Today we’d like to introduce you to Tynisha Thornes.
Hi Tynisha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I became a mentor at the age of 19, working with the youth from my church. Even at a young age, I always had a passion for seeing young women excel in life and become the best versions of themselves. I was blessed to be raised by strong parents and surrounded by a loving family who poured into me, and because of that foundation, I knew I had what it took to help lead and guide other young women.
Growing up in a two-parent household filled with love and support, I still realized there were important conversations that were never discussed with me as a young girl topics like self-esteem, relationships, sex education, menstrual health, and navigating womanhood. As I got older, I often found myself wondering how much further along I could have been in life if I had learned certain lessons earlier.
That realization became the driving force behind my passion for mentoring. I wanted to create a safe space where girls could learn, grow, ask questions freely, and be empowered without judgment. In 2013, I founded Couture Mentoring Program, which is based out of Charity Church, where our pastor, Tyrone Thomas, has always had a strong passion for serving and uplifting the community.
The vision for Couture was to help girls ages 6–19 build confidence, leadership skills, self-worth, and life skills that would prepare them for the future. What started as simply wanting to help young girls has now grown into something much bigger than I ever imagined. Couture is more than a mentoring program — it is a sisterhood, a support system, and a movement dedicated to helping young women discover their purpose, embrace their uniqueness, and understand that they are capable of achieving greatness.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not always been a smooth road. Along the journey, I have faced challenges with both mentees and parents. Building a mentoring program comes with obstacles, growing pains, and moments where you question whether you are making the impact you hoped for. However, through hard work, consistency, prayer, and determination, we were able to work through those challenges and continue moving forward.
Mentoring is not just about teaching , it is also about learning, listening, and evolving. Sometimes, we have to become what we did not have growing up in order to help others become better versions of themselves. There were moments when I had to step outside of being “just a mentor” and truly connect with the girls on a deeper level so they could feel understood, supported, and valued.
I learned that being a mentor means meeting young people where they are while still encouraging them to rise higher. Every challenge helped strengthen not only the program, but also me as a leader. Those experiences taught me patience, compassion, and the importance of creating a safe and trustworthy environment for young women to grow and succeed.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a nurse manager and a social worker, and my passion has always been helping people in every capacity possible. I have worked in the healthcare industry for 39 years, being a nurse for 19 of those years and a social worker for 8 years. Throughout my career, I have dedicated my life to caring for others, advocating for people, and helping individuals navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
As a nurse, I was able to care for patients during treatment, but I often found myself wondering what happened after discharge. I wanted to understand how people maneuvered through life after receiving difficult diagnoses, coping with trauma, or facing personal challenges once they returned home. That desire to help beyond bedside care played a major role in my decision to pursue my Master’s degree in Social Work.
At the same time, my mentoring journey continued to grow. Working closely with young women through Couture Mentoring Program made me realize how important emotional wellness, guidance, and counseling truly are. I began asking myself, “How can I better support and counsel the young women I mentor?” That question pushed me to continue advancing my education and purpose.
My ultimate goal is to become a therapist specializing in helping young women and women heal, grow, and navigate life’s challenges. What sets me apart is that my work comes from both professional experience and genuine compassion. I do not simply mentor, nurse, or counsel from a textbook — I lead from lived experiences, empathy, and a true desire to see people become whole.
What I am most proud of is the impact I have made through Couture Mentoring Program and the relationships I have built over the years. Watching young girls grow into confident young women, leaders, mothers, and professionals is one of my greatest accomplishments. Knowing that I have helped create a safe space where girls feel heard, supported, and empowered is something I will always cherish.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The quality I believe is most important to my success is compassion, paired with consistency. Compassion allows me to truly see people beyond their circumstances and understand what they are going through without judgment. It helps me connect with my patients, clients, and mentees on a deeper level, which is essential in both healthcare and mentoring.
However, compassion alone is not enough. Consistency is what allows trust to be built over time. Showing up, being dependable, and remaining committed even when things are challenging has been a key factor in my success. Whether I am working as a nurse manager, a social worker, or a mentor through Couture Mentoring Program, people need to know that I will be there and that I am reliable.
Together, compassion and consistency have shaped how I lead, serve, and support others. These qualities have allowed me to build meaningful relationships, create safe spaces for growth, and make a lasting impact in the lives of the individuals I serve.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coutureincgirls?igsh=cjllOGp3ZHVlMHVm&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1H2m92aC5b/?mibextid=wwXIfr
