Meet Tonka Garcon | Ballroom Consultant & Housing Coordinator

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

Hi Tonka, why did you pursue a creative career?
As a child, I was heavily involved with the arts in and out of school. To some, I can come off timid, reserved, shy, or mean but when I express myself artistically or creatively, I come to life. Being able to have a career where I can continue to have my point of view be displayed to the masses is an honor and privilege. If it wasn’t for the ballroom culture within the community, I couldn’t imagine how my art or creative style would be displayed or appreciated. I gained the drive and push to stay in a career where I can artistically break barriers of body positivity, bullying, and etc. by my work of art. I was able to do something with passion and not lose myself in life with a career that accepts all of me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been involved with property management for about four years, and I currently work at NAESM, Inc. where I provide housing assistance for people living with HIV; I am also currently developing a consulting business that directly correlates with my profession as well as my passion: housing and ballroom. I hope to start implementing that in the beginning of 2022. Aside from my professional life, I am still active in the ballroom scene with my house: The House of Garcon.

I would say that my proudest moment within my professional life is being able to merge my ballroom life with my professional life by working at NAESM, Inc. Because of this, I am actively able to help my community and advocate for those who need extra support; this has given me joy, excitement, and a general feeling of satisfaction.

During this journey, I have learned to stay persistent, work on time management, and most importantly, my patience. There are some days where it can be challenging, but nonetheless, when I am able to conquer these obstacles, I am unstoppable at achieving my goals both personally, and professionally. I have also learned during this journey, growing pains and triumphs are inevitable and something to look forward to.

When it comes to my brand and my journey, I want everyone to know that you are not limited to the societal standards that might have been placed upon you. You are more than someone’s limited belief system, and it is up to us to step outside of that box by healing ourselves, dismantling any form of oppression both externally and internally, and most importantly, to expect the best out of life, because we deserve it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had to do an itinerary of some of my favorite places, it would go as following:

On Monday, we would go to Door 54 for their R&B nights; I would also like to add they have the best drink specials you can get on a Monday night. Afterwards, I would go to LSS Weekly (Legends, Statements, and Stars) at club 840, hosted by Commentator Paris Blahnik and DJ Divoli. LSS Weekly is a spot for all ballroom participants come to have a fun and compete against each other.

On Tuesday, I would take my friend(s) to Bar Vegan located in Ponce City Market. I recommend the Philly Cheesesteak egg rolls.

On Wednesday, we would walk around Piedmont Park until we end up at 10th and Piedmont enjoying cocktails and various entertainment.

Thursday will be a day of selfies; and the best place would be the Selfie Museum.

Friday and Saturday we will participate or spectate one of our local balls, where we can meet various houses and see them compete for different grand prizes or meet up with some of my house members for kick back.

And who doesn’t love a great show? That’s how we will end Sunday at Traffik Drag Brunch, hosted by the Iconic Stasha Sanchez Garcon; we will be in for a guaranteed show filled with excitement, surprises, twists and tricks.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shoutout to the Legendary house of Comme Des Garcon. My house has seen the growth and development of my adulthood after college. I was welcomed into an organization for what was seen through their own eyes. I was embraced for my differences, looks, and talent. Coming into this organization, I was hard on myself for the first three to four years of being a member; I allowed judgement and self-sabotage to cloud my mind. Even when I was at my best, I still became this little child and doubted myself. Garcon made sure I was loved and appreciated. My house celebrated my success when I didn’t. I was blessed with an opportunity to be casted for Season 2 of Legendary on HBO MAX and show the world I was a proud full figure member of Garcon. After the show came out, I knew I was home. So I am no longer in a house but home where I feel loved. The House of Garcon is not like any other houses within the ballroom community. This house has strived to be more open and engaging within community by promoting/producing programs, fighting for more resources, and help change the narratives of the LGBT members. Within my house, I am honored and blessed to have Savion, Karina, Gia, Synyster, Andrew, Julee, Dvon, Eygpt, Milan, legends Leon, Jeff, Twiggy and Icons Stasha, Shannon, and Whitney in my corner to cheer, guide, and push me in and out of ballroom. I wish I could name every house member because the whole house has been supportive of me. Thank you to the house of Comme Des Garcon for being there for me through Strength, Sophistication, and Fraternity.

Instagram: tonka_garcon

Twitter: Garcon_tonka

Facebook: Tonka Garcon

Other: Email: bookme.tonka@gmail.com

Image Credits
Four images are from the show, Legendary. The rest of the pictures were taken from my phone.