My name is Toni, but you can call me Thee Multi Maven. I am 29 years old, born and raised in the Chicagoland area. I obtained my Bachelors degree from Thee Illinois State University in 2016. Since then I have been working in HR, currently working for a Global Fortune 500 company. Outside of work I am an avid reader, frugal budgeter, and a new found Homebody! You can typically catch me reading, spending time with family & friends, budgeting, and most importantly “Drinking my Water, and Minding my Business”.
I view myself as a Multifaceted Woman. I will break down exactly what that means to me later but for short terms, I am a woman of many hats! The 2020 Pandemic forced me, and I am sure many others to slow down and really take a look at who I am! What makes me happy? What do I like to do? Etc. Join me on this journey of evolving, owning everything that I am, and walking in the path that God has Destined for me! Stay Tuned for more!
-Thee Multi Maven
The Story Behind Thee Multi Maven
the journey
It feels funny sitting here thinking about the journey of MM (You will see me use MM often as an abbreviation of Thee Multi Maven). As I have intentionally spent the last 6 months working on her it feels like she has been a part of me my whole life. The truth is….she has!
Mul·ti·fac·et·ed – means having many facets. Someone or something with many features or perspectives to consider.
Ma·ven – means an expert or connoisseur.
So in the literal terms “Multifaceted Maven” means someone who is a connoisseur of having many facets and perspectives. Now when this name finally came to me I was over joyed. I will unpack more in my journal entries (Blog). Just know that I struggled with feeling like this, but not knowing what to do with it or knowing others that identified like me. See in today’s society we are quick to put people in boxes. Most of my life I functioned this way, even though you couldn’t tell me then that I was in anyone’s box. I was “my own woman”, or so I thought #laughable.
Mul·ti·fac·et·ed – means having many facets. Someone or something with many features or perspectives to consider.
A few years ago I started noticing I was experiencing negative comments from a variety of people. It started off very small but comments became bolder, and eventually started to impact me more. Comments that questioned my authenticity regarding one “box” I was in versus another. However, I was just being me! Instead of staying true to that, and continuing to grow into myself even more…I retreated. I didn’t post as much on my social media, I ended up eventually creating a “Finsta- Fake Instagram”, limiting certain interactions etc. This helped…for awhile.
Finally I realized that I was NOT happy operating this way. I was oppressing myself. After praying, journaling, and therapy I came to the conclusion of starting this “brand”. I say brand loosely because really “Thee Multi Maven” goal is just to let other woman know that they are not alone.
To create a safe space for Multi Mavens around the world. I hope by sharing my journey that I can help others and that yall can help me too. I am not perfect, I make mistakes, I evolve, then learn something new again. I am no expert on this thing called life, but I do know that we are stronger together! I know that my testimonies can be the key to someone else deliverance. I am witness to it, and have also experienced it the other way around. So come journey with me…lets do this together!
So you are sitting there wondering if you are a Multi Maven…girl YOU ARE! This one is for you! Those “facets” can include ANYTHING! If you want to step into owning all that you are, doing what makes you happy, and creating your best life then sis…you are a MM! Welcome!
Get to know thee Multi Maven
#1 What is your favorite book?
This changes daily. Today I will say “Don’t Settle For Safe” by Sarah Jakes Roberts
#2 Favorite place you traveled thus far?
London, hands down! The only place outside of the U.S. I would be willing to live. However, once I visit Africa I think my favorite place might change.
#3 What are your favorite hobbies?
Reading, Creating Memories, Traveling, and Updating my Planners.
#4 What’s something not a lot of people know?
I am very organized in a lot of ways but my home and my car is typically a chaotic mess. ( I am working on this, pray for me)
#5 What’s something You can’t live without?
Besides like the normal stuff people say, I would say pictures/videos. I love memories
#6 Life Motto
Do what you want, when you want, How you want! Once you realize that society norms mean nothing and your happiness means everything; you live a better life.
#7 What is something on your bucket list?
Go Skydiving, somewhere exotic with a nice view!
#8 What Your Favorite Inspirational Quote?
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.”- Dr. Maya Angelou