By NaTonya Parish
Starting my own business has been a lifestyle decision for me. Magnolia Diner’s successful momentum is a result of long-term consistency — simply showing up, putting in the work and trusting every part of the process.
My path to entrepreneurship began before I’d even graduated from high school. My aspirations came with different labels, but all were service based. Growing up, all
I ever knew is that I wanted to be a hairstylist, and that’s exactly what I did from 2002-2015. This part of my process taught me the importance of networking. It taught me to believe in myself and to take pride in everything I do because each person I served was a walking billboard for me and my work.
In 2013, I started Edible Glitz Custom Treats. This began with just custom candy apples and grew into one of the top home-based sweets companies on the Coast. This experience also opened me up to catering on state and federal levels.
One thing I learned during this time was the importance of having a social media presence. Marketing on social media is the best form of free publicity and provides such a wide reach. Anyone who has a business should take advantage of it.
I also realized that no matter what I did, I never wanted to be anything less than a successful entrepreneur. Businesses fail every day, but you must persevere. Just because one business might not work out as you’d like, don’t give up on
your dreams altogether; reset as many times as you need to. Perseverance will get you places that giving up never could.
In 2021, I was blessed to open The Magnolia Diner, the hometown diner of the Gulf Coast. This has been the most challenging, yet rewarding, process thus far. It’s challenging because I have never even worked in a restaurant, so to own one and have to figure everything out from scratch is mind blowing. The fact that it’s all working out is the most rewarding part.
As I said before, entrepreneurship is a lifestyle for me. We all know that life changes daily, and in my world, you must go with the flow while maintaining control at the same time.
I’m a proud mother of two, so between growing a business, being a mother, running a household and striving to be a positive role model in the community, I had to learn the art of balance. Let’s just say that is an ongoing process.
To anyone looking to start her own business, the best advice I can give is to never forget your “why.” Situations will arise on your journey, but trust the process and believe in yourself. This journey was made just for you, and no one can do it better. Whatever happens, maintain a value system that can’t be bought or compromised. Stay focused, and keep winning.
NaTonya Parish is owner of The Magnolia Diner. Reach her at iamnatonyaparish@gmail.com.