During the pandemic, Toni fearlessly led her team at ONE Hospitality Group (Tutoni's, Cantina, Avano's, Presto, and more) to not only remain active, open, and employing some of our team, but to adapt to the current needs of our community by innovating new ways to feed them and be a respite from the stresses of the pandemic. Despite the recent sudden loss of her father and mentor, she has powered ahead and steered the ship with bravery and humility.
Who has been your biggest influence?
You’ve seen the movies when the little girl has big dreams, her father supports her and builds her up to be more than he ever was, and he was larger than life! In my movie, I had to do it all on my own though, with his guidance of course, lol. I lost my father 2 years ago, and I am so grateful for every moment we had together. He taught me so much about my strengths as a young female entrepreneur (in a man's industry), and he cultivated this passion I have always had by building upon the courage and tenacity it takes to become successful. His wisdom and his strength, his giving spirit, amongst many other wonderful qualities he possessed, are things I am forever carrying with me through my journey.
What motivated you to be involved in your community?
My grandparents were the first pizza shop opened in York in the 50’s. Although I grew up in Florida I always heard stories about the community that built us. When I moved up here to get married at the time, I fell in love with the people, the energy and the stories of the past that were shared with me. I just felt it in my bones that the opportunities for me to create a meaningful life existed in York. So, I committed to being part of the solution, and shared the creative energy with many like minds in the city, and we went to work! There’s something so romantic about owning the restaurants that create a backdrop to people and their memories. I love what I do, and I love why we do it. In my community, it's about feeding both bellies and the soul.
What advice would you give your younger self?
My younger self was very tenacious and eager to get started. I remember feeling like I was behind in my goals and vision for my life at the age of 22. I would tell myself that life is going to happen while you are busy making your big plans. Life is what you’re going to look back on in the most precious moments of your start up story. Don’t be so hard on yourself, you’re learning. Embrace the hard, it’s going to build you. You think your teenage years were tough? You’ll see why you were built so strong. The things you will have to overcome in your life will all be handled with grace because of what you’ve already survived. You’re doing a great job. Keep. Going.
What’s your idea of self care?
I have 11 different companies. I am building a franchise, and equity crowdfunding platform, developing a hotel, adding to my restaurant group, and above all I am raising a family. Self care is VITAL in keeping my sanity. To avoid sleeping like a newborn (waking every 2 hours and crying, lol) I speak to my therapist regularly, I meet with mentors, I read books, I exercise.. Shopping is my vice, and I always buy the shoes!
What message do you have for the future generations of women?
It is quite possible that you will be “little girled”, this is a verb I coined when you come out of a meeting feeling as though you were so belittled in your big thinking because you couldn’t possibly pull that off, you’re just a little girl.. You must realize that you don’t need them to make YOUR dreams come true. They just weren’t the right fit for you. Keep your chin and your heels high, and keep taking those meetings. Your start will come out of the tenacity you show. Never make your dreams smaller to fit in someone else's threshold. I dare you to dream BIGGER, and never give up on YOUR dream.
Lastly, speed round!
Heels or Flats? Heels, tall ones.
Pancakes or Waffles? Pancakes
Day or Night? Night
Books or Movies? Books
Rain or Sunshine? Sunshine, Florida girl!!
