Tonya Giddens has always been a lover of fashion and music. A former plus model, Tonya has appeared in numerous fashion shows and was the Beauty Director of Full Figured Fashion Week®, the groundbreaking and highly successful fashion event dedicated to showcasing the visibility of plus-size women.

A lifelong Prince aficionado, Tonya created The Purple Paisley Brunch™, which was created to celebrate the music and legacy of Prince, the artists he influenced, and “The Minneapolis Sound ”. In February 2021 Tonya launched an online music show titled “Boogie Nights,” which showcased the best of classic dance and R&B music. 

In addition to her projects, Tonya is the president of her local college alumni chapter (Norfolk State University), as well as a board member of The Trey Whitfield Foundation, which provides deserving young people and adults with the necessary financial support and educational opportunities to develop their full potential. Tonya’s motto is, “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.”