Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Murphy.
Hi Toni, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m the owner of Top Style Branding, author, public speaker and brand architect.
I started my journey when I was 18 years old. I dreamed of being a celebrity wardrobe stylist, which led me to Atlanta. I was working at an internship for two amazing black women who were starting their business, called Compelled boutique, where I held the position as their fashion assistant. I learned how to book and scout photographers, videographers, the talent, and the glam team. I was exposed to the hustle culture of Atlanta, and it was something I loved and wanted to be a part of.
After almost two years of being exposed to entrepreneurship, I moved back home to Toledo, Ohio and started Top Style Branding. TSB started as an image consulting company, but as my audience and clients’ needs grew, my expertise had to grow with it. I listened and pivoted with what my clients said they needed. At that time website/logo development, social media content, and the overall brand awareness process were all things I had to learn over the years.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but a necessary one. I’ve learned so much about myself and how I show up as an business owner. I started the journey to becoming entrepreneurship when I was eighteen years old. I didn’t know anything about fashion besides I was drawn to it. I knew nothing about building a business. The hard times brought out the best in me. I was placed into certain rooms where I felt inadequate and I shined. I was faced with making complicated financial decisions when I didn’t know anything about profit or even credit. I had to speak in front of people and have one-on-one meetings where I felt not qualified, which showed me that I could persevere through any uncertainty. For the first couple of years, it was very hard to gain clients, establish my cost, and learn about the market simultaneously. I made many mistakes, but I had a lot of wins that I’m very appreciative of. Like many beginning entrepreneurs, I was juggling way too much and trying to be six different people all at once. I’ve learned how to delegate and release responsibility to others while still maintaining creative control of where my company goes.
After six years of developing over 30 brands, event planning, and writing a book while working full time, I needed a change. I have been honored to establish my brand in my home city, but I felt like I hit a wall and a peak in my business. I decided to make a significant change for myself and my business. I moved to Houston last summer, and it has been filled with so many new challenges. I dropped everything, including my business, and chose myself without knowing if I would ever pick TSB back up.
Being a woman striving to make her business work to now becoming a woman who wants to be in creative spaces has been a life transition. I can go on and on with my life achievements and who I’ve worked with over the years to let readers know why I’m worthy of being in the place I am today. But knowing that I’ve fought, sweated, cried, and knocked down many walls is enough proof for me. I now choose who I want to work with; I don’t scramble. I now know precisely my value and how represent my clients best interest like no one else can. I understand working with TSB; you have the opportunity to work with Toni Murphy.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Top Style Branding specializes in public relations and creative brand building. I assist brands in the process of developing their brands from scratch. I curate, manage and execute the entire branding process. I’m known for innovating media stories and placement, eye-catching campaigns, and brand messaging.
I don’t just sign a client and develop their brand without taking on their vision as if it’s my own. I can visualize their entire brand, from the logo and a website to the content that will push the brand forward. I listen to the client’s desires while guiding them with my expertise to conquer a successful brand launch. I stay with my client’s from start to finish while connecting them to the right people who turn their visions into reality.
I want readers to know that we aren’t just here to make your brand look visually appealing at Top Style Branding. My mission is to execute your vision while building a sustainable brand that your audience can relate to. When I decide to work with a client, I connect with them on the level as if I was representing my own brand. It’s imperative that my work speaks for itself, and trust me, it speaks volumes.
Contact Info:
- Email: Thetonimurphy@gmail.com | Topstylebranding@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thetonimurphy
- Facebook: @tonimurphy
Image Credits
MW photography
