“No matter how far you fall, you can turn your life around.

You can change.”

Tonesa Welch

Executive producer, entrepreneur, advocate, and philanthropist Tonesa “Toni” Welch was born in Detroit, Michigan. She grew up in a modest home with her mother, three older brothers, and stepfather. As the only girl, her mother spoiled her with jewelry, trinkets, and trendy clothes; the two were very close.

After graduating High School, Toni wanted to follow in her mother’s footsteps. She attended Wayne Community College, majoring in Business Administration, and planned to be an accountant - but as an 18-year-old single parent, she was easily lured into a life of excess and abuse, causing her to divert away from her plan. After facing many consequences of past decisions, she turned her life around.

Despite the challenges, Welch remains an enduring figure. As a brand ambassador for ConCreate, she has dedicated herself to building and leveraging her influence to advocate for federal and state initiatives that reduce recidivism and increase employment opportunities for persons with a non-violent criminal past.

Welch now has multiple TV shows streaming on different platforms, and she recently launched J. Bird Entertainment 1985, Inc., a TV and Film production company.

Tonesa Welch's story, as depicted in the BET+ film, sheds light on her experiences and provides valuable insights into obstacles that can disrupt the pursuit of one's dreams – particularly for young women and girls. Her story is a reminder of the importance of dedication, redemption, and perseverance.

J. Bird Entertainment 1985, Inc.

Fair Chance

Initiative for Hiring

Tonesa Welch's most significant achievement was her work with the team of the former Mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti who signed the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, also known as the “Ban the Box” law.

The groundbreaking legislation prohibits employers with at least five employees from requesting a candidate’s criminal history on their job applications before extending an offer of employment.

Executive Producer Entrepreneur | Advocate | Philanthropist

The Tamron Hall Show

Vivica Fox On Her Next Chapter

Oct 4, 2023: Vivica Fox visits The Tamron Hall Show to discuss BET+’s “First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story.” During the interview, Fox introduces Tonesa Welch, the remarkable woman who inspired the film.

Harvard University Graduate School of Education.

We don't have

all the answers

What topics does Toni cover?

Toni's in-demand topics may

include the following: The Tonesa Welch Story: A Cautionary Tale for Young Women and Girls

• Motivational
• Philanthropy
• Prison Reform
• Social Justice
• Women’s Rights
• Substance Abuse
• Television & Film
• Domestic Abuse
• Health & Beauty
• Overcoming Loss
• Ban the Box-Law
• Women in Entertainment
• Stress and Mental Resilience
• Incarcerated Women and Girls
• Children of Incarcerated Parents

but for these questions

Can I request An online presentation?

Toni is available for the following types of presentations:

• Hybrid
  
• In-Person
  
• Virtual
  

Some Restrictions May Apply.

How do I invite Toni to speak at an event?

Present the invitation by stating the following details:

• Briefly explain the event, including the time, date, and the location of the venue;
  
• Outline the subject matter and whether the organization or group will cover travel and lodging expenses.
  

"Our Past Doesn't Have to Dictate Our Futures"

we do

Present the invitation by

stating the following details:

Present the invitation by stating the following details:

• Briefly explain the event, including the time, date, and the location of the venue;
  
• Outline the subject matter and whether the organization or group will cover travel and lodging expenses.

Can I request a holiday?

Of course!

• Let Toni know the date and time you have planned, and she will coordinate with you.
• Note: Some Restrictions May Apply.
  

first-time offenders class

Tonesa Welch provides private virtual or in-person classes to first-time offenders and their families before, during, and after their sentence. She covers topics to train the client on what to expect before entering prison, including admission, the first 6 to 12 hours, and the first weeks in confinement.

“Tonesa’s entire biopic is about how she went from the first lady of BMF, and now she’s the wife, she’s the mom, and she’s the one walking in the room, changing people’s minds.”

Tonesa L. Welch, CEO

Toni and her professional team partnered with some of the most influential decision-makers in the television and film industries. Collectively, they released two reality-based TV programs and a BET+ film within three years!

For the production of “The Tonesa Welch Story,” Toni joined forces with an impressive roster of collaborators!

BET+, Judge Greg Mathis, Tressa Azarel Smallwood of MegaMind Media, and Vivica A. Fox (known for “Set It Off”), and many others. This project marked the feature-length directorial debut of Vivica A. Fox, adding another layer of energy to the film.

Executive Producer and Feature

Series | Concept, Execution | Completed 2021

Executive Producer and Feature

One Season | Concept, Execution | Completed 2021

American

Gangster

Queens

Tonesa Welch Life Updates

Season 2: Episode 6 | 2022|

BET Digital follows up with Tonesa Welch, who shares updates on her life following her first appearance on BET+ American Gangster: Trap Queens aired and what she has planned for the future.

J. Bird Entertainment 1985, Inc.

MCMLXXXV

Brand Ambassador Newsletter!

Follow Toni’s Blog and stay ahead of the fashion and beauty world with her insightful information.

excıted to announce

Red Carpet Ready!

Luxury Sales, Consignment, and Auction for Charity Shop!

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J. Bird Entertainment 1985, Inc. | 2023

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