Tonnya Brady could be described as destined for a career in design, as she recalls being the little girl who rearranged her toys and knickknacks into artful arrangements. Every art class in high school was a must, and college was a journey filled with design, color theory, and business classes as she explored her identity across New York state. Her doodles of dream houses evolved into a custom-built home, DIY style, just in time for her growing family. With the kids in school, Tonnya began her career at Home Depot as a Kitchen Designer. Over the next few years, she embraced a variety of opportunities, collaborating with several small custom design companies.
The door to entrepreneurship opened when a small shop she worked for closed down. Tonnya seized the opportunity, purchasing 20/20 and retaining the cabinet lines and contractors, instantly establishing a full-time business. One of her proudest moments came when good friends purchased a home with what they described as "the perfect kitchen," only to discover Tonnya had designed it the year prior in anticipation of the home going on the market.
As her children grew and opportunity beckoned, Tonnya's family relocated to sunny Lake Norman, North Carolina. She accepted a position with a countertop fabricator, acquainting herself with her new surroundings. Subsequently, Lowes Corporate recruited her for a remote design pilot program, tasked with designing spaces for their New York City sales team. This endeavor posed unique challenges, as Tonnya navigated designing within the confines of New York City's compact living spaces, fondly referred to as "a Kitch" due to their size. The success of the program led to Lowe’s nationwide implementation of the remote concept, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tonnya next took her skills to Marsh Kitchens in High Point as a Designer, managing the entire design process, from measurement to presentation, sales, ordering, coordinating delivery and installation, and finalizing punch lists—a truly comprehensive endeavor.
“Life has taught me to turn lemons to lemonade…bringing me to Virginia where I am now part of the wonderful Mid South family.”