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Why These Cofounders Say Gratitude and Visibility are Key

Estimated reading time ~ 3 min
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TONL founders Joshua Kissi and Karen Okonkwo. Images courtesy of TONL.

WHO WE ARE

Our names are... Karen Okonkwo and Joshua Kissi.

Our company is… TONL, which we launched in August 2017 to transform the idea of stock photography by displaying images of diverse people and their stories around the world.

My career in a past life was…
Joshua: an astronaut.
Karen: a counselor.

My first career aspiration was…
Joshua: to work creatively — I just didn't know back when I was little that you could actually make a career out of it!
Karen: to be a lawyer, so I could defend anyone and use my words and influence powerfully.

I made my very first dollar…
Joshua: in retail at J.Crew when I was 19.
Karen: working at a skating rink! I was a birthday party host and then got promoted to assistant manager. Back then, I thought I was so fly because I was making hundreds of dollars off of tips.

My ideal day is spent…
Joshua: hanging out and relaxing with my amazing fiancé, Mekdes.
Karen: quietly sitting in my house with the summer sun beaming in, drinking a glass of lemonade, listening to music, and enjoying the fact that there’s a whole lot of nothing going on.

My typical day includes…
Joshua: a morning filled with checking emails, editing TONL stock images, and commuting around NYC. Later, I’m taking meetings and participating in various projects for TONL. Many days consist of conducting stock photoshoots for TONL and project-managing other photographers. I also work to identify new leads for possible collaborations or direct sales. During the evening, I often attend functions at my church.
Karen: working at my day-job in medical sales as an account sales consultant. Luckily, I make my own schedule, so I can also incorporate my other work – i.e. running the marketing and business development for TONL – into my day. I manage social media strategy for TONL, maintain the site, pursue and maintain collaborations, work on our PR, and identify sales opportunities.

Right when we wake up… we both start our days the same way: thanking God, eating breakfast, and working out.

Right before I go to bed…
Joshua: I read from my Bible and finish editing photos.
Karen: It’s a running joke among my friends that I don't sleep. Most nights, I pass out while working on my computer. Ideally, I say a prayer and then hit the sack.

OUR PLAYBOOK

It brings out my best…
Joshua: when I’ve exercised and had a good meal.
Karen: when I’ve completed all of the tasks on my to-do list and remain disciplined in my pursuit of that day.

I’m motivated by…
Joshua: my future and knowing that I will be starting a family soon.
Karen: the understanding that I want to leave a legacy for my family.

My career hero is...
Joshua: Donald Glover. I admire how diversified and purposeful his work is.
Karen: Oprah. She is my life hero and has served as a major role model for who I am today. Her heart is gold, and she aims to serve others, just like I do.

I’m worst at...
Joshua: trying to do everything “right” and making everyone happy. I hate confrontation.
Karen: time management. It’s the death of me. I'm late more times than I'm willing to admit because I try to squeeze everyone and everything into my schedule.

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We’re currently excited about… all of our work on TONL and the continued growth we’re experiencing.

OUR PATH

My biggest entrepreneurial leap of faith was…
Joshua: launching Street Etiquette, a creative agency (the first company I started).
Karen: cofounding TONL.

My rock-bottom moment was...
Joshua: when I almost drowned last year. That was a scary moment for me, and ultimately reinforced the fact that I have one life to live and I want to live it with people who share in my happiness.
Karen: when I found out that I had nine fibroids on my uterus (luckily, they're gone now). Scientifically, they couldn't attribute them to stress, but I strongly believe that is what caused them. The diagnosis led me to reevaluate the load I was carrying and get rid of certain things that weren’t worth my time and energy.

My biggest triumph was...
Joshua: completing the New York City Marathon this past year. It was mentally and physically challenging. The best part of it was running in the city in which I grew up and feeling love from the community.
Karen: cofounding TONL. It has changed my life in a profound way.

The biggest question I haven’t yet answered is...
Joshua: How do you make everyone happy?
Karen: Why isn’t ambition contagious for all?

We define success as… impacting people's lives.

OUR WISDOM

If you’re thinking about starting your own company, I dare you to remember…
Joshua: to have an unwavering love for your work.
Karen: to have a STRONG why.

We dare you to forget… that it has to be perfect. It doesn’t.

Our best advice is… spend every day with gratitude.

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