Hidden Gems: Meet Suzanne Gunn of Tivona World and Tivona Spa and Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzanne Gunn.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
My journey has taken remarkable twists, initially starting as a Paralegal and transitioning to a career in Human Resource management. My turning point came when my mother’s cancer illness ignited my enthusiasm for cancer advocacy, driven by the dire need for helping provide resources and education and bridging Kenya and Africa to the world. My dedication led me to delve into oncology, acquiring knowledge of natural remedies and organic products and eventually becoming an Oncology Nurse. And then on to becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. My expertise as a Nurse Practitioner began and expressed in working with community health outreach for marginalized and homeless populations.

Her entrepreneurial endeavors have recently culminated as the proud proprietor of Tivonaworld.com and Tivona Spa and Wellness, both situated in Independence Center Mall in Missouri and Lenexa, Kansas, respectively. Tivona Spa and Wellness offers ethical, pure, safe, and natural skin care products and rejuvenating treatments like toxin administration, fillers, anti-aging therapies, weight-loss assistance, and IV hydration. Beyond my medical endeavors, my creative spirit shines through my passion for Ankara fashion mixed with modern fabrics. We have showcased our artistic flair by designing exquisite African-inspired couture clothing, as evident in her prominent participation in events like Omaha Fashion Week, Heartland International Fashion Show, and Kansas City Fashion Week 2023, garnering widespread acclaim. Her designs seamlessly blend traditional African fabrics with modern textiles, promoting themes of identity, confidence, culture, and intercultural understanding.

In a testament to my unwavering commitment to giving back and improving lives, I ardently support local and global artisans who create beautiful handcrafted and upcycled jewelry, bags, and accessories. These handcrafted products translate to quality, creativity, love, and more. It’s more than just a product, and it shows! Buying these unique handcrafted gems supports the many talented people trying to start businesses or maintain their livelihoods, cultural heritage, and traditional practices. I feel a sense of extra worth and pleasure knowing I have helped to keep their art alive. Supporting them other is such a rewarding gift in itself.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect.
ohhh No. One of my favorite quotes is from Darren Hardy. Being an entrepreneur is like chewing a bowl of glass and enjoying it gladly. From financials, supplies, production, staffing, and inventory delays, know that challenges will always come whether your business is thriving or struggling. There will be “NO’s” that shake your ground when you have put your all in it and cause you to almost give up. There will be many ups and downs, but the energy you use to handle each challenge will catapult you to the next step or discourage you from quitting. You may lose family and friends, but having mentors and strong, like-minded people around you will offer valuable pearls to keep going. That being said, business calls for you to have a different mindset and vision. That is combined with discipline, passion, perseverance, drive, heart, determination, and Faith in yourself, Faith in a higher purpose and being.

As you know, we’re big fans of Tivona World and Tivona Spa and Wellness. What can you tell our readers who might not be as familiar with the brand?
Tivona Spa and Wellness offers ethical, pure, safe, and natural skin care products and rejuvenating treatments like toxin administration, fillers, anti-aging therapies, weight-loss assistance, and IV hydration. At TivonaWorld.com, we offer our passion for couture African Ankara fashion mixed with modern fabrics for Men, women, and children. We also ardently support local and global artisans who create beautiful handcrafted and upcycled jewelry, bags, and accessories as our unwavering commitment to give back and improve lives.

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Starting a business carries some risk. You cannot predict how the business will go, but if you continue to maintain your mission, each day improves, and you learn more. Just remember to make sure that the risk you are taking is calculated. Always research and seek experts and mentors to help you make the best-calculated risk decision. I have learned that you can only sometimes handle it by seeking guidance and acknowledging your weakest areas. There are also many educated classes available on many entrepreneur topics.

Contact Info:

• Website: Tivonaworld.com
• Instagram: @Tivonaworld, @tivonanaturals
• Facebook: @Tivonaworld