Tonya Frankin is Tone Motivates

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided By Tonya Franklin

She is known by many in the Upstate area of New Jersey as Tone Motivates. When asked to describe her brand and who she is, Tonya Franklin sums it up to that of motivational coach, influencer, writer, podcaster, voice-over talent, and model.

With Tone Motivates, her services include freelance writing and business start-up services such as EIN and certifications. Her motivational services include an eightweek coaching program. She also offers one-on-one coaching and motivational guidance. With modeling, Tonya says she enjoys showing people that all sizes and complexions are beautiful. “You exude sexiness, and it’s learned. Nobody is born sexy. You are what you think,” she says. Additionally, Tonya hosts events like music release parties, pop-up shops, and private events.

Tonya’s mission is to motivate one person at a time. Her ability to encourage and push others into better versions of themselves was realized early on in her life. Tonya was raised in New Jersey. She comes from a music lineage; her mom is a singer, and her dad is a disc jockey. Tonya adjusted to life pretty quickly. A single mother raised her and with being the oldest of four girls, Tonya took on the responsibilities of a second mom to her siblings to ensure they had everything needed to survive. She says, “I always made it a point to show my sisters to work hard for what they want and follow their hearts. Even more, being a nurturer helped me become a confidant and someone those around me could appreciate.”

Since she was a young girl, music and writing have been an outlet for Tonya. She shares that she wrote her first poem in grade school and her first song in high school. After graduating from there, she dabbled as a ghostwriter and hosting. Becoming a mom herself at age 21 caused her to prioritize and settle into her new life. Yet, she always missed writing and spreading her optimism. After bumping into a childhood friend who happened to own an entertainment company, Tonya knew the time had come for her to return to what she loved most. “Once I started putting in the effort, the universe moved things around to accommodate me.”

Tonya acquired a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix. She has over eight years of experience in the dialysis field and has served in various roles. In addition to being an entrepreneur, she works as an IT Supervisor in Deployment for a dialysis company.

“I am inspired to help others be the best they can be. Material things mean nothing as you transition to the afterlife. However, my experiences and the impact I have will. Treating others how I want to be treated, being the person I need to be, as well as living in my truth are daily affirmations and rules I live by,” she says. Tonya is so passionate about helping others because she remembers the moments when she didn’t push herself. “I wouldn’t follow my intuition and occupy my time in thoughts, fixing people instead of building myself up. I’d accept toxic tendencies because I felt I wasn’t enough or that this is what love is. I changed the narrative by tapping into myself. I still have challenges, but I try to be better and more conscious of what I do and where I give my time and energy,” she says.

While there are many reasons why Tonya works as hard as she does, the overwhelming one is to spread wisdom, hope, and faith to those who need it most. “You never know what someone is going through. Depression, suicide, and other mental illnesses are very real. If we could tap into human interaction more without judgment, I truly believe we could save lives and help people find their path. Everyone is here for a reason. Find out what makes you tick, and determine if it’s a passion. If it is, then run with it,” Tonya says.

Tonya says her journey isn’t littered with many regrets, but she wished she had returned to her calling sooner. “Writing is meditation and an outlet for me, and going without it for years disconnected me from a part of myself that I needed,” she says. “Writing is something I can easily do for the rest of my life and be happy while doing it,” she says. “I genuinely love supporting people and offering guidance and solutions without judgment. My experiences have helped to make me who I am and who I will become, so I believe my journey has been what it should have been.”

In the future, Tonya shares she hopes to build her Patreon following and offer her clients inside access at a more affordable price than her coaching program. She also hopes to add more clients to her coaching community. “My general plans in the future are to be a speaker on TedTalks, motivational seminars/retreats, and become a regular Voice Over talent. A book is also in the future. I also hope to build passive income, enjoy life with my family, and possibly get married and have more kids,” she says.

Please follow her on social media or contact her directly to learn more about Tone Motivates.