Inspiring Lives with " A Latte Cocoa " CEO For Fashion Gxd Magazine
Written by : Samantha Cee
This week we sat down with the budding clothing line that is taking over the nation. So here is a little back story of who A Latte Cocoa is...
In January 2017, my mother was diagnosed with uterine cancer. This was incredibly difficult news to swallow, as I had already lost my father as a teenager. I knew that this signaled a challenging journey ahead of all of us, but I also knew that with God's grace, and my mother's strength, she would triumph!
I'm so grateful that she is currently on the path of recovery and healing - I could not have asked for a greater gift! At least, I had thought her healing would be the only gift I would receive, but I was incorrect.
In March 2017, A Latte Cocoa was born when God gave me the vision to create a line of accessories to empower women. The creation of my handmade accessories line was inspired by witnessing my mother's strength throughout her cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Through this experience, I've learned that we as women may experience a multitude of hardships, pitfalls, and challenges, but we will always prevail! We are strong, beautiful, and courageous. We are queens, and I want to honor that with A Latte Cocoa. With everything I create, my profits are donated to support women who can’t afford medical/health services.
Social media accounts:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: alattecocoa
How did the idea for your business come about?
Answer: Following my mother’s health journey, I wanted to channel my passion for fashion to create a line that will help women. I realized that we as women will always prevail and wanted to honor that by founding A Latte Cocoa. We carry handmade items crafted with love just for you! A portion of all of our proceeds is donated to support women’s health.
How do you find people to bring into your organization that truly care about the organization the way you do?
Answer: A Latte Cocoa is a small company, everyone involved truly cares about the cause, believes in our products, and enjoys expressing their creativity.
What three pieces of advice would you give to other children who want to become entrepreneurs?
Answer: Be consistent, persevere, and don’t take no for an answer.
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Answer: Go to school for fashion design or marketing, my background is psychology.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Answer: Resourcefulness, if you really want something go and figure out how to get it done. Time management is super important. Have a passion, surround yourself with the right people and believe in yourself.
What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
Answer: Don’t ever put your eggs in one basket. Trial and error with fabric choices or elements, having to scrap fully produced designs because they weren’t impeccably perfect.
How many hours do you work a day on average?
Answer: I work a full time job and work on A Latte Cocoa during evenings/weekends.
Describe/outline your typical day?
Answer: Like I mentioned, I work a full time job, so throughout the day I check on the business when I can and make sure assigned tasks have been completed or fit in research at any opportunity. In the evenings, I create, manage, run A Latte Cocoa.
How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Answer: My biggest obstacle has been finding time to work on my passion while juggling a full time job and a relationship that is dear to my heart. But my partner is very supportive and we make sure to dedicate time for each other, where just the two of us exist.
What motivates you?
Answer: Witnessing my mother’s strength throughout her cancer diagnosis and treatment inspired my line. My goal is to help women feel beautiful, and stylish, while supporting those waiting for treatment.
How do you generate new ideas?
Answer: I am inspired by design all around. Color combinations in nature, fashion, texture and print of fabrics, home décor. Someone might see a pillow and a sofa, I see inspiration for the next handbag.
What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Answer: Sacrificing social life or outings to focus all of my available attention on the business needs.
Where you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?
Answer: Featured in Essence or Ebony magazine, on the shelves of department stores, seen on celebrities. I hope to be growing, raising a family, running an empire.
