entrepreneur – Jenny Ton LLC

It took me a few days to muster the courage to listen to myself. It then took me another few days to watch myself. I dread both. It requires a certain kind of confidence or not giving a f*#%! to not cringe while critiquing every aspect of yourself. I have plenty of confidence, but there’s something about seeing a reflection of yourself that is just so darn hard. Holding a mirror to yourself is scary and arguably the hardest task for most of us. It’s just easier to deflect, ignore, be in denial about aspects of yourself that you’re not too keen on or too traumatic to face. What-ever the many reasons, it will always surface one way or another regardless of your every effort to suppress it.

I’m only now facing my traumas head on, and it’s with the help of a therapist. To have a therapist is to be in a privileged position. I acknowledge my privilege. I acknowledge the countless people that cannot afford nor have access to mental health services. This inequity and continual decrease in funding for mental health is why I am an advocate for mental health services and resources for those most marginalized and under-represented, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities; whether it was through my advocacy work in Washington D.C. or as an educator at a middle school and high school or volunteering and serving on the board of an incredible holistic health nonprofit, Sol Sisters. My current goal is to help build mental health services and programs for BIPOC youth and families through the good work at Safer Together. I was their programs and operations consultant to now Director of Programs.

So when my dear friend Patty Alvarado (founder of Alvarado Therapy) asked me to be on her podcast, I was beholden to share my mental health journey to help de-stigmatize mental health needs. I hope my story can inspire you to begin talking about your mental health, to seek help, to share your vital journey with others too.

You can also listen to our conversation while preparing your favorite meal, driving, running your usual route, in the shower, or when ever you need a laugh at Alvarado Therapy’s podcast (I think we’re funny, no, I know we’re funny lol). While you’re there, subscribe to their enlightening podcast. Trust me, it’s worth it.

In community,

Jenny

#TrustInYourselfandYourJourneyTuesday

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your heartfelt love and support of my passion to boldly create positive change, especially through my baby, my artistic activism, Retrofit Republic. When I founded Retrofit Republic at 25 years old, I had no idea it would become the innovative social enterprise that so many of you championed. Thank you for believing in the good work that we were doing.

Going back down memory lane.

Award-winning singer, rapper, songwriter, musician, producer *Anderson .Paak and rapper Dumbfoundead. Creative vision and wardrobe styling by yours truly.*

I knew we were on to something unique. But the continual out-pour of our positive affect on you and so many illustrated that it was changing society to be better, to be more diverse, more inclusive, more equitable, to herald the beautiful diversity of individuals, races, cultures, backgrounds, gender presentations, body types, abilities and disabilities; and while changing culture to be more conscious of consumerism and its global ramifications such as the human and environmental costs of products and business practices.

Additionally, many studies have shown the greater benefits of diversity in the workforce such as increased revenue and fundraising, better and comprehensive ideas, improved efficiencies and productivity, significantly higher retention, and overall happier employees. So why not put concerted effort to institutionalize diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and policies in your company? It’s a no-brainer really.

These values continue to inform me in my continual nonprofit, social impact, and consulting work. As well as in the past four years, with the students I have been so fortunate to work with. With anything that I am passionate about, it becomes my life. I give it my all. Just like at Retrofit Republic, I gave my all to my students and families. I learned a ton. I am forever grateful for the transformations and relationships fostered. But I deeply miss the magical creative flow that I had running Retrofit Republic, where I had full creative license to collaborate and run my own vehicle of change.

Thus, here I am starting my next creative vision and consulting services site. Whatever your needs are such as how to:

_Start a nonprofit, social enterprise or business.
_Lead a mission driven personal and career path.
_Ensure your company and practices are rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
_Hire and train diverse talent.
_Coach and develop your team.
_Mediate conflict resolutions between your team members.
_Execute an effective and productive staff retreat.
_Market, communicate, and increase your reach.
_Envision and execute an unforgettable marketing campaign from A-Z.
_Create a unique brand and identity.
_Market research to understand what competitive advantage you and your company has.
_Develop a memorable tagline and elevator pitch.
_Set-up photo and video shoots.
_Style it all.
_Dress and present yourself as the boss that you are or strive to be.
_Lead and inspire a team.
_Plan and execute your organization’s anniversary event.

I got you! Or you simply want to share what creative endeavors you’re working on or content that inspires you.

Keep doing you and believe in yourself. If you don’t, then why should anyone else? Trust that your firm belief will manifest.

“Your journey has molded you for the greater good. It was exactly what it needed to be. Don’t think you’ve lost time. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time.” -Asha Tyson.

Let’s create your best self and live y/our dreams together.

In solidarity,

Jenny