In today's fast paced digital media, a popular Lifestyle Publication like Copa Style Magazine requires a sharp Fashion & Style Editor like Tonya Broughton to make it all happen. This remarkable Model/Mother/Entrepreneur/Wife has found the right combination to make just about everything manageable in stunning style!
Tonya Broughton
Copa Style Magazine's
~ Fashion & Style Editor ~
Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine's Editor-in-Chief
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Copa: Where are you from?
Tonya: I'm from Arkansas. It’s the only U.S. state where the public can search for diamonds -- a little known fact! Copa: What schools have you attended?
Tonya: I attended Jackson State University,an HBCU, and spent my freshman and sophomore years there. I transferred to the University of Maryland at College Park where I studied broadcast journalism and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism. I received my master’s degree in public communication from American University in Washington, DC. 
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The early years
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Copa: When did you acquire your 'style?'
Tonya: I probably didn’t have a true sense of style until my mid or late 20’s as I became more directly involved in the fashion scene. Prior to that, I was mostly emulating what I admired as fashionable or trendy and trying to put together similar looks.
Tonya: I probably didn’t have a true sense of style until my mid or late 20’s as I became more directly involved in the fashion scene. Prior to that, I was mostly emulating what I admired as fashionable or trendy and trying to put together similar looks.
Copa: Have you always wished to become a model and when did it all begin?
Tonya: At a young age in elementary school, I was interested in fashion and spent time engrossed in fashion magazines. For play, I created fashion shows with my neighborhood friends and always wanted to be a model or have a role in the fashion industry someday. |
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Copa: What were some of the highlights of your modeling career?
Tonya: One of my favorite highlights was appearing in hair and style magazines. At my first high school reunion,10-years post, one of my dearest friends had a tear sheet in her purse from a magazine where I had appeared on the same page as Halle Berry. I was so humbled and excited that in Texas my home girl saw me! Another favorite was appearing as one of the cover models for a novel in the late 90’s Ah, such a wonderful memory. Makeup maestro Derrick Rutledge was the makeup artist, and I still have a copy of the novel! Overall, I enjoy working with an array of talented people, such as fashion show producer Ron Cooke, fashion designers, makeup artists,photographers, volunteers, and so many others who are outstanding at their respective crafts. |
Copa: At what time did I you have an opportunity to work in makeup and film production and why?
Tonya: My friend John, who in later years became my husband, called and asked if I would participate in a film production that he was creating. The production and film series known as Farragut Films was inspired by the original series "Star Trek" and featured all new characters and episodes. Admittedly, I had no experience as an actor, however I had modeling experience and through that had acquired makeup knowledge. My makeup know-how came from watching professional makeup artists whom I had the pleasure to work with at fashion shows, and from studying books authored by makeup experts in the late 90s. I practiced a lot at doing my own makeup too! Alongside episodes doing acting and voice over work, I helped behind the scenes on Farragut Films' sets doing hair and makeup for the actors, assisting with costuming, and production. It was a fun, learning experience in film work. |
Copa: Please share with us your overview of the past weekend's "Red Dress Gala Awards."
Tonya: The event was a wonderful celebration for The Open My Heart Foundation, an organization committed to eliminating heart health disparities among African American Women and Women of color. The event was held at Martin's Crosswinds, and it was very beautiful.
Tonya: The event was a wonderful celebration for The Open My Heart Foundation, an organization committed to eliminating heart health disparities among African American Women and Women of color. The event was held at Martin's Crosswinds, and it was very beautiful.
"Red Dress Gala Awards"
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Copa: How do you feel about being Copa Style Magazine's new 'Fashion & Style Editor?
Tonya: I feel grateful! It’s an exciting opportunity to collaborate with the Copa Style Magazine team. It’s also an excellent combination of my passion for fashion and style with my communications expertise.
Tonya: I feel grateful! It’s an exciting opportunity to collaborate with the Copa Style Magazine team. It’s also an excellent combination of my passion for fashion and style with my communications expertise.
Copa: What does the future hold for Tonya Broughton and her world of Fashion & Style?
Tonya: My main priority is always to my family so that is the ultimate consideration when I take on projects. I’ll continue to learn and explore new paths such as my role with Copa Style Magazine. I recently launched shea body butter products that are available on my online fashion accessories boutique and brand, Fashioninity. And don't forget, there’s always more to come on the runway!
Tonya: My main priority is always to my family so that is the ultimate consideration when I take on projects. I’ll continue to learn and explore new paths such as my role with Copa Style Magazine. I recently launched shea body butter products that are available on my online fashion accessories boutique and brand, Fashioninity. And don't forget, there’s always more to come on the runway!
