How This KC Entrepreneur Will Use GEWKC to Boost Her Wellness and African-Inspired Fashion Business
Tivona World, founded by oncology nurse and fashion entrepreneur Suzanne Gunn, is more than just a business—it’s a heartfelt mission. Inspired by personal experiences and driven by a commitment to natural products, Suzanne’s journey reflects her dedication to both wellness and cultural expression. From its early days selling to friends and family, Tivona World has evolved into a flourishing business, combining Suzanne’s passion for African-inspired fashion and health care expertise.
A Journey Rooted in Wellness and Culture
The idea for Tivona World came after Suzanne lost her mother to cancer. She says this experience reshaped her lifestyle, sparking a dedication to natural products and holistic health, and eventually guided her into oncology nursing.
In 2021, Suzanne opened her first retail location. Located in the Independence Center Mall, the store offers a variety of African-inspired clothing and accessories, combining traditional and contemporary styles that celebrate African heritage.
“When we opened, I combined my nursing background with my passion for African fashion,” she says. She says her fashion background allowed her to develop products that celebrate her African heritage, helping her build a brand that resonates with culturally conscious consumers seeking ethically sourced, quality items.
Today, Suzanne manages Tivona World along with her other business Tivona Spa and Wellness, a holistic wellness center located in Lenexa, Kansas. Dedicated to promoting health and self-care, Tivona Spa and Wellness offers a range of natural treatments and therapies designed to rejuvenate the body and mind.
Finding Community and Inspiration at Global Entrepreneurship Week
For Suzanne, a pivotal moment in her entrepreneurial journey was discovering Global Entrepreneurship Week – Kansas City in 2023. Although she found out about the conference at the last minute and only attended the last two days, she says the sessions she attended left a lasting impression.
“When I found out about Global Entrepreneurship Week, I rearranged my schedule so I could make it to those last two days,” she recalls. “I couldn’t believe the incredible access to mentors and industry leaders—it was like having 100 local mentors in one place.”
This year, Suzanne is fully prepared, having blocked out her entire week for GEWKC events.
She’s excited to dive into sessions that align with her growth goals, particularly those focused on social media marketing.
One session she is looking forward to is “What I Wish I Knew Before Starting a Business,” led by the Missouri Small Business Development Center at UMKC’s Joel Barrett, which will provide insights on how entrepreneurs and small business owners can navigate their journeys more effectively.
Global Entrepreneurship Week – KC, she says, offers something invaluable for entrepreneurs at every stage, from those just starting to established business owners.
“It’s like an intense crash course in the best of local expertise,” she says. “You get to meet people who understand what you’re going through, who are generous with their knowledge and who are right here in your community.”
Don’t miss your chance to learn from industry experts and take your entrepreneurial efforts to the next level! Register for FREE today and start adding sessions to your GEWKC schedule.