What Trail

Are You Taking?

Emily Tonkovich,

a youth ministry and business administration major, is beginning a new journey as a regional director for Delight Ministries. She will be living in Michigan and discipling leaders and teams at Delight chapters in Michigan.

Tonkovich has been involved in Delight since her sophomore year at Grace. She found out about the position through working with regional directors. People at Grace saw Tonkovich’s passion for women’s ministry and encouraged her to try the position.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know girls at colleges and coming alongside them in their journeys,” said Tonkovich.

She will begin traveling and fundraising in July. “This will be a new opportunity to trust God to provide and protect,” said Tonkovich.

Nikki

Toth,

a journalism major, will be pursuing a career in marketing communications.

“I’ve always had a deep love for writing,” Toth said. Journalism provided a foundation for Toth to discover her career direction. After taking her first public relations and marketing classes, she fell in love with marketing communications.

“I love the way that I can use my writing talent to tell stories in a new way,” said Toth.

Through contacts at Grace, she was able to get an internship at a marketing agency that has turned into her post-college job. Toth will continue to work remotely for Orange Marketing Group as a writer and project manager. She is also getting married in the fall.

“I look forward to using all of the things that I learned in college and putting them into practice in the ‘real world’,” said Toth.

William Kmieciak, a finance major, is moving to Fort Wayne to pursue a career in finance.

“I’ve always liked numbers and been interested in money,” said Kmieciak. “Finance is a versatile major and you can do a lot with it.”

Kmieciak is keeping his options open with jobs. “I’ve learned to let the Lord guide me,” Kmieciak said. He is excited to live on his own after four years in Beta. He plans to work for a corporate or small business to gain knowledge and experience.

Isaac Beatty is a biblical studies major. Beatty discovered his desire to be in pastoral ministry through being involved in ministries on campus and at his church.

“I appreciate studying God’s Word and I find a fulfilling joy in teaching others,” said Beatty. He is excited to continue learning Hebrew and Greek so he can better understand the Bible. After graduation Beatty will be at Grace one more year to finish his seminary degree. Then he hopes to become a pastor and plant a church.

How did you get started selling rings?

I saw resin rings on Pinterest and the idea came into my head that it would be a cool side business. I started researching about how to make them. I got the help of a business owner in “The Village” who helped me think through ordering and pricing. I ordered supplies and practiced.

What has been the most rewarding part?

It’s rewarding to see how I’ve been able to follow through on starting a small business. I said I was going to do it and I did!

How did you get started in the landscaping and pier businesses?

My dad owns many rental properties and when his property manager retired, I decided to take over the responsibilities. From there, the business expanded each year.

What has been the most rewarding part?

Interacting with the clients is my favorite part. I get the job done on time and the clients appreciate that. It’s my way to shine a light in people’s lives by being different from the rest. I’m the manager of the resources God has given me so He’s the One who gets the glory.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a business?

Just go for it. Find someone to mentor you and then figure it out. Be willing to make mistakes and learn as you go.

Where can your product be found?

I can be contacted through my Grace email. The rings are also at Letterwood in the Village.

How did you get started with DollarStockClub?

I got interested in website development when I was 16. This past summer I started a stock trading software to track government trading and send alerts to customers. I sell it as a subscription and there are 75 users now.

What has been the most rewarding part?

It’s been rewarding to see people make money with the app.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a business?

You’re going to fail at first, but don’t get discouraged—it’s a slow growth process.

Where can your business be found?

All the information can be found on my website dollarstockclub. co. I have a discount code, “FREE” to try it one month free.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a business?

Don’t be afraid to take risks. Sometimes you have to learn the job while doing the job.

Where can your businesses be found?

My business is all through word of mouth, but the companies’ names are Paris Property Services and Lighthouse Pier and Lift.

How did you get started with your salon and boutique?

I went to cosmetology school in high school and got my license. I wanted to still practice my skills when I came to Grace, so I opened A Ray of Beauty Full Service Salon. It started with my close friends and then spread through word of mouth.

I started thrifting during quarantine doing live sales on Instagram and selling clothes from my house. I used award money from the Business Plan Competition to buy a trailer to house my inventory. I travel with my mobile shop in the summer and host campus events during the year.

What has been the most rewarding part?

Connecting with people and seeing women come together has been rewarding for me. Last fall I was able to donate 300 pieces of clothing to WeCare Warsaw. It was made possible by people supporting my business.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a business?

Follow your God-given talents. We are called to glorify God with our unique gifts. If you’re doing something God has given you a passion for, you won’t get tired of it because He’s sustaining you.

Where can your businesses be found?

On Instagram: araeofbeauty and rae_thrift_boutique. You can purchase items from Instagram.