Born in Philadelphia, PA and raised in Rochester, NY, Tonja began taking an interest in cosmetology and fashion at an early age and earned her license with an international cosmetology school. Tonja went on to become the owner of two successful businesses: Tonja’s Personal Touch Salon and Headz Up Hats, a hat boutique. Owning these companies expanded Tonja’s experience in business planning, sales and marketing, and client relations. Alongside of her businesses, Tonja also developed a strong interest in social psychology and wanted to pursue further education and training in that area. Tonja attended The Dale Carnegie Institute where she refined her professional abilities by focusing on relationship building skills, effective communication practices and impactful public speaking training. She is also a graduate of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) which has helped to shape her approach to personal coaching and relationship services. Currently, Tonja is the owner of Beyond the Veil Life Coaching, a life coaching and wellness service that provides clients with thoughtful guidance to achieve healthy mind and body lifestyles. Tonja is also working on a three-part book series to inspire readers and offer her insight for a "healthy thought" life. Tonja has consistently participated in programs dedicated to helping young men and women receive the direction and mentorship they need for success. The Learning for Life speaker program and The FACTS Project, a federally funded abstinence until marriage program, are among the groups she has significantly contributed her time to. Tonja has been recognized many ways for her work and her contribution to her professional and personal communities. The Democrat and Chronicle, a local newspaper in Rochester, NY, recognized Tonja as an emerging African American Leader in the community. Further, as a philanthropist, Tonja has donated funds to many programs in the Rochester, NY area such as The Hillside Work Scholarship program, Camp Good Days and the YWCA Young Mother’s Program. At the heart of it all, Tonja truly enjoys making a difference, inspiring people to evolve and achieve vitality in their lives and relationships.