Tonyah Dee is the founder and CEO of YahLight, a spiritual organization that helps people find their purpose, move forward, and become the truest versions of themselves through meditation, soul searching, and life supporting habits. She has a unique perspective on wellness because she is a registered dietitian, a master level meditation teacher and Christ centered life coach.
For many years she has shared tips about lifestyle and feeding the body, soul and spirit. She enjoys helping those walking the path of transformation towards liberation. Tonyah writes, sings and records devotional chant and meditation music. Her songs are inspired by scriptures and concepts found in authentic spirituality.
She has learned how to cultivate the inner energies of peace, love, joy, faith, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control, patience, truth, light and wisdom. Her hope is to bless others with the peace and power that comes from connecting and surrendering to God through YahLight’s meditation and prayer practices, and through her music.
How did you get started in this business?
I was in the middle of meditating when I heard God’s voice direct me down this path. It inspired me to create my company YahLight, which is a movement to help people ignite the light within their hearts.
How do you make money?
I have been able to generate revenue through coaching and mentoring as a registered dietitian, meditation instructor, and a Christ centered life coach.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
It took a couple of years before I was able to make money through coaching. I had to really understand my purpose first before being able to help others.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
I kept hearing a voice while in meditation that told me to do Christ centered devotional chants, but I had no knowledge about music or what that may look like so my doubts led me to ignore it. After months of hearing the same voice, I finally said yes, and all these wonderful things began to fall into place. Honestly it was such a miracle and since then I’ve learned to put my trust in my faith and not let doubt get the best of me again.
How did you get your first customer?
My first real customer came when I launched my online 10-day meditation and prayer challenge. He reached out to me and wanted to learn more about meditation and devotional chants, which sparked the beginning of our 1-on-1 coaching.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
Hire marketing professionals. I know marketing is not my strength, so trusting someone who is strong at marketing has really helped generate new business.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
Putting my needs first by establishing and enforcing boundaries with the people in my life.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
My perseverance and endurance with maintaining my faith and through God’s Grace.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Anytime I have someone reach out to me and tell me how inspiring and impactful my message is to them. I love being able to help people find their light.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about holding the space between western and eastern spirituality and bringing it into churches and yoga festivals. I’m excited for churches to offer meditation, chanting and some aspects of eastern spirituality, and for those yogis who don’t know Christ to learn more about Him. Inclusivity is very exciting to me and I’m grateful to be contributing to it through YahLight.
What business books have inspired you?
Executive Tune-Up, by Karl Albrecht. This has really taught me so much about managing myself.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Society and today’s culture doesn’t have the answers you might personally need. In order to find your authentic path, you need to search inside of yourself and trust that deep yearning and personal calling.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?
Absolutely. You can contact me at: https://yahlight.com/contact/