges. What sets me apart is my life experience, my strong work ethic, and the care I put into everything I do. I truly want each client to feel valued and supported.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Some of my fondest memories are being surrounded by family — my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and neighbors — all gathered together eating, laughing, and sharing stories. The backyard BBQs and fish fries were more than just meals; they were moments of connection, love, and community. Those experiences shaped me and inspired my love for bringing people together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ttimetravelagency.com