SIP PODCAST: S06 EP02 - From Surviving To Thriving with Toni-Ann Dickenson

SIP PODCAST: S06 EP02
From Surviving To Thriving: Faith, Identity & Growth in Your 20s

Your 20s can be filled with dreams, but also deep uncertainty.

Heartbreak.
Financial struggles.
Moments of anxiety.
Seasons where you question everything.

But what happens when the challenges meant to break you become the very foundation that builds your purpose?

Season 6 of Souled Into Purpose continues with a powerful and honest conversation.

Toni-Ann Dickenson shares her journey of:
 Navigating the realities of life in your 20s Turning pain into purpose Building resilience through faith Overcoming anxiety and uncertainty Choosing growth and thriving beyond survival

Because even in the hardest seasons, God is still writing the story of your life.

This is about growth.
This is about faith.
This is about thriving.
 Hosted by Akeelia Thompson
Founder of Souled Into Purpose International
Host & Executive Producer of the Souled Into Purpose Podcast
 March 11, 2026 6PM (JA Time) Live on YouTube → @AkeeliaThompson

Season 6 continues — and the conversations are getting even deeper.
 About the Guest

Toni-Ann Dickenson is the author of Surviving Your 20s: A Woman’s Playbook for Levelling Up and Thriving in Your 20s.

Raised in the cool hills of St. Mary, Jamaica , and surrounded by strong women of faith, she learned early the power of prayer, resilience, and trusting God through every season of life.

Her journey through her 20s included heartbreak, financial struggles, anxiety, and moments of deep uncertainty.

But instead of allowing those seasons to define her, they shaped her mission.

Today, Toni-Ann is passionate about helping women turn pain into power and uncertainty into opportunity. Through her book and her story, she reminds women that they are not alone — and that even in the darkest seasons, God is still writing the story.

Follow the guest: Instagram →   / survivinginyour20s 

@survivinginyour20s
 About the Host

Akeelia Thompson is a Creativepreneur, Transformation Strategist, and Author of A Fall From Grace. As the Founder of Souled Into Purpose International and Host of the Souled Into Purpose Podcast, she equips faith-driven leaders and creatives to align their voice, visibility, and calling with purpose.

Through powerful conversations, strategic insight, and bold faith, she helps others step confidently into who God has called them to be.
 Connect With Us
 Instagram: @iamakeeliathompson | @souledintopurpose LinkedIn: @akeeliathompson TikTok: @souledintopurpose Facebook: @akeeliathompson | @souledintopurpose
 JOIN US IN PERSON

Ready to experience Becoming beyond the screen?

The Becoming Conference Jamaica 2026 is happening June 27 in Kingston.
A transformational one-day hybrid experience designed to help you align, elevate, and step into your next level.
 Get your conference tickets today:
https://spurropen.com/70cc09b3

Limited in-person seating available.

Questions? DM us souledintopurpose@gmail.com
1-876-277-7590
BOOK AKEELIA

Looking for a keynote speaker, host, or MC? https://tr.ee/IRfTXhDsAr

Work with me: yourfavcreativepreneur.com

For personal branding support:
IG → /yourfavecreativepreneur
CONNECT

Follow Souled Into Purpose:
/souledintopurpose

Follow the Host:
/iamakeeliathompson

Follow the Guest:
/survivinginyour2

Transcript

SPEAKER_03 1:01

Hi there, purple seekers. Thank you so much for joining us for season six of the Sold Into Purpose Podcast. Welcome to episode two. And as always, it is a privilege to share time and space with you. I'm your incredible host, Aquila Thompson, coming to you live straight out of Jamaica. And can I tell you that we had above last week? We returned with episode one, and that was you know an incredible episode sharing on how it is that we can become redeemed from Inuscars, a powerful session with Lady Susanna. So just in case you missed it, all you have to do is to tap over to our YouTube channel at Akelia Thompson. So that is a K-E-E-L-I-A-Thompson on YouTube, as well as follow us on all socials at sold interpurpose, that is S O U L E D Interpurpose, and you'll want to go and download the episode on across all major audio platforms because we're everywhere. So follow us TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, you name it, sold interpurpose is where you want to be because this is where we have incredible soul stories. We have impactful stories which speaks about growth, resilience, and added level of truth that can help you to become elevated into your next level of becoming. And we have stories from across the globe where guest today is from Jamaica, and we're just an inclusive community which fosters to holistic development, so it's purpose on every side, and we want you to tap into your God-ordained purpose. That's the genesis behind what we do, and it's important for you to become inspired and stay connected if you want a community of individuals where you can gain practical insights, right? And we also share heartfelt stories that you and I can use to live our purpose-driven life. So it's for everybody. And we haven't done this in a while, but please do let us know what you're sleeping on. And all we need you to do is to interact with us in the comment section. Just send us a message, let us know which episode has been impacting you the most, which season has been impacting you the most. We're so happy to connect with you. It is indeed a blessing each and every moment that I'm here to share with you. And today we have an incredible guest, as I mentioned before, coming to you live out of Jamrack, which is Jamaica. Her name is Tonian Dickinson. At the time, she was Tony and Williamson, but the Lord has been gracious unto her, and she has been elevated into another realm of divine kingdom settlement. And so we just want to say congratulations to you, Tony, on your marriage and everything. We pray that the Lord will bless you and your husband and your household, that everything will be covered. She's here to take us on a journey of how you and I can shift from surviving to thriving. Her book is entitled Moving and You know, Tapping Into That Zone of Thriving in Your Twenties. But I promise you, once you hear her soul story, you'll realize that she provides you with practical steps that you can use to not only survive in your 20s, but beyond a powerful, powerful woman. Her book is entitled From Surviving to Thriving: Practical Insights of Navigating Your Twenties. And trust me, if you're out there, if you want to tap into a speaker, one who knows about identity crisis, someone who had financial struggles, a young lady who suffered heartbreak, and now she is settled. If you have so many questions about you know your career, or if you're feeling any level of uncertainty or anxiety as it relates to where you are right now and where God wants you to be, trust me, this is definitely the episode that you want to tap into. So trust me, you don't want to miss it. So we'll tap into that a little bit. Her story is coming up in Soul Stories. So I want you to let somebody know who we let somebody know that we are live and that they should connect with us. But before we do, as always, thank you so much for joining us, and we'll tap right over into our soul check-in. Stick and stay with us. Hi there, purple seekers. If your branding or positioning is a little scrappy, don't panic. I'm Akilah Thompson, your faith creativepreneur, and I'm your branding specialist and strategist. I'll help leaders and entrepreneurs and creatives to gain clarity, refine positioning, and elevate their brand to the next level. If you need my services, all you have to do is send me a DM on Instagram at I am Akilah Thompson or at Your Faith Creative Preneur. And you may also connect with us on LinkedIn or visit our website at your faithcreativepreneur.com. Book your brand clarity session today. Trust me, you don't want to miss it. You may also send us a message on WhatsApp at 1876 227 7590. Let's build your brand the right way. Hi there, purple seekers. Thank you for staying with us today. As always, we come to you live each and every Wednesday at 6 p.m. on YouTube at Achillia Thompson. And so today for soul check-in, right? Wherever you are, whether you're on your way to work, you're coming home, perhaps you are sitting down and you're relaxing. I just want to do a small check-in with you. How are you today on soul check-in? It's important for us to check in with each other. Perhaps you don't have anyone to check up on you. So I am your sister, your bestie. You're not just someone who is standing in the gap today to see how you are. But as you respond to me in the comment sections, as I know you will, I'll just tell you how I am. I am good by God's grace and his mercies. Recovering from the flu, it has been a little bit cold on my side, but we're still pushing through and tapping into what God has called us to do. Of course, Tony will share with us that our feelings aren't facts. I'm just giving you a little preview as what's coming up today. Our feelings aren't facts. And so, even though you may feel a particular way, it's important for us to still get up, still push because movement brings momentum and there is no progress in stagnation. So it's important for us, respective of whatever we're feeling, whatever we're going through. So you kind of get up and see how this it is that we can take a few steps towards our goals. Of course, our energy level may be different for each day, and that's perfectly fine. We're humans, we're not robots, right? But it's important for us to tap into all that God has called us to be. And just in case we're not feeling so well today, I pray that the Lord will give you grace and that you'll give you the strength to tap into your next level. If you need to rest, take some rest. Come on, that is important. And tomorrow, try to try and try again. So I thank you so much for you know checking in. And if you want to let me know how you're doing, all you have to do is to reach up and use that comment section and let us know what's happening with you. We're so happy to respond to you. Alrighty, but as always, you know that we can't go any further without acknowledging the one who has given us the skills and capabilities to do what we do, and so at this particular point in time, let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for growth in this season. Mighty God, we thank you for the process of becoming mighty God from shifting from what has made us uncomfortable and uncertain to tap into your level of certainty, serenity, and peace. Father, we lift up every listener, every viewer, mighty God, every guest that has connected to this platform. Father, you know their struggles, you know their questions, you know their hidden battles. And we pray that whatever they're facing in this season of their lives, mighty God, that your grace and your mercy will just cover them. Father, we pray that for those who are struggling with questions, that you'll provide them with clarity. For those who are wrestling with their identity, King of glory, that you'll bring them confidence in this season. For those who are battling anxiety, heartbreak, or even discouragement, we pray, mighty God, that you'll bring them peace and restoration in this season. King of glory, we pray that you remind them that even in the midst of the storm, you are with us all. We pray, mighty God, that this conversation today, it will bring somebody hope, wisdom, and direction. We pray, mighty God, that you'll heal all wounds, that you will restore all identity, and that you will strengthen those who need strengthening in this season. We pray, King of Glory, that you will help somebody who is going through a hard time in this season. We pray, mighty God, that you'll transform their pain into purpose. We pray that wherever they're experiencing confusion, that you'll give them clarity. And we pray, mighty God, that nobody will leave this episode without being unlocked into their next level of purpose. You pray, King of Glory, that you'll strengthen them and that you will cover them even in this season, and that your grace will surround them and that favor will locate them. These are not unmentioned mercies. We ask of your way to you thanks in Jesus' name. Amen, amen, and amen. A purpose seeker, a stick and stay with us because up next we have a preview of our soul stories. Trust me, you don't want to miss it. Coming up this week on the Soul into Purpose Podcast, we have the incredible Tony and Dickinson, a woman who is on fire for the Lord and one who will provide you with practical strategies to survive your 20s. Take a look.

SPEAKER_01 10:37

I realized that I didn't know myself. I was looking at other persons, and from their relationship, I was thinking this is what a relationship should look like. And those are not positive role models. He broke my heart in a million pieces. It affected me mentally, emotionally, financially. I was so heartbroken, I shaved my hair. It's okay for you to feel your emotions, but remember that your emotions are signals, they're not the final story. You have to look at your pain practically. Because at the end of the day, it's revealing a lot about you as a person. Irregardless of the situation that you're in, your end goal should always be to become a better version of yourself.

SPEAKER_00 11:30

Let love surround you, your family and friends each day of the year with Craft by Love, where creativity and love bloom together as one. Discover or best-seller, confident children colouring book at Fontana Waterloo and Montego Bay, or via Amazon, along with the other loved built journals, and more for all age group. Craft your world with love, with custom apparel, stationery, and craft items. Shop and receive love at craft my love on Instagram, TikTok, or email. Craft My Love, where love blooms.

SPEAKER_03 12:11

Hi there, purple seekers. Welcome to the Becoming Blueprint segment. And today, of course, we're talking about the Becoming Conference Yomega 2026 as well as my upcoming book, A Fall from Grace. So before we tap into the soul stories, it's important for us to look at something that is very important, and that is the process of becoming. So when we talk about the becoming blueprint, essentially what we're looking at is our faith, identity, healing, strategy, and execution. And it's important for us, especially as we're going throughout this year, to implement the things that we need to go to the next level. And this is exactly why we have curated this very important event called the Becoming Conference. This is a hybrid experience happening on a Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Kingston, Jamaica from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. And this is a space where you can come to tap into that next level of alignment. It is a room where individuals will come together to confront their process, right? And to see how they can unlock their purpose. Where refining purpose, we're giving you steps that you can use to step boldly into the next chapter of your life. This year we're honored to have incredible speakers such as Coach Karen Williams, and she's here to help us to navigate our relationships. We also have Coach Kamika Winter Dixon. She's here to activate us into purpose. We have Lady Susanna Griffiths. We also have Minister Oshaik Sheen for that very powerful prophetic flow. We have Lady Charla Hobson, and then we also have Lady Charlene Tilbani, and Lady Charlotte will help us to tap into style because we want to dress and ensure that we're showing up as the best version of ourselves. We have some really incredible performers, Minister Marsha Jake. We also have the reggae gospel artist himself, Marlon Paris Judah, and then we have an incredible worship leader, Lady Shamika Torre. Trust me, this is a power-packed lineup. And might I add that this is a hybrid event. So you are free to join us from anywhere around the globe because we will be live streaming the event. So trust me, you definitely don't want to miss it. So in this space, what we're doing is that we're curating powerful voices to have conversations around faith, purpose, relationship, leadership, healing, and a personal transformation. In this experience, we will also have the launch of my book, A Fall from Grace. And essentially, what we want to tap into is to remind individuals that even in the midst of your pit, you can find purpose. So, what we want you to know is that God can rebuild us at any stage of our lives, right? And we are meant to become all that He has called us to be. He said in His word, for I know the plans that I think towards you, you know, plans to prosper you, not to harm you, to give you hope, a future, and an expected end. And so in the season, we don't want you to become stuck. What we want you to do is to unlock that next level of becoming. And in the season, we just want to push you forward. And so we are extending this official invitation to you. All you have to do is to connect with us. We have the tickets, they'll be available below. The link is in the caption. You can connect with us on our socials at Sold Interpurpose. So that is S-O-U-L-E-D Interpurpose. So feel free to connect with us as we go to the next level of your journey. This is the becoming phase. It is a season for you to become all that God has called you to be. And if you want to be in a room where this can be activated, then you definitely want to be in this space. So, purpose seekers, stick and stay with us because of makes we have soul stories.

SPEAKER_02 15:58

Welcome to the Becoming Conference 2026 Jamaica, where we're gathered to sharpen our vision and strengthen our walk with the Lord. We're looking forward to having Marlon Edwards in the room with us. He'll be joining the experience to chair a ministry of gospel reggae that reinforces the message of the day. Step in boldly into your next season with clarity and faith. Join us on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Kingston, Jamaica from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Secure your seat, connect as a vendor, or partner as a sponsor. The atmosphere is shifting. Be in the room.

SPEAKER_03 16:38

Hi there, Purple Seekers, and welcome to Soul Story. I'm your incredible host, Aquila Thomson, and as always, we bring you global Soul Stories, impactful Soul Stories, and you know, really practical insights that you and I can use to live a more purpose-driven life. Today we have the incredible Tony Ann Dickinson, and she is a woman's advocate, one who is here to provide us with practical insights that you and I can use to survive our 20s and beyond. She hails from the parish of St. Mary, Jamaica, and she grew up in a matriarchal family where she saw a very strong woman praying, powerful woman of faith, and she has tapped into that, and she is on her journey to becoming the best version of herself. Professionally, she is in the health and safety fields, more specifically, the hospitality industry, but she is a two-time author helping individuals with insights that they can use to tap into their next level. She is one who believes in the power of God. She's an advocate for her faith. Trust me, you'll see that coming out. And she is one who also believes in the power of health and wellness. In looking at her work and in getting her books, you'll definitely see where Tony has faced heartbreak, financial challenges, anxiety, and she was in a season where she felt deeply lost, right? But today she's here to show us how her faith and prayer and healing helped her to overcome all the challenges that she has gone through in her book, a woman's playbook of leveling up and thriving in her 20s. So she's helping us to thrive and to tap into the next level. This is where she'll provide honest lessons, real stories, and practical guidance to help young women like ourselves, you know, to tap into that next level. Today she joins us to share her story and insights that will help us to tap into the blueprint that we need to go to the next level. So, purple seekers, all you have to do is to let somebody know who will let somebody know that Toni and Dickinson is live on the Sold into Purpose podcast. Hi there, purple seekers. Thank you so much for joining us for another incredible episode of the Sold into Purpose Podcast. We're in season six, and as always, it is a privilege and a pleasure to share time and space with you. Welcome to Soul Stories, and this is where we provide you with valuable insights that you and I can use to live a more purpose-driven life. And we have guests from around the world today. We're joined with an incredible young lady from Jamaica, and she's going to tell us so much about her story, about overcoming adversity, finding out her identity, her struggles, her triumphs, but more so providing us with tips. Well, she says that it's to help us to survive in our 20s, but I believe that the wisdom that she will impart today will help us to survive even beyond. So she is one an author sharing so much and will tap into her books. And essentially, what we want to do is to move from that place of surviving over to thriving, right? So I'm speaking about the incredible Tony Ann Williams, and she's joining us today. So purple seekers, all you have to do is to let somebody know who will let somebody know that we are live. Just share it with somebody. Hi Tonyan, thank you so much for joining us. And I'm so excited as you take us on a journey from surviving to thriving.

SPEAKER_01 20:23

How are you today? Thank you so much, first and foremost. And I am doing well, glory to God. And how are you?

SPEAKER_03 20:30

I'm giving God thanks that we're having this incredible conversation because you're going to bless us. We get an opportunity to fast a little bit in your business, and for those who are watching us globally and locally, um, we're just tapping into her life story. So you grew up in St. Mary and just around the corner in the garden parish of St. Anne. And before you are all that you are today, the woman that you are, can you just take us back to your childhood? What was it like growing up in St.

SPEAKER_01 20:59

Mary? I grew up in the hills of Saint Mary. I grew up in a home filled with training women. I grew up with my grandma and I also grew up with my aunt. My aunt was a disciplinarian, very strict, and as I grew older, I realized that a lot of lessons that I've learned from her actually protected me and helped me to become the woman I was. But then again, when you're growing up, most persons, if you grew up in a strict environment, you would understand where I'm coming from. Where growing up, it feels like hell, but as you got older, you realize that this was actually the blueprint or the structure that you need in order to lead a positive life. So I'm always grateful for that.

SPEAKER_03 21:41

Awesome. Thank you for sharing that. And in the Caribbean, well, most Afrocentric households, we would understand what that landscape is like, but indeed we grumble about it. Sometimes we're a little bit feisty about it. But in the end, when we grow older, we're like when I have my child, I'm going to instill the Discipline into them, it has definitely shaped us whether we want to admit it or not. Some of the methods are a little bit unconventional, I must say. But regardless, we're grateful that we're here and that we are rounded individuals in society today. So thank you for sharing that. But as you are going through your journey, because life is a journey, you will have encountered different challenges. I'm going to list a few and then you're going to walk us through them one by one. Specifically speaking about heartbreak. This is in your early 20s. Enough people say, Tony, well, you know about heartbreak, right? Heartbreak, financial stress, insecurity, and feeling a sense of loss. But we're gonna touch the juicy stuff first. So let's talk into the heartbreak. This is young Tony in her 20s. Okay, who do you end up with a heartbreak, Tony?

SPEAKER_01 22:51

All right, so first and foremost, I want to preface this by saying, I'm getting married in two weeks. So everything that I encountered, glory to God. Romans 8 28. And we know that all things were for good together. As most persons in their 20s, they're young, they're naive, especially if you have a partner since high school. And we started life, we moved to Montego Bay together, and we just started to drift apart. I really don't want to get too much into what happened exactly, but I just know that he broke my heart in a million pieces. We're actually living together, and he broke my heart in a million pieces. I never thought I would survive that. It affected me mentally, emotionally, financially. I was so heartbroken I shaved my hair. The girls who know, they know. And eventually it was in that chaos that was when I started to realize that I was very performative in that relationship. I started to realize that there are a lot of things about him that I really didn't like, but I felt like I needed to like because I was with him, and that was where the growth started to happen. I started to make a mental note of everything that you know I didn't like, why I didn't like it, and I started to prepare myself for the other person. I always knew that someone else would come, but I just didn't know when. Eventually, I got to a place where I started to become more self-aware, and as I became more self-aware, things started to change in my life, and I started to make significant progress in life, career, financially, everything, and then you know, person started asking me, you know, you're always ready and you don't have a problem, and blah blah blah. And then it was at that point I realized that hey, a lot of persons experienced what I went through, so what if I could help them to overcome? This didn't happen over one year, two years period. This was for probably over a six year period. I don't want persons to think that it was just a one-year thing, it took a lot of time. So that was that part with the heartbreak.

SPEAKER_03 25:15

All right, thank you for sharing that. But Tony, for someone who is looking on you, and we'll get to the guide and how you can help them a little bit later on. But for someone who is in your position at that particular point in time, and as you mentioned, you said you were a little bit performative in that relationship, and sometimes we love to change the colours of the flags that we see and accept certain things. Um, would you say that at that particular stage it's because maybe you were having not necessarily you, but just just in general, having like issues or any sort of self-identity crisis? Why it is that whenever we find ourselves in these situations, we would accept things that are less than what we deserve. What would you say to somebody who's in that position at this particular point in time?

SPEAKER_01 26:04

That's a very beautiful question, actually. So the first thing is that I realized that I didn't know myself, right? So it was a matter of me not understanding who I am as a person. When I said I was performative, I was looking at other persons, and from their relationship, I was thinking this is what a relationship should look like, and those are not necessarily positive role models as I grew older. I realized that. So if for the person for a woman, let's say in her early 20s, especially when the frontal lobe has not been developed, because that's essential, you know. If you're going through a breakup, this I don't want you to look at it as the end of your life, it's really the start. So I'm going to give you a core strategy that you can use. The first thing that you need to do is understand who you are. It's okay for you to feel your pain, but at some point, in order for you to escape that pain or get over that pain, you have to somewhat intellectualize your pain. I don't want the psychologist to come for me, but literally, you have to sit down, probably with a friend or a psychologist or a psychiatrist, and you have to look at your pain practically because at the end of the day, it's revealing a lot about you as a person. I know that's a lot to say to someone in their early 20s, but if you want to get to a place where you can grow from your pain, that is what you need to do. The second thing that you have to do as well, you have to understand that I don't want persons to feel bad about this, but you're not that special. Meaning, meaning, we all go through heartbreak at some point, we all experience these things at some point. So I want you to tell yourself that I'm not the only person who has been hurt in my life. In fact, we have persons who have been hurt even worse than I have been, and they were able to bounce back, so so can I, right? So we're not that special person, and once you do that and you become intentional with understanding yourself and becoming more self-aware, eventually, you will start to think about how do I make my situation better? What do I need to do? And eventually that puts you into action mode, and once you start moving, the parts start moving, eventually, you know, then that noise in your head it quiets down, and before you know it, you become the woman of your dreams. Put it that way. So that would be.

SPEAKER_03 28:40

Thank you for sharing that. Um, very practical steps. So identifying who you are, um, acknowledging the pain because accountability is important, you can't heal from what you have knocked at knowledge, so that's very profound. And as Tony mentioned, get help if you need help. We have the professionals, many persons will say, I don't need to go to a psychologist or psychiatrist, I don't have any mental issues. But the reality is unhealed trauma continues in whatever space we tap into next. And so, if you want to become that dream person, as Tony mentioned, we have to put in the work, it won't happen overnight, nor will it happen by itself, right? So people say the pain it goes away with time. Well, that's one aspect, but we also have to put in the work to become a better version, not just for ourselves, but for the relationships that are awaiting us at that next venture. So definitely that's powerful.

SPEAKER_01 29:34

Persons say pain will go away with time, but the idea is we want to become better, a better version of ourselves. We don't want to be a worse version of ourselves. So, yes, the pain will go away, but when it goes away, are you a better version of yourself or are you a worse version of yourself? So that's extremely important.

SPEAKER_03 29:53

And as we're going through the early stages, so we have relationships, which, as you said, pain is unique to everybody, and we'll learn and we'll probably go through 50-level relationships and get the heartbreaks, and then you find a true love. So that's a part of the process. But then you also have the factor of financial stress. You mentioned financial stress, and I saw a meme the other day that when we were in high school and they were teaching us to play the recorder, they should have replaced that with a financial class. And some person even say that if they knew that life would be this hard, they would have started saving from primary school, wouldn't have bought so many sweets. So tell us about the financial stress at that particular point in time, Tony, and what can we do now as it relates to financial management?

SPEAKER_01 30:39

This is the landscape, right? So I'm a young single female, um, single in the sense that I'm not married, no kids, just me. I am making six figures because I was working a very lucrative job as a guest services manager in a hotel and then a quality manager in a bigger hotel. But then I had no knowledge of how money works, I had no knowledge of saving, investments, anything of that nature that was not taught to me. So, of course, when I get paid, the first thing that I would do at the time it wasn't Sheen, it was Amazon. So I was shopping on Amazon as soon as I get paid. I would shop on Amazon and Fashion Nova, and I would be taking myself out, living my best life, and all these things without any form of saving, future planning, or anything of that nature, right? And eventually I hit the ripe age of 25 years old, and I still did not have a car. I've been working like six figures at that point for about three years, and I needed to get a car, and I didn't even have the first dollar that I needed in order for me to secure um the deposit. So it was in that moment I realized that listen, I am not managing my money properly, and because I'm a very practical person by nature, instead of allowing that to break me, I decided that I'm going to become obsessed with understanding how money works. So that was when I started to read more books. My first book was actually The Psychology of Money. That book was freshly minted at the time when I when I got it, and then I read The Richest Man in Babylon, and I eventually started to read more books, and then that led to something else. I started to consume more content regarding financial education, and eventually I realized that I was literally like at one paycheck away from homelessness, and I remember realizing that, and I realized how scared I was in that moment, and it was in that moment I decided I am going to do something different. So that was when I started investing, I started looking at different uh revenue streams and all these things. I started saving and budgeting. In fact, chapter four of my book speaks entirely about just money, money management, and now I'm in a much better place, thank god. So it's just it's just a lot. So, another thing as well that I want to mention. So, a lot of persons in their 20s, especially uh fortunately for me, I was lucky to find a job that was paying me well. But a lot of persons in their 20s, it's not necessarily a budgeting problem that they have, it's an income problem. For some persons, it's not an income problem, it's just a budgeting money, money management problem. So, it's important for you in your 20s to be practical when you look at your situation. You cannot look at somebody on social media because you do not know what their pocket looks like. A lot of these persons are doing fraudulent things in order to acquire their money, and you are working, let's say, in a fast food establishment where you're not making a lot of money and you're comparing yourself to them. That is unfair to you, and that's also unfair to your future. So you have to be practical. Look at what's the reality of my financial situation. You cannot live a quote-unquote lavish lifestyle on a minimum wage salary. So, if it is a case where you want to live that lavish lifestyle, now it's time for you to look at different streams of income as opposed to you know, I'm not budgeting enough, starving yourself at work, all of these things. It's just not practical. So, all of these things you have to consider, especially if you are a young person, and even if you're an older person as well. Let's say you're not in your 20s, you're in your 30s, you have to be practical with how you approach the situation, otherwise, you're going to find yourself in a loop and you're just running around in circles without any real progress.

SPEAKER_03 34:55

Thank you for sharing that and thank you for providing sound advice. I believe that when it comes to financial management, many persons like yourself and myself will learn about that a little later on. And truth be told, sometimes those who were around us they didn't even have the knowledge themselves, they were just doing the best that they could to survive and sustain the household, so that is understandable. But I do believe that this is a conversation, and uh the reason why many persons run from it is because I've been made to believe that this whole concept of money management and this was like a rich people thing, and people always make it in some high you know levels. Let's speak about this, and really and truly it's something that can be broken down into a practical manner that can help different individuals tap into it. So that is indeed very, very important.

SPEAKER_01 35:45

They also need to be hungry for the information as well. They have to understand that this is not just about you know wanting more money or wanting to budget, you have to be hungry for the information, otherwise, you won't be motivated to do the extra research. Yes, it might require you reading through a lot of pages and stuff, and it might require you consuming a lot of content, but you have to be dedicated to who you can be, you know, in order for you to become that person. So that's extremely important for them to understand.

SPEAKER_03 36:17

And there's another critical point that you mentioned, which is we can't look on the lives of individuals on social media and say, hey, I want to be like this person and that person because we don't know what's going on behind closed doors. But Tony, as you would have gone through your different experiences, how did you remain grounded and true to who you are throughout the process?

SPEAKER_01 36:38

If you're practical by nature, this comes easy for you. So let me try as best as possible to appeal to persons who might not be practical by nature. So, first and foremost, in order for you to be grounded, you have to first understand that life exists outside of your head, you know, meaning it's okay for you to feel your emotions, but remember that your emotions are signals, they're not the final story. So if you're feeling anger, it's because it's saying something to you about your you know, your values, your mental state, your internal state. So you are supposed to use that information to you know put plans in place, put whatever it is, and make changes. So that's the main thing that I consider whenever emotions flare, and because I've already done the work, as I told you before, I've already done the work in understanding who I am as a person. So when I start to feel a particular emotion, I you know, probably give me like a day or so I can fully understand what is happening. So you have to get to that place where you understand yourself to that point where if something happens, you're able to, you know, quote unquote flesh it out with yourself in order to get to a place where you can move forward. Because we should not lose sight of the goal here. The goal is always to become the better version of yourself. So, whatever it is that you need to do to become that better version of yourself, irregardless of the situation that you're in, your end goal should always be to become a better version of yourself, and if you focus on that, especially if you are deep in your faith, you're in fellowship with God, this all becomes you know easier for you. But we always want to become the better version of ourselves, and if we're not understanding our emotions, it's going to push us to make decisions that it's actually going to do the opposite, which is to you know become the worst version of ourselves, and we don't want that, especially in a year like this, you know. So we have to consider these things. So that is how I stay grounded, appealing to persons who might not be naturally grounded.

SPEAKER_03 38:55

The reality of what you said is that our emotions are fleeting, and when we make those impulsive decisions, then they have long-term repercussions. So, thank you so much for sharing that. You mentioned faith and being grounded in God. How has your faith helped you? Because you shared openly that you would have experienced anxieties or different struggles at different points in time, perhaps suicidal at one particular point in time. How did you go through that? And I just want you to encourage somebody who is experiencing that at this point in time.

SPEAKER_01 39:27

I am speaking specifically to the woman, whether she's in her 20s or her 30s, she's at this place in her life where she's overwhelmed. And by overwhelmed, I mean you're overwhelmed with your emotions, with life, your finances. You're at a place where you want to do better, but you probably don't know what to do or where to turn. The reality is there are some parts of you that only God Himself can heal. Even me being a very practical, pragmatic person, there are some parts of me that only God Himself was able to heal. You see, especially if you're an ambitious person, most times who really want to get this thing done, they are the persons who struggle the most with anxiety. Because especially when you do not have the resources, you see, when you don't have the resources, you have the plans, and you don't have the resources, especially if you're a creative, so it keeps they keep reminding you is that the plans keep popping up in your brain, and you it's like you're overwhelmed already, and you start to feel even worse because you cannot execute these plans and they won't leave you alone. So it's like you're in a state where you you don't even know what to turn. If you are an anxious person, as I said, especially if you are ambitious, naturally, these things, anxiety will come with your ambition. So if you're a woman experiencing these things and you're not baptized, this is your call to get baptized, right? And I'm pushing for baptism because there is something special that happens spiritually and even physically when you get baptized. It's almost as if, well, the the word does say it, that you die and you're raised a new person in Christ. And with that raising as a new person in Christ, I don't want this to sound like a sermon, but I'm so on fire for the Lord because He's so good, He's so great. You know, I I just want to glorify Him. It renews your mind. Let me tell you what happened to me. I went through the most intense anxiety and spiritual warfare because that's the bust term now that we that persons are using, right? In September, October, November of last year, I was literally fighting for my life emotionally. A lot of persons didn't even know that I was fighting for my life emotionally because there were moments when I woke up and I couldn't even think about what I want to do for the day. That was how crippled I was with anxiety, and I got baptized on the 21st of December, and I have not had any form of anxiety to this day, and I know it's not just my mind because persons who know me they say, I don't know, but there's just something different. There is just something that happens when you decide that I am going to make a public declaration through baptism that I belong to the Lord. So, as I said, I want to encourage you to get baptized. When you get baptized, you're going to jump in the word of God. I recommend that you read from Genesis to Revelation, so you have the full context. Most persons recommend in the New Testament first, but I'm recommended from Genesis so you have the full context of everything, and in especially when you start to get to the book of Joshua, Judges, and all these books, Deuteronomy, Numbers. Oh, my favorite book is numbers because that was where I realized just how intentional our God is. Which brings me to my next point. We serve an intentional God, and I'm assuming that most persons here are Christians, right? So because we serve an intentional God, He promises us that all things will work out for good for those who love him. So I wanted to reframe whatever situation you're in right now, and I want you to understand that I'm going through this, it's the worst time of my life. I'm this is crazy, but obviously, obviously, it will work out for my good because that is what the good book says. But a lot of persons wouldn't even know just how much comfort the Bible is able to offer you for a lot of things that they're experiencing because you're not in the word, and that is why I recommend that you read, even if you have not been convicted as. Yet and you don't want to get baptized just yet. That's fine. Start reading the Bible. Once you discover the character of the God we serve, immediately it suits you. Because this is the God of Joshua, Abraham, Israel. He's just so intentional, powerful, almighty. He's the King of Kings, Lord of Lords. With that said, once you understand his character, it's easier for you to rest. You know, because you know that you serve a supreme God. You know. So that would be my message to that person. Start reading the Bible, get baptized.

SPEAKER_03 44:38

Awesome. Thank you for sharing that powerful word. And this is something also from the Bible. In James 1, it tells us that if any man lacks wisdom and understanding, ask the Father, which is God, and He will freely give unto all. So as she mentioned, yes, we are within the faith and we're promoting Christianity. But for those who will question, boy, I don't know about this Christian thing. The word tells us, ask, and He freely gives an answer to all who seek Him. So that is the God that we serve, the benevolent God, not the one who says, I'm only going to answer those who serve me and left those who don't, because the rain still falls on the good, the bad, and the indifferent rooftop. He's so gracious and kind to us. And we just want to thank Tony for bigging him up. And definitely, as you understand his character, as she rightfully mentioned, then definitely it will take you into another realm. But as we are exploring your story and your journey, at some particular point in time, even though all things are working for you good, I'm sure along that journey you would have discovered purpose.

SPEAKER_01 45:46

Can you tell us what purpose means to you? Purpose is the reason I wake up every day. Even on those days where I don't want to wake up, there is a fire that burns inside me. Remember, I told you I'm a practical person. So in being practical, it means that if I'm going to do something, I have to have a reason to do it. I don't want to just do it because of vibes. So my purpose is my reason to wake up, get dressed, and go. Yes. Awesome.

SPEAKER_03 46:16

Thank you so much. And as you are going through that, you would have worked on yourself over time and you picked up some skill sets that individuals can use and that led you to write your book surviving your 20s. Um tell us a little bit about that book and what was the story behind it, and what are some things that you want the audience to take away from your book?

SPEAKER_01 46:40

First and foremost, I want persons to understand two things. The first one is that while it is important for you to try to find your purpose, it's only the Lord that can really really show you your real purpose. That's the first thing. So the Bible tells you, seek ye first, and all things will be added unto you. Because there are a lot of things that we think might be your purpose, but really and truly, it's something completely different. So what led me to write my book? So remember, I told you that I did the work over a six year period pretty much, and in my seventh year, I realized that I was attracting a lot of persons who were asking me, you know, how can I get this done? I'm having this problem, you know, how can I fix this? What do you think about this? And when I analyzed everything, I realized majority of the problems were similar, and they were things that I went through, so I felt like, all right, so if these persons in my immediate circle they're experiencing this, it means that other women might be experiencing this, and if I am able to provide them with a solution that actually works because their lives are improving significantly, what if I could create a blueprint that could help other women? At first, when I wrote the book, I didn't intend to sell it, you know. But my partner was like, girl, this is a good book. Oh, I love him so much, he's so nice. He's like, girl, this is a good book. He's like, I'll help you to market and I'll put it on Amazon for you and whatever, whatever. And I decided that I'm going to do that. And when I listed it, I was the the profit that I'm supposed to make from it was like 98 cents. And he's like, girl, no, it's worth more than that. And he kept going and he kept going. But eventually, I wrote it because I said to myself, I wanted to push this information to as many persons as possible. Not because I don't think I didn't want to sell it, because I wanted to make sure that the information is accessible to every woman. So, not because not necessarily because I don't think the information is valuable. So, long story short, it got to a point now where persons actually started buying the book, and in addition to buying the book, they're giving me reviews that are positive on the book. So I was like, okay, so I guess my purpose. I thought my purpose was just probably you know sitting in a counseling room with persons and having discussions, but I realized my purpose was actually writing. The Lord revealed that to me that He wants me to write and write. I'm very good with writing, and eventually, as I grew in that skill of writing, I wrote another book which persons do buy and actually lie. So I was like, I can do this, I definitely can do this. So that is why I said you know, only the Lord can reveal purpose because I thought my purpose was probably having face-to-face discussions just as we are right now.

SPEAKER_03 49:50

So thank you for sharing that. And can you tell us about the second book?

SPEAKER_01 49:54

Alright, so in terms of the first book, so this one is the Ola book, it's called Surviving Your Twenties, and it's basically a blueprint for women in their 20s who feel stuck, they feel overwhelmed, they want to go further in life, but they don't know where to start, what to do, where to turn. This provides the perfect blueprint. So it starts, of course, in the first chapter by speaking about you know understanding yourself, so it breaks down how your mind works, the whole concept of mind, body, and soul, how your mind works, how your body, you know, how nurturing all three contributes to the to your quality of life, and then it moves into chapter two, which speaks about your emotional wellness and understanding how your menstrual cycle actually affects your emotionality, pretty much, right? Because a lot of women do not understand that, especially when you're in your lutile phase, it affects your mood. And how about when you understand it, it puts you on guard because now it doesn't feel like it's just a random outbreak or outburst per se, but it's more linked to nature, so once you're on guard, it becomes easier for you to live live a more seamless life, put it that way. And then it jumps into chapter three, which speaks about your personal style because, especially as women, your physical presentation is extremely important, irregardless of persons saying that it's vain, it's not necessarily vain. As people, we form our opinions based on what we see. So if you enter a room looking shabby, they will assume that you are shabby. If you're not dressed properly, you can lose a lot of opportunities, especially as women. That's the reality of the landscape we live in. So we just have to work with that reality. So you have to understand your personal style, find your personal style, and stick to that. So it breaks it down into even the colors you wear, because you do know that different persons have different color palettes, so right. So let's say, for example, I'm a deep winter, so you wouldn't catch me dead in say like light pink or those colors because it just doesn't suit me, and also your your tone of jewelry because I'm a gold person, so white, blast yes, likewise. So all these things, it really does affect how others perceive you, and eventually it affects how you perceive yourself as well. So it breaks that down. That's actually my favorite chapter, and then chapter four goes into a good financial future. So we look at debt management, we look at you know budgeting, expense tracking, we look at exploring other sources of income, the money mindset. At the end of that chapter, you should have a better understanding of how you can move forward financially. And finally, the fifth chapter speaks about navigating the social sphere because we are social creatures, and as a result of that, we have to be able to understand each other, understand social cues, and you want to always be on the side of favor, which especially when you couple that with being with the Lord, you know. But we can't be naive, we have to understand people, we have to understand their nature, and once we do, it becomes easier for us to navigate these social spheres. I also touch on dating as well, because that is a big thing for a lot of persons, and in all fairness, we all need somebody, irregardless of what people see on social media, we all want to get married at some point, we all want to have something worthwhile with another human being intimately, that is. So, the thing is that a lot of persons do a better job of suppressing that need, but that's something that we all want. So, if you're able to understand the rules of dating, just understand practically what is happening in the dating world, it becomes easier for you to navigate because there's somebody out there for everybody. I tell you, I'm getting married in not to boast or anything, but I'm getting married and stuff like that, especially after what I've been through. I never thought I'd get married, but you know, I found my person, and it took a lot of work, so I dropped a few stuff in that in the book about you know just dating. And this one, this one is a recent project. I actually did this one last year, December, thereabout. That was when I did this one, and this came after the most intense period of anxiety and spiritual warfare. I've never experienced anything like this before because it just felt like I was thrown out of my usual orbit. I don't know, I don't know what happened, but nonetheless, it as it's it's called journey back to yourself because it's not a case where I didn't know myself, it's just that I was drifting away from who I know I've known myself to be. And once I was able to do that, I did that through journaling, by the way. I'm practical. So when I feel a particular way, the first thing I I started to think about is why do I feel this way? And then I started to write, and when I write, I realized that you know I started asking certain questions, and then from writing the answers, I started to feel better. Eventually, it got to a point where I figured to myself, you know, I probably need to do a journal because there were my other friends too that was going through. So I don't know, um, Akeelia off topic, but I feel like last year was just such a heavy year for a lot of persons. I don't know why it was so heavy, everybody was going through something last year, like really heavy. And eventually, by the grace of God, I was able to write this one. So this one is more of a journal. Um, it gives you prompts each day, and from each prompt, you know, you write your answer, and at the end of the prompt, it tells you what the answer reveals about yourself. So at all times you're learning about yourself. So over that six-week period, you understand yourself better because you would have gone through all these questions, and when you understand yourself better, it's easier for you to take action. I am very, very, very passionate about helping women to become the best version of themselves because, as I said, there are a lot of women out there, they're heavy with potential, they're heavy with purpose, but because they do not have the self-awareness that they need, and they do not have fellowship with the Lord, it hinders them. So if I'm able to direct them along that path with the help of God, obviously, I feel like a lot of women would be growing into a better version of themselves, and I don't want this to happen when they're in their 30s. I I don't want that for them. I want this to happen when they're in their 20s, if possible.

SPEAKER_03 56:58

Thank you for sharing those in insightful messages and also for the books and what God has been doing in your life in terms of helping women. But for Tony, for someone who well, you mentioned it a little bit earlier, but for someone who is seeing the book and their books rather, and they're like, we want to tap into this practical zone of making those changes. Where can we find your books and how can they connect with you for other services?

SPEAKER_01 57:22

Okay, so both books are available on Amazon for this one. It's a bit of paperback and hardcover, but for the journal, it's only paperback. If you want to connect with me, I'm on social media, on Instagram and TikTok at Surviving in Your Twenties. So once you send me a DM, we can talk.

SPEAKER_03 57:43

That is so incredible. And for those who are listening and watching, have no fear, we'll have those credentials across the screen. All you have to do is to subscribe to our YouTube channel at Achille Thompson, that is a K-E-E-L-A-A-Thompson on YouTube, and you'll definitely see that information. Tony, I know that you've said a lot and you have provided so many tools, but to a young woman or young woman out there who maybe they're still in their silent zone or they just want a little word of encouragement to put a little pep in their step, what would be your final words of encouragement to them?

SPEAKER_01 58:16

You have to remember that all things work for good for those who love God, and you can find that in Romans 8, 28. And I want you to go down further to 32 where it says, if God did not spare his only son for you, what on this earth would he not give you? We're not going in the book, the John, the book of John, or we we're not even looking at those love letters, we're just looking at Romans right now. God loves you and He wants you. There is nothing on this earth that he cannot fix. I am not going to tell you to try to fix this in your own strength, I will tell you to be practical in your approach, but there are some things that you cannot fix in your own strength, and as a result of that, I'm going to encourage you to take your problems to the Lord. He listens, he loves you more than anyone on this earth, he will never leave you nor forsake you. So, irregardless of what you are going through, you need to go back home. If you feel like you're far from him, he never changes. He's the same God that delivered Israel, he's the same one, he never changes, and fortunately for all of us, Jesus died for us. So, what we need to do is repent. He will never despise a broken or contrite heart, meaning, you know, a regretful or remorseful heart. He will never. So, this is my plea to you. As someone who struggled a lot, reach out for God. He listens, he's waiting. He can't wait for you. Say, Father God, help me, and he will. I can tell you personally, he will save you and he will teach you, and he will brush your heart, and irregardless of how bad you think you'll be in this world, trust me. Read the story of Rahab if you want to see, or the woman at the well, though trust me, he will save you irregardless of what you do or where you've been. But reach out for him. I'm not going to tell you to do it in your own strength. Be practical in your approach, you know, but you cannot fix yourself with strength. Only God can do that. So that would be my advice to you. I know probably you're expecting me to say, Oh, you're going to start the gym and you're going to die. No, no, no, no, no. The Lord take it to him, he will heal you, he will fix you, he will never leave you or forsake you. I don't know, but for me, I'm just a girl. So, my dad, you will always hear from me. So, that would be my advice.

SPEAKER_03 1:01:21

Awesome, powerful, powerful conversation here with Tony. Trust in the Lord, seek you first the kingdom and all his righteousness, and everything else will be added onto you. Tap into the journey, be practical about it. Put some work behind your dream and the vision that God has placed on you. Do not lean on your own understanding nor your own strength. Tap into him, and he will surely lead you and direct your path to the woman out there who is listening. There are so many things that you will go through in life, but the reality is Tony is here. She's helping women, she has her books, and there are so many other incredible soul stories that we will share on this platform that will definitely help you to lock into purpose and go to your next level. Thank you so much for joining us today, Tony. It was indeed a pleasure having this incredible conversation with you. Thank you. Awesome, awesome. So, purpose seekers, if you're out there and you want to hear this incredible soul story and so many others, all you have to do is to connect with us at sold interpurpose. That is S-O-U-L-E-D Interpurpose on all socials. Also, if you wish to send us an email, you may do so at soulinterpurpose at gmail.com. Or if you want to visit our website, you may do so at soulinterpurpose.com. You may subscribe to our YouTube channel at akilia Thomson, and that is a K-E-E-L-I-A-Thomson on YouTube. Hit that notification bell so that you can know whenever we go live. Purple seekers, remember that it is not the beginning, but it is the continuing to the end. And today is faithfully, wholesomely, purposefully, and wonderfully accomplished. I'm your host, Akeelia Thompson, and until next time, see you soon. If you are out there and you wish to partner with us to share the vision across the globe, please feel free to visit our website at sold interpurpose, that is S-O-U-L-Edinterpurpose.com. As well as you may scan the QR codes that are presented on your screen. Feel free to also use the donation buttons and forms on our website. And we have our show link. Feel free to click that link and show us your support. We appreciate all that you do for the show. And we will continue to be sold into purpose. Have no fear, your girl is here. I'm Akila Thompson, host of Saudi Purpose International, and my calendar is now open for international bookings. If you're looking for excellence presence and a curated experience that connects deeply with your audience, let's make it happen. Email me at akilia Thompson at gmail.com. That is a K-E-E-L-I-A-Thompson at gmail.com. Or you may send me a WhatsApp message at 1876-227-7590. You may also send me a DM at IAMAKELEAL Thompson. Let's create something unforgettable. The sold into purpose podcast is brought to you by your faith creativepreneur, branding clarity and strategic positioning for visionary leaders. The Becoming Conference 2026, our premier hybrid experience designed to help you move from process to purpose. Inspirational media creations where vision meets visual excellence, crafted by love, intentional creations made with heart and purpose. And Yoni Essentia, elevating wellness, lifestyle, and feminine care experiences.