Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya Llamas.
Tonya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I first want to say how grateful I am for outreach from you guys. I’m so happy that you guys have this series and are sharing stories within our local communities.
I also love this question so much because I was able to really stop and take a look at where I started and how far I’ve come not only in life but with my career journey as well.
I’m a senior-level marketing communication professional with internal & external digital communications + crisis management experience. I started in the digital communications and marketing field back in 2006. After transferring from San Bernardino Valley Junior College to California State University San Bernardino during my junior year, I gained an internship working for a utility company, which was the start of my career in digital communications and marketing.
Upon graduating in 2008 with my Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, I continued working at the utility company doing technical communications and internal/cultural communications for almost 10 years. I moved to the auto industry, then to the fashion apparel industry where I became VP of Corporate Communications. With over 15 years of experience in the digital communications and marketing function, an entrepreneurial spirit, as well as an organic love for connection and community, I decided I was ready to actively create space, especially as a woman of color.
After the start of the pandemic and the BLM movement in 2020, my desire to bring people together, to show up, and to inspire was much deeper than I realized. As a member of society, I realized I have a deep passion and calling within to do my part to support BIPOC communities in a way that aligns with my daily morals and values. These two societal events were catalysts to launching my lifestyle blog — Tonya Does Life — and my digital communications and marketing agency — Monet Rose Communications.
This is only a part of my story, and I know it is just the beginning of more to be written. I’m so excited for what’s to come. To be continued…
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. My biggest struggle has been to start my entrepreneurial journey. I’ve had these exact visions and aspirations for YEARS. But my mindset was fear based. It’s taken a long time to build enough confidence to simply start. To believe in myself. To trust my path. I had to ask myself — how high of a priority is achieving my desired dreams vs. the imposter syndrome? What matters more to me? Getting out of my own way has definitely been the biggest struggle, thus far. I’m happy to have overcome my fear enough to at least try. No regrets!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always LOVED to read and write. I always received straight A’s in English when I was in school. Can’t say the same for the other subjects in school. lol but the truth is, I always gravitated toward things where I could be creative — stickers, scrapbooking, coloring, and of course, writing. All things I continue enjoying to this day, as well as my daughter. Now, I do these creative projects not only leisurely, but professionally. Many things have evolved into the digital space, which is where my agency comes into play.
I always tell people that words are so important. They make our world go round. Words and communication is the one way we all connect or disconnect, daily. Because I’ve always been a lover of words and enjoy writing, I never realized how challenging it is for others to write. To articulate words and then convey them. I guess because it’s always come to me naturally. I genuinely love to create paths for brands to connect with audiences, which is why I created Monet Rose Communications — a digital communications and marketing agency that supports businesses with putting words together to create connection and enhance experiences with their audience.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I’ve been keeping up with all kinds of trends, but when it comes to copywriting, I don’t see any huge shifts. I believe this function will continue thriving. I actually think the demand is already high, but demand will continue to increase given how much content is already digital. Many people have no idea what it takes behind the scenes to create a script and/or talking points for one video. Writing will always be the cornerstone of communication, and it’s needed now, more than ever.
Many people think AIs will take over copywriting, but not when it comes to creative writing and/or marketing copy, in my opinion. Show me an AI that understands the nuances of human emotion, then I may consider a conversation around AIs. lol AIs lack human emotion and empathy because there isn’t human connection. It’s such an impersonal way of communicating.
I’m just a fan of human connection — connecting with someone at an engaging level where I can truly make memories and exchange energies. That dynamic is a powerful and irreplaceable component of communication. Human connection will always be on trend.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tonyadoeslife.com
- Instagram: @tonyadoeslife // @monetrosecomms
Image Credits
Janet Satanonchai
Love Janet Photography
Emily Gallina
Summer DeForest-Acuna
