From Layoffs to Opportunity: Toya’s AI Success Story

Toya

So, twelve years ago, I got laid off. It was—it was just this moment of complete shock, you know? I mean, I thought that pharmaceutical job was my forever career.

Robert

Yeah, and I, I remember that phone call like it was yesterday. You were trying to hold it together, but I could hear it in your voice. That mix of...shock and, and uncertainty.

Toya

Exactly! And honestly, for a few days, I was like, “What now?” Going back to corporate felt, you know, kinda safe, but deep down I just kept thinking, “What if I took a bet on myself instead?”

Robert

And you did. I mean, I still think about how bold that decision was—to start something completely new. But what gave you the push? Like, what made you think, "This is the time to try"?

Toya

It was this idea of, if not now, then when? I’d always been intrigued by tech and marketing—how businesses could get their message out there in these really powerful ways. At the time, businesses were just starting to go digital, right? And something just clicked. I thought, “Why not channel my skills into helping small businesses do exactly that?”

Robert

Hmm. And the learning curve—you had to dive into an entirely different world. Things like web design, social media strategies, analytics. That’s not exactly...basic stuff.

Toya

Oh, trust me, it was messy at first! There were late nights of just Googling everything. “How to build a website,” “How to run Facebook ads”—you know, the basics. And that’s where you came in.

Robert

Well, yeah, I wasn’t gonna sit back while you took this big leap. I wasn’t coding or anything fancy, but I was right there with you during those 2 AM brainstorm sessions. It was like, any little way I could help.

Toya

Totally. And honestly? Those nights, when we’d sit on the couch with our laptops, sketching ideas—it became more than just “starting a business.” It felt like we were building something together, you know?

Robert

Yeah, those moments stood out for me too. I think they showed us that resilience isn’t just about pushing through—it’s about leaning on each other and figuring it out together.

Toya

For sure. And that first year was all about learning adaptability. One day I’d be designing a website for a bakery, and the next? I’d be writing a social media strategy for a local gym. It taught me to appreciate the diversity of challenges—and wins—that come with entrepreneurship.

Robert

It’s kinda funny now. Back then, we were constantly on edge because everything felt so new. But looking back…it was exactly what needed to happen to get you where you are now.

Toya

And it all goes back to one choice: to move forward instead of staying stuck. That decision shaped everything.

Toya

That journey of learning and adapting didn’t stop there. Everything shifted again when I realized the potential of AI tools. The first one I tried wasn’t anything groundbreaking—it was this content generator that helped me draft blog posts quicker. But even that small step felt transformative.

Robert

Wait, and this was at a time when, I mean, AI wasn’t even in the mainstream conversation yet, right?

Toya

Exactly. I think this was back in, what, 2019? People were still skeptical. But I was spending so much time brainstorming posts for clients, editing them, re-editing them—it was eating into my day. So I thought, “If this tool can give me a decent draft to build on, why not?”

Robert

And did it work? I mean, right out of the gate?

Toya

Oh, it was wild. I gave it a shot with something simple—like, “Write a post about why email marketing matters for small businesses”—and the results...they weren’t perfect, but they were good enough to save me hours. Hours, Rob!

Robert

And that’s when the light bulb went off?

Toya

Totally. I realized I didn’t have to do everything from scratch anymore. Like, AI wasn’t replacing my creativity—it was multiplying it. And from there, I started dipping into other tools.

Robert

Okay, so, let’s break this down. Which tools? Because I know people listening are thinking, “Okay, but what should I actually try?”

Toya

Oh, absolutely! So, I started with Jasper for content creation—great for quick drafts and captions. Then Canva integrated AI features, which took my graphic design process to the next level. And for client workflows, I leaned into Zapier. It was amazing for automating repetitive tasks, like sending out contracts or onboarding emails.

Robert

Ah, Zapier. That’s one I’ve finally come around to myself.

Toya

It’s a lifesaver, right? I mean, the moment I realized I could connect tools I was already using—Google Drive, Mailchimp, Slack—it was like unlocking this secret efficiency code. Suddenly, I had time to focus on what really mattered: building new strategies, networking, or, you know, actually living my life a little.

Robert

That’s what stood out to me—how much time it gave you back. And I think that’s where AI started to change my perspective too.

Toya

Oh, for sure. You were...skeptical, to say the least. Do you remember that first conversation we had about AI?

Robert

I do. I think I said something like, “This feels like a shortcut—are we taking the easy way out?” And at the time, you laughed, but you also explained it in this way that really stuck with me.

Toya

What was it? The thing I said?

Robert

You said...it’s not about doing less—it’s about doing better. And that hit me, because as an educator and mentor, that’s what I’ve always aimed for. Helping people learn and work smarter, not harder.

Toya

Right, and that’s the mindset I still carry today. AI isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about elevating the work we love to do. Like, think about when you started using it for your mentoring work.

Robert

Oh yeah, we’ll get to that. But, I’ll admit, it wasn’t immediate for me. I had to see it in action—to see your results—to really connect the dots. Before that, my experience with AI was...limited to watching sci-fi movies!

Toya

Well, that’s the thing, right? It seems futuristic until you actually start using it for something practical, something real. And that moment you got it—that was a game changer too.

Toya

So, speaking of game changers, let me tell you about this STEM grant story—because honestly? It still feels surreal to me.

Robert

Oh, absolutely. I mean, think about it—this was one of those moments where everything kind of came together.

Toya

Exactly! So, for those listening, here’s what happened. A while back, I’d written the children’s book, “Mia’s Solar Eclipse Adventure,” from your idea that you shared a few weeks before the 2024 total eclipse aimed at getting kids excited about science and STEM fields.

Robert

And the book—it really reflected our passion for making STEM fun and accessible. But to take it further, we needed funding to launch workshops and expand its reach into schools.

Toya

Right, and that’s where AI came in. There was this 5-figure STEM grant opportunity, but the application? It was intense.

Robert

I mean, we’re talking pages and pages of requirements. It was almost like writing a dissertation!

Toya

Yeah, no kidding. So, I turned to AI tools to help me organize my ideas and draft the proposal. And let me tell you, Rob, it saved me so much time. I used an AI writing assistant to kind of outline everything—goals, timelines, budget details.

Robert

And that first draft was solid—like, really solid. I remember you showing it to me and me thinking, “Wow, this takes the guesswork out of where to start.”

Toya

Exactly. The AI didn’t write the whole proposal, but it helped me structure my thoughts and save hours of brainstorming. From there, it was about tailoring the language and adding our unique voice—things that AI can’t replicate.

Robert

And the result? We got the grant! But it wasn’t just about the money—it was about what that grant enabled us to do.

Toya

Right. We turned those funds into workshops, events, and even hands-on STEM kits for kids. It went beyond the book—it became a whole movement to inspire young minds.

Robert

Totally. And seeing those kids light up, knowing they were learning in a way that connected with them? That was the real win for me.

Toya

And all of it started because we figured out how to use AI to tackle a challenge that might’ve felt overwhelming otherwise. That’s what I want our listeners to take away—

Robert

That AI isn’t just some fancy tech. It’s a tool—something that, when used effectively, can open doors to projects or opportunities you might have thought were out of reach.

Toya

Exactly. So, to anyone listening, whether you’re in business, education, or any creative field, don’t be afraid to experiment with AI. Start small—try a writing tool for emails, or something like ChatGPT for brainstorming. The possibilities are endless.

Robert

Yeah, and the key is to use it in ways that empower you to focus on what really matters—your creativity, your mission, your time with people.

Toya

Absolutely. And on that note, that’s all we’ve got for today!

Robert

It’s been great sharing our journey and learning together. We hope this inspires you to start your own AI hustle.

Toya

And if it does, let us know! Leave a review, share your thoughts, and hit follow so you don’t miss the next episode. Thanks for listening!

Robert

Stay curious, and we’ll see you next time.