From Corporate "Minion" to Family Business: Reina Ciccarone on Trusting Her Gut and Going All-In

What happens when you realize the corporate ladder you're climbing is actually just a box stifling your creativity?In this episode of the TrueIcon Podcast, Jen sits down with Reina Ciccarone, Creative Director and co-founder of 3tone Digital. Reina shares her journey from feeling like a "minion" in corporate America to building a thriving, family-owned digital agency with her husband, all while raising four children.Reina opens up about what it really takes to turn a vision into reality, including the decision to "burn the boats" and go all-in on her business with no backup plan. Together, Jen and Reina discuss how to reclaim your creativity, why traditional networking events feel so fake (and how Reina is changing that), and the ultimate game-changer for any business owner: learning that "no" is a complete sentence.If you are tired of following society's rules, feeling stuck in a creative rut, or wondering how to balance massive dreams with family life, this conversation will give you the permission to trust your gut and build a life on your own terms.If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! It helps us showcase more authentic stories.TakeawaysGoing all-inReclaiming creativity from corporateThe power of vision boards and messy action.Ditch stuffy networkingThe power of saying noChapters00:00 Support and Partnership33:23 Overcoming Fear and Doubt43:09 Living the Dream and Creating a Legacy51:58 Staying True to Values and Saying NoWhere to Find Reina Ciccarone & 3tonedigitalWebsite: https://www.3tonedigital.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/3tonedigitalLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reina-☕-ciccarone-850308a2/Where to Find Jen DeGroff & TrueIconWebsite: https://www.beatrueicon.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdegroff/About TrueIcon PodcastHosted by Jennifer DeGroff, the TrueIcon Podcast is a interview about authenticity, growth, and redefining success on your own terms. We celebrate uniqueness, normalize imperfection and lift people up. Whether you are navigating a career change, building a business, or trying to find your voice, this is your space to feel empowered to step into your greatness.About Reina and 3tone Digital3tone Digital is a New York State MWBE-certified, family-owned digital team. Founded by Reina and Tony Ciccarone, the company combines over 30 years of collective experience in design, development, and marketing.Reina Ciccarone is the Creative Director and co-founder. Blending creative design, storytelling, and strategy, she transforms brands into beautiful, high-performing digital experiences. Since launching 3tone Digital in 2022 with her husband, Tony, Reina has helped small businesses and nonprofits elevate their online presence through custom WordPress design, branding, SEO, and hands-on tech guidance.Alongside her web design work, Reina creates community-centered workshops and digital learning experiences that blend creativity, technology, and storytelling. Through her Latte Learning series, she brings people together to learn, connect, and strengthen their digital footprints.