Conversations with the Inspiring To’Ccorra Hill

Today we’d like to introduce you to To’Ccorra Hill.

To’Ccorra, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Curls n’ Cocktails really began as a place for me to express myself and then grew. My background is in healthcare. I have a dual masters’ degree from Texas Woman’s University in Business Administration and Health System’s Management. I had attended the health magnet in Dallas ISD and was basically groomed to take that path although I knew deep down it wasn’t for me. I was meant to do something fun and creative. I attempted that with my undergraduate studies; my bachelors is in Recreational Therapy at UNT. When I took the left turn corporate, I was never happy. I was very successful, had many promotions and was great at what I did but myself and a few of those close to me knew I was never meant to be behind a desk. I have a close friend who I met while working at a car dealership during undergrad who would always tell me I needed to do event planning because I did all of the events there; Christmas parties, steak dinners, birthdays, etc. I also did my friends’ baby showers and birthdays. I eventually took her advice and my first business venture was born, Too Fab Affairs. It was my side hustle while still being at my corporate job. Baby showers, birthdays, weddings, I was doing it all and that’s what made me happy. Through everything, school, jobs, I’ve always had different health issues and we could never figure out why I would keep getting sick.

In 2015, I was diagnosed with Lupus. I worked with it as long as I could, as long as my body would allow. I kept my diagnosis a secret for a year, so I could come to terms with it and learn as much as I could. During that time one of my best friends would frequently suggest I blog. The thought never crossed my mind. I was trying to figure out my new lifestyle myself, how was I going to guide anyone else? But she helped me realize that it’s about showing support and letting other survivors know they aren’t alone. I started with just the Curls n’ Cocktails IG page. People always came to me about my hair, makeup, clothes, so I like knowing I wouldn’t have to just be the girl with lupus. I used my 30th birthday to announce my diagnosis and to give back. I held a fundraiser and I really feel from that moment on things just took off. The following year, I did the fundraiser again and had a gamenight one evening and a twerk class the following night. The venue where we held the game night was so impressed with the event they wanted to have me back to throw events for them. From there, “Curls n’ Cocktails Presents…” was born.

So, my brand has it’s online presence which is the online blog/website. There, I do a series entitled “Confessions of a Lovely Lupie” and just let it all out. I told my story of how I found out I had it, family issues, and just the life of a millennial with an unpredictable autoimmune disease. I talk about hair, fashion, health, entertainment, it is yours all around lifestyle blog. Then, there is the IG/FB social media presence that is all about consistency. My followers love knowing what they are getting every day and I love giving to them. My most popular day is Thursday, when I give the Weekly Weekend Preview and share the happening around the metroplex for singles, couples, girl nights, families, etc.

Offline is the events, Curls n’ Cocktails Presents… or Curls, Cocktails, & Conversations. Everything I do is about fun and leaving your troubles at the door. I’m a healer, a naturally want to help so the purpose of these events is the leave with something you didn’t come with whether it be a business contact, a new hair stylist, a mommy friend, a coffee date, or a lifted spirit. There is an energy in my events that takes over your soul and I take pride in that.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has been anything but! Trying to build a brand/business with a chronic illness is so difficult and at times defeating. You get so far and then life knocks you down. There are days I can’t even get out of bed and have to cancel meetings and that crushes my spirit. I wonder if this is even what I should be doing. Of course, I’ve questioned the decisions I’ve made. I’ve spent many days crying. But if it were easy, I wouldn’t have a story to tell. My faith has gotten me through each and every day. It’s through God’s grace that I’m not only here but helping others through something as simple as an IG post of a connection. I hope those few words mean something to someone. The things I do and post, and events I throw are all for others… I have the single mom, the woman who just move in town, the guy who had a rough week at work, in mind, this is for them. My advice to young women starting their journey, listen to your heart, No one knows you better than you. Don’t let your family, friends, or social media influence anything you do, and that’s in business, life, and love.

What should we know about Curl n’ Cocktails? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Curls n’ Cocktails is a lifestyle brand. I’m a blogger, event planner, and small business consultant. I am able to turn nothing into something and that with events and ideas. I learned a lot of women had amazing ideas and just needed assistance with turning those ideas into actual businesses and that’s where I come in. Anything can be turned into revenue, you just have to know the right avenues to take and the right relationships. I took a break from consulting to focus on my blog but will be picking it back up in 2019. My events are a chance to network while having fun in a relaxed atmosphere. My events are usually catered to a specific audience or themed. For example, we’ve done a bracket party that was a tournament styled party with some of our fav music from the 99/2000s and the next event coming up is an intimate event at a local winery for mothers to come and mingle with one another and have dialogue they may not be able to have with their friends that are childless.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
The biggest barriers, in general, are competition. The blogger community is very kind we are family. I love it. But being in the corporate world, there was so much bitterness and competition, just to get certain positions.

Contact Info:

• Website: curlsncocktail.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/CurlsnCocktails
• Facebook: facebook.com/CurlsnCocktails
• Twitter: twitter.com/CurlnCocktails

Image Credit:
Tiffany Hill

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