April Featured Artist of the Month: Rooted in Culture: Tonya Cross and the Power of Afrocentric Design

Creating with Purpose

For Tonya Cross, jewelry isn’t just decorative—it’s deeply symbolic, spiritual, and culturally rooted. As the founder and visionary behind Accented Glory, Tonya has carved out a space in the fashion industry that honors African heritage through Afrocentric boho chic accessories designed for natural hair and personal empowerment. Her work speaks directly to Black women who seek not only style but meaning in what they wear.

“My designs are a form of storytelling,” Tonya explains. “They’re connected to our history, our pride, and our everyday beauty.”

Launched as a creative solution to a practical need, Accented Glory was born when Tonya’s daughters returned to wearing their hair naturally and struggled to find accessories that were both fashionable and protective. What started as a personal mission soon evolved into a full-fledged brand offering jewelry, headbands, and hair adornments made from natural materials like cowrie shells, leather, African fabrics, and copper wire.

Designing for Natural Beauty

Tonya’s design philosophy centers on cultural integrity, functionality, and intentionality. She is best known for her cowrie shell creations, which have historical and spiritual significance across the African diaspora. “The cowrie shell is a symbol of wealth, protection, and divine feminine energy,” she says. “It’s more than an embellishment—it’s a connection to our roots.”

Her pieces are handcrafted with attention to detail, but also with the wearer's experience in mind. Many of her headbands are designed specifically for natural textures and protective styles, ensuring they don’t tug, break, or damage hair. “Comfort is just as important as beauty,” Tonya insists. “Our adornments should celebrate who we are—not work against us.”

Afrocentric Boho Chic

Accented Glory blends African tradition with a laid-back, modern aesthetic Tonya calls Afrocentric boho chic. The style reflects her North Carolina upbringing, deep spirituality, and love for expressive, soulful design. Her work embodies freedom, movement, and cultural pride.

Each design starts with a spark of inspiration—whether it’s a scripture, a nature walk, or a conversation with a customer. Tonya prays over her workspace and believes that creative energy flows through spiritual alignment. “God is my creative partner,” she says. “Everything I make starts with intention and ends with purpose.”

From Local to Legacy

Based in Salisbury, North Carolina, Tonya built Accented Glory from the ground up—balancing business ownership with motherhood and mentorship. Her designs have been featured in publications such as Essence, Refinery29, Good Housekeeping, and StyleCaster, and are sold in cultural institutions like the North Carolina Museum of History.

She’s also a vocal advocate for handmade artists, offering coaching services to help other creative entrepreneurs build sustainable, authentic brands. Her three-pillar coaching framework—authenticity, alignment, and consistency—guides makers on how to succeed in business without losing their voice or values.

“I know what it’s like to start with nothing but an idea,” she says. “So I teach women how to grow with integrity.”

Cultural Influence, Modern Appeal

Tonya’s creations reflect her belief that fashion is a tool for both self-expression and cultural education. Through her use of symbols, color palettes, and indigenous techniques, she invites her customers to embrace the fullness of their identity. Her designs don’t chase trends—they celebrate truth.

“Everything I create is for Black women who want to wear their culture proudly,” she says. “There’s beauty in that. There’s power in that.”

Whether it’s a copper wire crown, a cowrie shell headband, or a set of Afrocentric earrings, each piece becomes a personal statement—a wearable affirmation.

Empowering Women Through Adornment

At the heart of Tonya’s mission is empowerment. She believes that when women wear her accessories, they step into a deeper sense of self—one that is bold, beautiful, and free. She calls it “crown work,” a term she uses to describe both hair care and inner work.

“We carry a lot as Black women,” Tonya reflects. “But we also carry each other. When someone wears my designs, I want them to feel held. To feel seen.”

What’s Next for Accented Glory

Looking ahead, Tonya plans to expand her product line, deepen her coaching offerings, and continue building community through partnerships with cultural institutions, online platforms, and fellow artisans. She dreams of publishing a book that documents the symbolism behind her designs and offers spiritual reflections for creative women.

She also wants to encourage more Black women to embrace handmade entrepreneurship. “There’s room for us all,” she says. “Our stories matter. Our work matters. Our hands can build something lasting.”

A Final Word

To aspiring creatives, Tonya’s advice is clear: “Start where you are. Trust your process. Let purpose lead the way.”

Through Accented Glory, Tonya Cross has proven that art and identity are powerful companions. And with each piece she creates, she invites women to adorn themselves not just with beauty—but with culture, confidence, and courage.

Connect with Tonya Cross

📍 Website: www.accentedglory.com

📧 Email: accentedglory@gmail.com

📱 Instagram: @accentedglory

🛍️ Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/accentedglory