There are many adjectives aimed to capture the essence of Tonya Lewis Lee including inspiring, dedicated, genuine and hardworking. For nearly 20 years, Lewis Lee has been a creative staple within the realms of production, children’s literature and women’s health. Recently, her latest entrepreneurial endeavor, has led to the launch of, Movita, a new line of premium vitamin supplements, with the “mission of inspiring women to achieve their wellness goals.”
As a self-made producer, writer and entrepreneur, she has made an indelbible impact throughout the entertainmnet industry, spanning film, televison and publishing, by being outspoken on the issues of women and race while simultaneously, promoting self-esteem and health initiaves. Her storytelling, knows no bounds, as Tonya approaches each project with great poise, bold aesthetic and a unique vision. Armed with a legal background as a corporate lawyer she has successfully transitioned into a modern day power woman.
With a myriad of projects under her belt coupled with devoted efforts spanning two U.S. administrations with the program, A Healthy Baby Begins with You, there’s no denying Tonya’s bona fide boss status. Approching 24 years of marriage with acclaimed film director, Spike Lee, the dynamic duo have created the blueprint for the next generation as well as solidified the importance of controlling your narrative and defining success on your own terms, regardless of societal standards.
I had a chance to chat with the mother of two, on the notion of achieving work, life, balance, the birth behind her newest venture, Movita, motherly advice she has instilled in her daughter and the future of Mrs. Tonya Lewis Lee.
Dontaira Terrell: Congratulations on the launch of Movita! Can you tell me more about how this initiative came to light?
Tonya Lewis Lee: Some years ago, I began working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on an infant mortality awareness campaign, called, “A Healthy Baby Begins with You.” As I traveled throughout the country and began to really understand the dynamics of infant mortality, I realized when you speak about an infant’s health; you are actually speaking about a woman’s health. I wanted to transition this conversation to a broader scale audience, which led me to create the platform, Healthy You Now. It is a website geared towards providing information and content to women about health and wellness.
Ultimately, throughout this process we considered offering products, such as prescriptions, a health box or something similar along those lines. Eventually, I met the CEO of a vitamin company who was looking to launch an organic multivitamin in the U.S. and it made sense for us to connect and come together.
DT: What would you say is the biggest misconception you’ve noticed that people have about incorporating multivitamin supplements into their daily lives?
TLL: That is a great question! I have been a victim to this as well and quite honestly, I believe there is a lot of misinformation out there, beginning with not truly understanding the products that are on the market. I am not only saying this because of the valued quality we are offering in the premium vitamin [Movita]. However, if you are consuming a lesser vitamin or one that is not absorbing in your system to provide you with the needed nutrients, then it is a waste of time. Another big misconception I’ve noticed is that a lot of people are big fans of the gummy vitamins especially for kids. But what I’ve found that people don’t actually understand is with the processing, the gummies are sugar and by the time you consume the actual vitamin there really aren’t many nutrients left in the vitamin itself. Therefore, the premium vitamin supplements, similar to ours tend to get lumped into one category of vitamins that do not necessarily work for your body.
DT: You wear many hats, as a wife, mother, mentor, educator, and the list goes on. There have been many debates on the notion of achieving work, life balance. What are your thoughts? Do you believe in this notion or do you believe it is an unrealistic expectation?
TLL: It is a very interesting notion, however, I have come to find that when I am in a focused work mode, there is no such thing as work, life, balance. On the other hand, I think it’s also dependent on how you look at your life. I believe you have to make choices and sacrifices but it doesn’t mean that you can’t find the time to take care and enjoy yourself in those moments when you are on your grind.
DT: Thank you for being honest because sometimes women say “of course, you can have it all at once but all you have to do is, XYZ.”
TLL: No, I truly don’t believe it works that way. Again, it goes back to life occurring in stages and phases. Its funny, when my children were growing up, there was a phase where I felt they would be young forever. During this time, I also felt that I would never get out from under, being the mother of two young children, which requires a lot of work. At this stage in my life, there were quite a few things I was unable to do but children grow up and move on. As women, I think it’s necessary to make sure that you have other things that you are excited about to help you prepare for that next phase in life when your children begin growing up and developing into their own.
DT: Speaking of children, you have a young daughter. What are three things that you have tried to instill in her that either you didn’t know or had to learn the hard way when you were her age?
TLL: I wouldn’t necessarily say these were things that I didn’t know or had to learn the hard way but I really try to instill in her a sense of confidence, that she is able to do any and everything she sets her mind to, as long as she remains committed and focused.
Again, its funny, when I was in my twenties my younger sister told me back then I should start exercising so by the time I turned 40 it would naturally become a part of my lifestyle. It was probably the best advice I could’ve ever received because I’ve since passed this advice on to my daughter. She is a dancer and a senior in college. Although, she is in great shape and does not workout regularly I tell her often that she needs to begin consistently working out and establishing a routine.
The last piece of advice I frequently talk with her about is mate selection. To really think about what you want out of a mate and focus on what you and the other person bring to the relationship. It is really important to consciously think about what you would like to build with another person later down the line.
DT: You and your husband Spike Lee are very accomplished within your own right. Within the Lee household, how do you both define success and measure up to your own definition regardless of societal standards?
TLL: Getting people to think, evoke emotion and make the world a little better constitutes success in the Lee household. As long as we both are able to get up in the morning, get to it and continue working in the capacity I previously mentioned that is what makes us both truly happy. Spike, is someone who absolutely loves what he does and he often says that work for him isn’t really work because he loves it that much. At the end of the day, we both enjoy being creatives and working with really fun and interesting people.
DT: You’ve been in this industry for quite some time, what does it take to be a successful entrepreneur and respected businesswoman?
TLL: Honestly, people say, “NO” to me all of the time! I believe it’s a combination of hard work, perseverance, developing tough skin, maintaining a positive attitude and not giving up. At the end of the day, this business is tough especially when you have ideas you want to make happen, are trying to raise money for a project and looking to find a home for it too.
DT: With so many diverse projects under your belt from your news platform Healthy You Now, Production Company, authoring books to your latest venture Movita, what is the overall end goal for the Tonya Lewis Lee brand?
TLL: I would have to say the overall goal is to inspire. I’m always trying to find ways to not only inspire myself but others as well, to live their best lives, find their purpose and leave the world a little better then when any of us arrived.