Page 77 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2015

Tonya Washington-
Nash
MSN, RN, PLNC, PhD Nursing Candidate, CEO, Creator of TWN Motivational Messages
1.855.875.4388 aline2cross.com
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net September 2015 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 77
What would you like our readers to know about your business? TWN Motivational Messages is a product line to motivate, inspire and impact the community to do the extraordinary. As an ongoing commitment to the community,
a portion of the proceeds from each order generated will be donated to the homeless or
any other efforts to positively impact the community. TWN Motivational Messages features tee shirts, handbags, artwork and other merchandise. Every item features unique statements that are relatable and endearing to the person wearing that item. Individuals wearing my product line selected their specific item because what was stated may have tugged on their heartstrings a bit. We all have our own personal stories of struggle and triumph that can be expressed
in various ways. My line offers an outward means of expression in order to connect with others. Motivation is the driving force behind creating this company as well as every step I take toward changing lives of those in need. My motivation can be found with my children as well. Bringing
up my children with a sense
of community service is one of the most powerful vehicles that anyone can possess. Inspiration is the feeling that I get when there’s a fire in my heart burning to get out amongst homeless people wherever I see them. As
I said earlier motivation can be a vehicle, my inspiration can be the steering wheel. Having the right impact on the community
is extremely important to me when it comes to providing aid to the community. Homelessness is a major factor within all communities that I would like to see eradicated. Furthermore, mentorship is one of my passions as I have mentored people of all backgrounds, professions, and races.
What do you like best about what you do? I love bringing healthcare, entertainment, and technology together. I’m a firm believer of vision, purpose
and passion. Persons from the following organizations have been instrumental in molding me into the nurse that I am today:
• National Black Nurses Association
• Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. • Sigma Theta Tau International
Honor Society of Nursing • The Masonic Family
• U.S Air Force
• Southern University and
A&M College
What sets your business apart from others in the same field?
It speaks volumes for motivation through clothing and accessories. A second factor that sets my business apart from others is my desire to aid in sustaining HBCUs across the United States. Since
I am truly for building up our communities, providing aid to our Historically Black Colleges and Universities, outreach to HBCUs is of vital importance to me.
As a child, what did you dream of becoming when you grew up? My dream was to become an architect, like my father. However, God has led me to become an architect of healthcare as a registered nurse. I am currently in completion of my PhD in Nursing. Also, I had a dream of becoming a person who contributes to
the advancement of African
Americans just as those who I learned about in Black History.
Tell us about one valuable lesson you learned along the way:
Due diligence with rites of passage. Rites of Passage is one of the most looked over lessons
in society today. The concept of Rites of Passage is putting in work in order to become recognized within the community as a leader. You have to become a follower before becoming a great leader. There were those who have come before me, leading the way. Learning to listen is one of my most valuable lessons.
Is there anything you would change to make the Coast better? There is nothing that I would like to change about the Coast. I would like the continued opportunity to enhance what is already in place along the Gulf Coast.
IN BUSINESS