NIA Twin Cities Celebrates 4-Time Top Gun Winner Kim Tsoukalas

Tanya Troska is one of the founding members of the Network In Action - Twin Cities franchise, and has made this networking group a part of her ongoing business plan each year. She is (currently) our only member to be celebrated for five consecutive years running, and she has been very vocal about how that strategy has paid off for her business growth and goals year-after-year. So, as we wrap up another year of amazing networking activity with one of the strongest groups of professionals we've had since first launching NIA Twin Cities in 2020, we’re taking a deeper, more personal journey with NIA Twin Cities November Spotlight Member, Tanya Troska, Back2Basics LLC. Today’s article steps beyond Tanya's amazing small business solutions and takes a deeper dive into the heart of who she is: her dreams, her defining moments, and the meaningful experiences that have shaped her. Keep reading as Tanya answers some fun and prying questions from NIA Group Leader, Vicki Fox. Vicki : What’s a moment in your life that quietly shaped who you are today, even if most people don’t know about it? Tanya : There are so many moments that helped make me the person I am today, from the loss of my father to a tragic accident at very young age, to growing up on a family farm where everyone pitched in to help every other family farm/er with their livestock or crops, watching family members start small businesses while still working their land, raising two children on the Autism spectrum and needing to learn a different way of communicating, facing and overcoming many moments of loss and challenge and using an aptitude for technology, strategic thinking, and a curious interest in physical arts, music, and even culinary creativity that all help shape my personal and professional journey. Vicki: If you could instantly master one skill—professional or purely for joy—what would it be and why? Tanya : I’d like to learn Spanish and French to open my options for traveling and areas for retirement. Vicki : What’s one belief or philosophy you live by that guides your decisions? Tanya : Do right by others, give more than you take, and leave any situation better off than when you first came across it and got involved. Vicki : When you imagine your “perfect day,” what elements absolutely have to be in it? Tanya : My family—children, husband, siblings, and mother— and my pets. No exceptions. Vicki : What’s a fear you’ve overcome that you’re proud of, even if it seemed small to others? Tanya: Talking in front of others – it sends me into a panic every time, but I force my way through it so I can share my experiences and expertise with others. Vicki : What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received that still stays with you? Tanya: Don’t let others’ opinions of you, what you’re capable of, or how they see you end up defining who you truly are and what you have to offer others. Vicki : If your life had a theme song for the season you’re in right now, what would it be and why? Tanya: Irrelevant – by P!nk Vicki : What’s something you’re endlessly curious about, even if it has nothing to do with your business? Tanya: Cooking – coming up with new recipes; Music – writing, playing, singing; Art – creating new canvas creations. Vicki : What is one small daily habit or ritual that brings you joy or grounds you? Tanya: Cooking, canning, and feeding family, friends, and neighbors. Vicki : If you could relive one simple moment—not to change it, just to feel it again—what would you choose? Tanya: Watching those “first moments” with my kids: first steps, first words, first time feeding themselves, first bite of birthday cake, first Christmas, first family vacation, first day of school, first best friend, first dance, first time driving, first time cooking their own meals, first graduations, school accomplishments, first concerts, first day off to college and watching them soar, first time seeing them get an award of achievement, first art project they created… all the firsts. Vicki : What’s a dream or goal you had as a kid that still lingers in some form today? Tanya: More time traveling and exploring the world with my husband and children, and starting a bed and breakfast that employs young adults who need a helping hand and are eager to learn a service trade or entrepreneurial skill. Vicki : If you could spend an afternoon with anyone (living or gone) to learn from them, who would it be and what would you ask? Tanya: I’d want my grandparents back so I had more time to talk with them, soak in their experience, and take note of their history and journeys. Vicki: Thank you, Tanya, for opening your heart and letting us see the person behind the success. Your honesty, warmth, and willingness to share continue to inspire us all. If you want to learn more about Tanya and Back2Basics LLC, active NIA Twin Cities members can reach out through our NIA website and schedule a one-to-one today. Not a member, yet? Visit our About page to learn more about the uniquely powerful benefits of membership that keep strategic and stellar members like Tanya building business here. Visit Back2Basics, LLC to request Discovery Call with Tanya to see how their brand management solutions can help your service-based business (or non-profit) in 2026.

As we wind down 2024, I want to chat with you about making the most of your networking membership and boost your business in the new year!

We are proud to highlight these outstanding 2024 Spotlight Members of NIA Twin Cities who have succeeded in their own ventures and significantly contributed to the success of their peers.

Discover the benefits of writing powerful testimonials for networking members and how it can elevate both your credibility and theirs. Learn tips for crafting compelling reviews, the best platforms to publish them, and ways to request and repurpose testimonials to build trust and grow your business.