Today we’d like to introduce you to Toniel Garner.
Hi Toniel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
My name is Toniel Garner also known as Tee from Valdosta Ga. I’m a wife, boy mom, educator, entrepreneur and so much more! My passion for hair started at a very young age. I began doing my own hair at the age of 7 then started doing friends’ hair in middle school. From there I realized not only am I good at it, but I LOVE doing it. I did hair all throughout high school and college. I decided to pursue a career in teaching because making an impact on others’ lives is also something I absolutely love! I was fully committed as an elementary school teacher for 3 years but hair was still something I did as a hobby. In 2015 I decided to take my passion for hair and talent more seriously. I didn’t have a plan but I knew it was what I needed to do! I began selling bundles and launched my first company known as Stylish Styles by Tee. I would promote my brand every day and research other companies in the industry. Things were great and my brand was becoming known locally, fast. However, being a military spouse, we move frequently so I would start over building my brand from the bottom everywhere we moved. Just selling hair and doing hair wasn’t satisfying my desire to be more than just a local business. I hated leaving my local customers without a reliable referral so in 2016 I started learning more about wig-making.
The wig industry was a whole world alone that I NEEDED to be a part of. In November 2016 I began making my own custom wigs by hand. Learning the convivence and benefits of wigs became an obsession. I would stay up all night, researching wig-making techniques, vendors, terminology, etc. I would then put what I learned to work. I taught myself how to use the sewing machine to make wigs faster and haven’t looked back since.
I managed to get my customers into wigs before we relocated and soon realized I wanted my company to offer wigs all over the world. I began to see 5 figure months and I knew that it was time to elevate from my present state. I decided leave my career as a first-grade teacher and pursue my wig business full-time.
Today Stylish Styles by Tee is a wig company that offers custom and ready-to-wear wigs to women all over the world making them feel confident and stylish!
Creating custom wigs is doing well for me but teaching STILL has my heart. Once I mastered my wig-making craft and techniques, I began sharing my knowledge with the world. Starting my YouTube Channel sharing business tips and techniques opened a new door and opportunities for me. Receiving all the positive feedback and building a community that wanted MORE from me. In 2018, I began teaching women how to make wigs on the sewing machine and THAT fueled me! I’ve taught over 500 women how to make wigs on the sewing machine through my online wig courses. I knew that learning wig It was just the push I needed to launch Stylish Boss Academy.
With my newest business known as Stylish Boss Academy, I am able to incorporate both of my passions in one! I can confidently say that this is my purpose in life! Stylish Boss Academy offers wig-making courses and resources to help other wig businesses get started and continuously grow. SBA is only a year old and already headed on the path to making 7 figures. I am JUST getting started and super excited for the future of this business! Stay tuned for the #1 Wig Business Resource Academy in the World!
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?
Nothing about being an entrepreneur is smooth and easy! Along my journey, I’ve been tired, stressed, and thought about giving up plenty of days, but my passion will not allow me to walk away! I would also say that being a woman entrepreneur while also raising a family has its own challenges. There is oftentimes I struggle the balance of trying to meet the demands of both my businesses while being a very involved and present mother and wife.
Every day I’m faced with challenges but most importantly, I take those experiences and LEARN from them!
One thing about being an entrepreneur is you have to have your own mind, faith, creativity, and remain humble no matter where you are in your career. It is important to always celebrate your accomplishments but never make someone feel lower than you, even if they do the same thing you do.
We’ve been impressed with Stylish Boss Academy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Stylish Boss Academy is the #1 Wig Academy designed to support wig businesses start and grow. An expert in the hair and wig industry, we provide basic and advanced education, resources & mentorship to entrepreneurs looking to start and grow in their own wig business while living out their dreams! Stylish Boss Academy is a one-stop shop for all your wig business essentials including business coaching calls, online and in person wig making classes, live business masterclasses, wholesale wig-making supplies, ebooks, mentoring, and troubleshooting to get your wig business off to a successful start.
Our mission at Stylish Boss Academy is to help as many wig entrepreneur as possible grow their business.
Everything we teach are based on our real-world experiences. We not only teach wig-making techniques, we also teach the business side of the wig industry (because there’s more to having a wig business than making wigs). We’ll only teach you things we know to be successful and that you can implement yourself!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Definitely surround yourself with like-minded people in your industry. Often times when things go wrong in business, or when we are stuck, we like to go to our family and friends to talk about it, but they don’t understand as much as someone who is actually in it. Being a part of a small supportive group and making those connections can help you stay motivated on how to move forward in business.
Also, when it comes to finding a mentor, DO YOUR RESEARCH! There’s a lot of people claiming to be something they are not on social media, so you really want to spend some time learning about the person you are considering to help lead you in your journey. Pay attention to their actions, interactions, results, information they put out, their professionalism as well as their business morals and behaviors. When it comes to seeking a mentor, it’s not about the most popular person, it’s about the most passionate person.
Pricing:
- $350+ Online wig classes
- $50+ Ebooks
- $1500+ Mentoring
- $99+ Coaching Calls
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stylishbossacademy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stylishbossacademy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StylishBossAcademy
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/stylishbossacademy
Image Credits
@auburnphotography
@capturequeenphotos
