We had the good fortune of connecting with Toni Porter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Toni, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I became an official business owner after being laid off from my job. I was also in college at the same time, in need of extra money. The economy wasn’t the greatest and lots of layoffs were occurring across MI. I’ve always burned candles to relax but was having difficulty finding a good brand that actually smelled good. My god mom started making them as a hobby and I loved them. So, I started selling them at the local hospital that I worked for.

When I got laid off, I asked my godmother if she wanted to go into business together. I was pursuing a business management degree from Wayne State University, at that time. However, she was also already an entrepreneur and wasn’t ready to start another business on a full-time basis. So I asked her if she would teach me, and the rest has been history ever since. Toni’s Collection started in 2012, but I officially had to take the leap of faith on my own in 2013 after being laid off.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My name is Toni Porter, I’m a mom and entrepreneur. I became an official business owner after being laid off from my job. I was also in college at the same time, in need of extra money. The economy wasn’t the greatest and lots of layoffs were occurring across MI. I’ve always burned candles to relax but was having difficulty finding a good brand that actually smelled good. My god mom started making them as a hobby and I loved them. So, I started selling them at the local hospital that I worked for.

When I got laid off, I asked my godmother if she wanted to go into business together. I was pursuing a business management degree from Wayne State University, at that time. However, she was also already an entrepreneur and wasn’t ready to start another business on a full-time basis. So I asked her if she would teach me, and the rest has been history ever since. Toni’s Collection started in 2012, but I officially had to take the leap of faith on my own in 2013 after being laid off.

Toni’s Collection specializes in home fragrance products that are handcrafted, eco-friendly, and triple scented! I am taking an innovative approach with fragrance. My goal is to transform your environment, by creating an experience through smell. Ive added different elements and complimenting products that can be used anywhere. Ive also incorporated candle making sessions for my customers called Sip & Scents. Which is perfect for date nights, girls night activity, or a kids crafting session.

Our focus is using to use eco-friendly supplies and materials. We pride ourselves on using high quality fragrance oils and providing environmentally safer solutions, without sparing quality. Our mission is always providing a great product & superior customer service. I want my customers to feel the love that is put in each product. I love researching my industry to ensure I am providing a great product as well, as maintaining the industry standards.

I wish there was a such thing as an easy path or smooth road on this entrepreneurship journey, but it’s not. One of the biggest challenges I faced, has just been having working capital or finding lenders. As an entrepreneur, funding is limited to small business. You have to seek nontraditional options or exhaust investing your own funds. As a smaller business, the price breaks aren’t available unless you are buying in larger quantities wholesale, which is intimidating when you are first starting out if funding is limited. A huge challenge has also been marketing/advertising. You either need to have a nice budget, or learn how to do it on your own. I always say that you can have a great product, but if no one knows about it, it won’t sell.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my bestie was visiting the area I would take them to Toni’s Collection! We would grab some food from Ozales, libations from the local party store, and head to Toni’s Collection for a Sip & Scents Candle making session! That way we could chill out and catch up, in a safe & clean environment!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mother Ella Porter & my son Jaxon Chandler. Everything I do is for them! I love them with all my heart and I always want to make them proud.

Website: https://www.toniscollection.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toniscollection/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-porter-a3695b56/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TonisCollection

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonisCollection

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/toniscollection313

Other: https://linktr.ee/toniscollection

Image Credits
RBJ Photography

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