Welcome to Spotlight Hustle, where we highlight Black women redefining leadership, impact, and purpose through resilience and truth.
In Today’s Feature
- From classroom to consulting — how Tonia built a business rooted in communication and connection
- How loss birthed her bestselling book Win With Words
- The lessons that keep her grounded in faith and purpose
- Why she believes success is about legacy, not perfection
A Voice That Refused to Be Silenced
Tonia Phanor grew up in sunny Southern California — a place as full of color and culture as her own spirit. Her home was one of love, laughter, and lessons.
Her mother, a powerhouse in corporate America, showed her how to lead with both grace and grit.
Her father, her first teacher in joy, taught her how to work hard but never forget to live.
But when she lost her father as a teenager, the world shifted. The grief was heavy, and the path ahead felt uncertain. “I didn’t know if college was possible,” she recalls. “But I pushed through, applied for scholarships, and made it happen.”
That experience planted the first seed of what would become her life’s mission — using her voice to help others find theirs.
From Professor to Entrepreneur
Tonia didn’t start her business because she wanted to be a CEO. She started because people kept asking for her help.
“I was teaching communication at the time,” she says. “Business owners would approach me to train their staff or help them improve their speaking. It started small, but it grew naturally.”
That’s how Phanor Communication Consulting was born — a company built to help leaders and professionals master the art of communicating with clarity and confidence.
She began consulting part-time in 2005, long before virtual workshops were the norm. Back then, every training was in person — handshakes, whiteboards, and note cards.
But when the pandemic hit, everything changed. “That was my defining moment,” Tonia says. “The world slowed down, but I decided to go all in.”
When Words Heal
In 2023, Tonia released her book Win With Words. But what many don’t know is that it came from the deepest pain of her life.
“I lost a baby. And not long after, my brother passed away,” she shares quietly. “Those losses broke me open. But they also birthed something new — the realization that words could heal.”
Through her writing and speaking, she began encouraging others to speak life, even in dark seasons. Her message became a movement — and Win With Words became more than a title. It became a testimony.
Grounded by Faith, Driven by Purpose
For Tonia, success isn’t measured in titles or revenue. It’s measured in transformation — in the stories of students, leaders, and women who now speak with confidence because of her work.
Her “why” is simple:
“My success should make others successful. I want to leave a legacy that outlives me.”
Faith is her anchor. Each morning begins with quiet prayer and reflection, followed by movement — whether it’s a jog, Zumba, or a dance session that fills her home with joy.
And while balance is a myth in her book, priorities are not.
“Some days lean toward family, others toward business. The key is knowing what matters most in the moment.”
The Truth About Entrepreneurship
When asked about myths she’d love to bust, Tonia doesn’t hesitate.
“You don’t need a fancy background or powerful connections to succeed. You need grit. You need heart. You need relentless determination.”
It’s a belief that has guided her through every setback — from uncertain beginnings to moments of burnout.
Her advice to women in business?
“You are enough. Stop proving. Start walking in your ‘why.’”
Looking Ahead
Tonia’s next chapter is all about expansion. She’s currently promoting her masterclass based on Win With Words, helping leaders and entrepreneurs turn communication into influence.
Her dream is to build a global community of students and clients who use their voices to change the world — one conversation, one story, one breakthrough at a time.
“My grandmother used to say, ‘Each one, teach one.’ That’s the legacy I’m building.”
Rapid Fire Round
- Coffee or Tea: Tea
- Morning or Night: Morning
- Word for This Season: Live
- Book/Podcast: Win With Words & anything Oprah
- Mantra: Each one, teach one
- Favorite Activity: Zumba or dance
- Discipline Hack: Prioritize what matters most
Why Her Story Matters
Tonia reminds us that words carry power — to build, to heal, and to lead.
She’s living proof that even after loss, life still speaks.
And when you speak from purpose, you always win with words.
Join Dr. Tonia and 99 other powerhouse women at the Top 100 Most Powerful Black Women Summit.
Responses