We were lucky to catch up with LaTonya Turnage recently and have shared our conversation below.

LaTonya , appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

As a child I’ve always dreamed of being around women and all things beauty. Playing dress up was my favorite thing to do. Fast forward years later working my career corporate job I felt a sense of what am I doing for people to remember me, how will my light continue to shine after I have left this world. I knew I was passionate about the beauty industry. This is what landed me as a freelance makeup artist and soon after a bridal stylist consultant owning my own company. I took the risk of leaving my career job of over 14 years to live in my purpose. I have been and always will be most passionate about service people. I enjoy being my the brides and being a apart of their special day. Taking the risk was and still worth it!

LaTonya , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

A full-time fashion entrepreneur for over 15 years, I believe that in order to do multiple things, you must focus on doing one thing, very well. My business has evolved from bridal makeup, to bridal showroom and now, a dream bridal design house. My journey began as a makeup artist for brides on their Big Day. I took my time, and ensured that every bride felt special. I would even stick around the entire wedding day, just to make sure they were touched up throughout. As my journey continued, I wanted to do more. I wanted to try a hand at everything. I knew that makeup was a part of the complete package. The styling, photography and more seals the final look.

I opened my bridal showroom, Elite Secrets Bridal in 2015, and have aided in the crafting of couples journeys every day since then. I’ve had my hand in almost every part of the industry, and believe that the pinnacle of beauty for many brides is the day they say, “I do!”

We’ve been blessed to grow so much, that we’ve decided to branch off and create an entirely new experience for the bride who dare to be different. The Elite Design House, a place where a bride can be a part of her custom wedding gown experience. I am most proud of the ability to pivot during not so good times and still have the same one and passion for what I do.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

During the pandemic when it first started, our shop was closed for four months. This was the longest four months ever. It was scary and a bit difficult to stay inspired. What our team came up with was the virtual bridal styling appointment. Unlike many other salons we used this opportunity to be different with this service, We took this as an opportunity to allow the brides to basically talk about their weddings. We knew that when the world opened back up we would be the first bridal salon on their lists to visit. We knew in our world not many brides are buying on line therefore we knew it was time to pivot.

How did you build your audience on social media?

This was the fun part considering I have a background in marketing. I understood the importance of reaching your target audience and showing up where your potential clients were hanging out. We used social media as a place to make friend, build trust, and covert into sales. Our strategy is and always will be about providing information to help our brides while guiding them to make one of the most expensive and important piece of clothing purchases in their lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elitesecretsbridal.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elitesecretsbridal/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EliteSecretsBridal/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/elitesecrets4U
• Other: Instagram Elite Design House: https://elitedesignhouse.com CEO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebridalbizbestie/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

Image Credits
https://megapixelsmedia.com