Tuesday Brown

I attribute my success to my mother, who has been my greatest inspiration and motivator. Her resilience, determination, and commitment to achieving her goals have shaped the person I am today. She served in the military and demonstrated incredible perseverance throughout her career, overcoming challenges and proving that limitations should never define one's potential. Despite being told she was too old to become an officer, she continued to pursue her goals and ultimately achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After dedicating nearly four decades to federal service, including 29 years in the Navy, she retired as an accomplished officer. Her example of courage, persistence, and dedication continues to inspire me to push forward and strive for excellence in everything I do.

The best career advice I have ever received is to keep going, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or challenging. I have learned that there is always a way forward when you remain determined and committed to your goals. Throughout my career, I have faced moments where opportunities felt overwhelming, such as when I first encountered a major property opportunity that seemed intimidating and beyond reach. However, by staying focused, believing in the process, and continuing to move forward, I learned that challenges can turn into accomplishments. I believe everything happens for a reason, and perseverance, confidence, and a willingness to push through uncertainty can lead to meaningful success.

My advice to young women entering the wellness, food and beverage, and entrepreneurship industries is to invest in their education, build their expertise, and obtain the certifications needed to succeed. Having passion is important, but it is equally essential to develop the knowledge, skills, and credentials that establish credibility. I encourage women to pursue relevant certifications, understand industry requirements, and continuously expand their expertise. For example, I have earned certifications such as ServSafe and invested in additional professional development, including becoming a certified wellness entrepreneur, because I believe in continuously learning and growing. By being prepared, knowledgeable, and committed to excellence, women can confidently build successful and sustainable careers. My journey as Founder of Fitox and Co-Founder of Combined has also reinforced the value of learning every side of the work—from nutrition and food safety to production, marketing, and entrepreneurship—so that a strong idea can grow into a credible and sustainable operation.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is securing funding. Access to grants and financial resources has become increasingly competitive, making it more difficult for organizations and entrepreneurs to obtain the support needed to grow and expand their impact. I have applied for several grant opportunities, but changes in funding availability and fewer application cycles have created additional challenges. With limited opportunities and increased competition, it is important to remain persistent, explore alternative funding sources, and continue building strong strategies for long-term sustainability. Despite these obstacles, I see opportunities in innovation, resourcefulness, and creating meaningful partnerships to continue moving forward. At the same time, my work across Fitox and Combined has shown me the opportunity created by collaboration: combining wellness education, product development, experiential learning, and entrepreneurship can open new pathways for students, young adults, and community partners even when traditional funding is limited.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are generosity, service, and giving back to the community. I believe that creating a positive impact should always come before focusing on financial success. When you genuinely invest in and support others, it builds trust, strengthens relationships, and naturally attracts people to what you do. My approach is to lead with purpose, contribute value, and make a difference in the lives of others, knowing that success follows when you prioritize service and meaningful connections.