10 Questions with ... Toshamakia

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

WZMX/Hartford
WPHI/Philadelphia
WJMH/Greensboro
KQKS/Denver

1. What got you into radio?

I was actually an artist prior to radio. That’s what got me in. While on tour, I went to my home state, Connecticut, for a radio interview at a new station at that time, WZMX Hot 93.7. After my interview I was offered a position. Victor Starr, who was PD at the time, said I had a great personality and told me if I ever thought a radio to give him a ring. I went back on tour, thought about it, came back later, trained and have been obsessed ever since.

2. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?

I just knew that I was going to become a lawyer graduating from Spellman or a doctor, delivering children. Either way, I just wanted to help people.

3. What was the biggest change in the move from Greensboro to Denver?

Wow that’s a great question. The biggest change was getting out of my comfort zone. Change isn’t easy but to grow, it’s so necessary. Even if it feels super uncomfortable, push through. There’s something great on the other side IF you allow yourself to detach from “comfort". Change is good...change is very good.

4. How was your family's adjustment to the Denver move?

My family adjusted pretty well. My sons had a bit of up and downs missing their friends, missing our NC home but now, they wouldn’t trade Colorado for the world. They’re obsessed with snowboarding, biking, get aways to the mountains and all the beauty that Colorado has to offer outdoors.

5. What was the best part of being a singer/entertainer?

Being on stage. Networking, too but I get to do that now still. Seeing people sing along with your songs and realizing that music is a free medication that is available to all of us. And many beautiful “flavors". Seeing how music brings everyone together, no matter what your nationality is. It’s a beautiful feeling.

6. What would probably surprise most people about Denver?

Drinking here is completely different. Denver has similarities to Philadelphia for me, the love for music, the culture the love for sports and beautiful people.

7. If you weren't in radio/music, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?

I probably would be a therapist or psychologist. In my now…that’s what I would be.

8. What do you like to do in your spare time?

Self-care. I love hiking, being with my children, mentoring women and young girls in and out of the industry. I just became a business owner, so I’m focused on that. My athletic line will be called “Take Shape”. Being around my dogs and embracing everything that is Colorado it’s a huge gift.

9. Who are/were some of your radio mentors? Women:

I’d say Jenny Boom Boom, Helen Little, Sarah O’Conner, and I admire Terri Thomas' work ethic and how she does things in this industry. Others that stand out to me are Brian Kelly, Colby Colb, Victor Starr, Mike Peterson, DJ Buck, and John Fullam, just to name a few.

All of these people believed in me and for that, I will not let them down. (no particular order)

Outside of the business, I'm inspired by my mother, my daughter, my sons and myself.

10. Did the Covid-19 pandemic given you any particular insight into yourself? Into others?

I feel like there were so many lives that were lost due to to Covid. Yet, I also feel there was a blessing inside of Covid. I feel like it taught us to slow down. To not only think of being with family on the weekends and how the little ones around us matter more than our day-to-day work 9 to 5. I feel like it brought families together. I feel like it also brought co-workers together, too. It shows many that it’s okay to be a team and in being a team, it doesn’t take away from the others greatness.

If you had to eat one type of meal every day for a month, what would it be?

When I’m asked that question, it changes. I’m on such a great fitness journey and lifestyle change. Honestly, right now, I’m enjoying tons of fruit and vegetables. I know that might not seem entertaining, but I want to feel as good on the outside as I do on the inside.

If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?

I really don’t watch much television honestly, but I love HGTV and cooking channels when I’m able to. Most times I have it playing in the background as I program/work from home when I’m not in the office. The only show that I want to be on is actually here in Colorado. It’s a huge dream of mine and I’ve been trying to get their attention, “Daily Blast LIVE”.