Meet Toia Wallace | Executive Director at JACE Laboratories & Screening (Drug Testing Center)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Toia Wallace and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Toia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always been fascinated with the sheer extent of the transportation industry though never saw myself being on the road behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler. The transportation industry’s market stands at $1.1 Trillion as of 2020 and entails many opportunities for innovators to innovate. My shot came through Candace Holyfield, one of my spa influencers who suggested adding drug testing services to my spa menu. For some reason, the idea stuck and stimulated my drive to dive into this new, exciting niche. Taking a leap of faith, I started my drug testing center as an independent entity/company, and everything just skyrocketed from thereon. Candace helped me connect with trainers, and I used my previous 6+ years of experience as a medical assistant to elevate my business to the next level. Before I knew it, a venture driven by inspiration became something exceptional.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business birthed from need, the bad experiences with local/corporate labs and testing centers inspired me to create a solution. The need for a convenient testing facility offering excellent customer service, after-hours options, accurate results, and follow-ups led to JACE Laboratories & Screening LLC.

Serving as the Founder and Executive Director, I aim to provide the Jacksonville community with top-notch drug testing services. JACE Laboratories & Screening LLC also provides pre-employment solutions and services for Government, Public, and Private Businesses. We offer 24/7 services as DOT (Dept. of Transportation) Drug & Alcohol Testing, Non-Dot Testing, DNA Testing, Hair Follicle Testing, and Business Services. Add to this, we also mobile providers ever-ready to come to you for on-site services. So, that is what separates us from the rest..

Furthermore, we also offer training for individuals or companies who aspires to elevate their business to the next level. By teaching others what we know, we help others learn the best way to serve. Our training not only tells the dos and don’ts but also provide you with all you need to know about the industry and laws/policies.

The road has not been smooth sailing , but through persistence and consistency, God gave me the strength the overcome all obstacles. Sometimes God will keep you from the fire. Other times he will make you fireproof and take you through the fire.

JACE Laboratories and Screening LLC is really close to my heart. The name is a fusion of my maiden name and married name, Jackson ‘JA’ and Wallace ‘CE.’

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
To start, I would take them to the Georgia Aquarium. It oozes the feel of the Caribbean islands. Being born in Virgin Islands, I share an incredible connection with the blue aquamarine fresh saltwater.

Next comes Spice House ‘Taste of the Islands’ Caribbean Restaurant – I CANNOT, I WILL NOT let my friends leave without tasting the best Jerk Lamb Chop.

To top it off, High Note Roof Top Bar – gives an ambience and vibes that all entrepreneurs can enjoy; it’s my go-to place for all business meetings.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In truth, it would have been impossible for me to get where I am without the support and encouragement of those around me. After all, it was the idea of my influencer who led me to this path. To list out all those who stimulated my drive to grow, I have to start with God.

1. GOD – All glory be unto him and none unto me; as the way-maker, he opened all doors throughout this venture.
2. Husband (Odaine Wallace) – his encouragement and support that lit up my path every step of the way.
3. Pastor/Prophet (Brian Carn Jr.) – It is due to him I walk the path of righteousness. He taught me the principles of God and how to activate and walk into my God-given purpose
4. Mini Me (Briana ‘BossBri’) – My reason to do better no matter what.
5. Parents – They are the ones who laid the foundation for me to become who I am today. No matter how hard it gets, they didn’t let me lose hope.
6. Spiritual Mother (Andrea Carn) – She is a praying woman of God who gives me tough love and inspiration when I need it the most. Her prayers are the driving force behind my spiritual growth.
7. Brother (Jervan Jackson) – My twin, my pillar of support, and my shoulder to cry on
8. Aunt (Joanita Duverney, RPH) –My adopted mother who never judged me and supported me every day. Every good decision or bad, she has been on my side from day one.
9. Coach (Michelle Foye) – I cannot complete the list without my coach, who never gets agitated with my million questions and never fails to inspire, help, and guide me.

Website: www.jacelaboratories.com

Instagram: @jacelaboratoriesandscreening

Facebook: JACE Laboratories and Screening LLC

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