Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Tongie Scott.
Hi Dr. Tongie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 1992, I was a young 22 years old wife and mother of three-all under the age of ten. I was living in my hometown of Columbus, MS. I had no idea that I would be soon faced with one of the toughest experiences I’d ever have to encounter. Prior to this event, I was a dreamer. A dreamer who believed being born in the projects (government subsided housing) in Yorkville would not hinder me from reaching heights reserved for those who had no relationship with poverty. See, my story should not be viewed as awful…hostile…or even devoid of having my needs met. No! My story is riddled with Hope…mired in faith…and exudes a Determination that serves as my internal and external motivation. 1994 would prove my resolve like never before. I was now 24 and diagnosed with malignant papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. In other words, thyroid cancer…the bad kind…and it began to spread into my vocal cords. Can you imagine the weight of such a report? All I could think of at the time were my small children…would they be separated? How could they possibly make it without me? My God!!! What an experience. But my faith became a part of my Being like never before. See, without faith, I found out that I could not live a life of courage. It was my ability to not only see what I could not see…but I had to know that I would be healed of cancer and live the rest of my life in my God-given purpose.
I launched my agency, Me and My Nanna, LLC, in January 1995. Initially starting as a nanny and babysitting agency. And over the years expanding into a licensed, private home care agency serving 28 counties throughout the State of Georgia. This was truly a leap of faith. I remember thinking that it would be next to impossible for me to return to my job as a paralegal. I knew I wanted to have the freedoms afforded to someone who was self-employed. My only dilemma…who would show me how to move from where I was…to where I wanted to be…or shall I say…Needed to be? Although my father was a successful entrepreneur, our relationship was so convoluted that I would not discover the truth about how he really felt about me until after his death. But know, he loved me…he loved me…he truly loved me. Why is this so important to me? Simply because when my Father met my Mother, he was 32 years old, married, rich and had four children. My Mother, on the other hand, was a 15 years old mother-less child. But her ability to always instill in me that I was not a mistake has been the battle cry that I have lived by since I was a child and well into adulthood.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Owning and operating my agency has afforded me many opportunities to quit. Seriously. But why would I? Has it been difficult throughout the years? Yes. But the trials have created a type of character in me like no other. A type that has allowed me to keep going..no matter what. I have gone broke five times since launching my business. This included losing my custom built home to foreclosure. Losing several automobiles to repossessions and having my utilities shut off more than a dozen times. Oftentimes it was because I did not sit and plan appropriately. See, my objective going into business was to leave a legacy for my children. Even at 25 years old, I was thinking about them and providing for their children also. I have always known what the “end game” needed to look like; there were just emotional, spiritual and financial woes that needed to be dealt with.
But today, through a discovery of 1) Why I was born; 2) What my Purpose is; 3) What my abilities are; 4) Who I am; and 5) What my Destiny is-I have been able to live a life that I never dreamed possible. I now have a Joy that I never knew before. And this Joy is not predicated on my title of being a medical doctor or CEO of several corporations…what I drive…where I live…or how much money I have in the bank or access to. NO. This Joy is from the relationship that I have with God through Jesus the Christ. I have always known that He was and is the most Important Being in life…but it wasn’t until I sought Him (the Kingdom of God/Kingdom of Heaven) diligently and not religion that I entered into mindset that has changed the trajectory of my life…that of my children and their children.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I started this business in 1995. It initially began as a professional nanny and babysitting agency in my hometown of Columbus, Mississippi. I was 25 years old…had just completed a round of radiation therapy for a total oblation thyroidectomy due to malignant thyroid cancer. Fast forward a few years, and my business has now established itself as a premiere licensed, private in-home care agency. We provide licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, certified nursing assistants and companion sitters to those who desire to remain in their homes and in the community. For many of our clients we serve, we are the persons they see all day and sometimes all week. So our role is vital and we do not take it for granted nor lightly. Although I am a medical doctor, I do not practice. I made this choice in 2004 when I was completing rotations at Atlanta Medical Center. There I was…assigned to a patient who was comatose. It was a Nephrology Rotation and one of the most interesting fields of medicine. Having decided to not practice and focus on opening a home care agency was by far one of the most challenging decisions I have ever made. Nonetheless, it’s a decision that has benefited my family and I for the best. I was recently asked by one of our contracted hospital representatives “what makes our agency so different”? Here’s how I responded. This agency is more than a business. This is likened to a ministry where we serve others with our Gifts…skillsets…talents.
Additionally, I’ve asked my staff to always demonstrate the Me and My Nanna Culture to everyone we serve, those that work with us and those who we are contracted with. Our culture is doing what we say we are going to do and doing that with Honesty-Openness-Sincerity. And adhering to this…Without the Kingdom of God at work in our lives-we KNOW that we are nothing…no matter the successes. I am most proud brand-wise of our ability to exhibit the Spirit of Leadership in lieu of the Leadership Spirit. What does this mean? It means that we operate within the context of the only mindset that truly matters. This is evident in putting our clients’ needs first and not when it is convenient to do so. As well as doing more than what is expected and/or required of us to do. I would like for your readers to know that Me and My Nanna is more than a home care agency. We diligently work to make sure your loved ones receive their care with the utmost in respect, professionalism and love, without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation or creed. Our caregivers are our Ambassadors. We believe when providing a service in an atmosphere that is conducive for thriving; everyone wins. And that is the ultimate reward for us. For those who desire a career in home care, I encourage you to contact my staff and I at 678.381.1540 (offc) or find us on the web at www.mynanna.com. We offer competitive salaries, benefits and a recognition for your service quarterly.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I believe procuring a mentor is vital to your wellbeing and your success. Once upon a time, I thought I could achieve a level of success and/or notoriety without any outside assistance. This was the furthest thing from the truth. See, no matter how gifted or talented you are; you do not know everything. After all, the first step in moving in the direction of realized goals and plans is to ask what you don’t know to those who hold the answers. So yes. I would advise anyone who is serious about dominating in their area of gifting to seek after and ask for a mentor. I still have one to this day. He and I speak weekly. I do not ask that he be my accountability partner…but a guide in all things business.
Pricing:
- Registered Nursing: $65,00 an hr
- Licensed Practical Nursing: $55.00 an hr
- Certified Nursing Asst.: $25.00 an hr
Contact Info:
- Email: info@mynanna.com
- Website: www.mynanna.com
- Instagram: @MeandmyNanna
- Facebook: Me and My Nanna
- Twitter: @meandmynanna
Image Credits
Bailey Photography
