PlanNet Marketing congratulates Tonya Christophe for achieving One-Star Director! She tells us, “Everyone knows me as “Shea.” I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee and currently live in Southaven, Mississippi, which is four miles south of Memphis.
“I love life! I want to see the world and I want others to see it, too. Outside of travel, I enjoy leisure reading and I’m growing to enjoy reading as professional development for my business. I also enjoy cooking and trying new recipes (especially desserts). I am what some would call an “old soul” so I love old school music from artists of the ‘80s, ‘90s and early 2000s. I also listen to motivational messages and sermons via YouTube. Some of my favorites are Priscilla Shirer, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and Eric Thomas. I am active in my church and my sorority. I have a passion for helping people succeed, which is why I love being an educator. I recently discovered the beauty in yoga as a form of exercising the mind and body.
“I have always enjoyed traveling. When I was younger, my grandparents called me “the navigator” because I would randomly rattle off directions when we were driving in the city or on the highway. I took my first solo plane ride at seven years old. By the time I was 13, I had already visited 14 states plus Canada by train, plane, and automobile. I was raised as an only child by a single mother so she and my grandparents did their best to expose me to sites beyond my own city. One of the reasons I started my business is so my own children would have even more travel experiences than I had as a child. I want my son and daughter to have more memories and adventures than things and trinkets because memories last a lifetime. I am a planner by nature and I am often called on by family and friends to plan events and trips. When my family experienced its first destination reunion onboard the Carnival Glory., out of 41 attendees, only 11 of us had been on a cruise before, so it was a fun and exciting time for our family. My greatest joy was seeing smiles on the faces of my family.
“I have been an educator for 25 years, so my experience as an entrepreneur was limited. I did not have Directorship in mind, but the 2019 International Convention changed my mindset. I saw something greater for myself, my children, and those who were directly and indirectly attached to me. There were times I felt as if my journey to Directorship was taking much longer than others who started this business around the same time as I did. I believe that everything happens in due season and achieving Directorship is no different. When my season came, I kept my head down and focused on finishing what I started. All gas. No brakes!
“My grandmother used to remind me as a teenager that it’s okay to play copycat as long as you copy the right cat. I would tell others, stick close to the leadership of this business and listen with open ears. Duplicate as often as possible (it’s the best form of flattery you can offer to your leader). Build goals for YOURSELF. When YOU win, others win by default. Never be satisfied; always want more and always expect it!
