I studied Marketing and Communications in college, spent a few years in advertising for a corporate agency, but I didn’t feel fulfilled. That agency sensed it too and when they restructured, my position was no longer needed. I remember my supervisor at the time telling me, “You’re so creative, Latoya. You love modeling and photography. Why don’t you pursue that?” Little did she know that little nudge would be all I needed to start my own business as a creative professional. I modeled and was an assistant for two fashion photographers in Los Angeles. I was still looking for work in the advertising field but eventually my dream to climb the corporate ladder evaporated.

It wasn’t until the night that I got off the wrong exit in Downtown Los Angeles and found myself on Skid Row, that I received my calling in the field. I decided to look up organizations assisting women escape domestic violence, having done so myself. What I found forever changed my life. It was a safe haven for women; the only organization on Skid Row serving women exclusively through housing, wellness, and advocacy. I had to get involved! I volunteered within their social enterprise program. The women made products for the organization’s cafe and resale boutique and received income to fulfill their basic needs. I offered my photography and marketing skills and ended up accepting their offer as a full-time employee a year later.