We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful LaTosha Hicks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LaTosha below.

LaTosha, appreciate you joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think there are several ways to be successful; however, from what I’ve seen, the number one factor is to be your authentic self. Show your skills, personality, and knowledge, and don’t let anyone or anything dampen who you are at your core. Even though I have a creative business, I have worked in the corporate sector for over seventeen years. I’ve seen its highs and lows, different levels of success, and what it takes to get there, especially with being a double minority. Being yourself, you will find success whether you are an entrepreneur or employed by a company.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hello! I am LaTosha Hicks, owner and Creative Director of Olivia L. Photography. I have always had a creative spirit since childhood, but the one consistent thing was photography, from photos of family and friends to nature and vacation photos. Before starting my photography business, I worked and continued working in corporate America, but I always felt the need to be creative. In March 2020, I received a call from a friend that her sister needed branding photos as she acquired her real estate license and things took off from there! We offer portrait, branding, and product photography in addition to marketing and brand consultation targeted to newer entrepreneurs. Like many others during the pandemic, we had time to explore our passions. I officially set up the business to assist and coach other entrepreneurs in their photography and branding needs. Not only do we provide a service, but we coach others, which I think sets us apart from others in the area. Also, its what I’m most proud of is assisting others in their journey as well.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I grew up in a small town here in Georgia; during that time, going to art school or having a career in the creative industry was an unlikely option. You needed stability and a steady income. So during undergrad, I decided to have a career in Human Resources for stability, as every industry and company has an HR department. However, I still felt the need to be creative. At one point during my career, I felt the need for a change. I’m not afraid to admit that depression kicked in, and I started looking at my life and career choices. During a trip to Savannah, which is home to Savannah College of Art & Design, I was waiting for my mom to finish a conference at a building on their campus. This was a school that I idolized since childhood, as it is known for its art and creative programs. I had tears in my eyes watching the students hustle between classes. That was my turning point: being a 31-year-old crying in the parking lot of my dream school, LOL. I got back home, applied, was accepted, graduated, and have been building on that journey. Never give up on your dreams! It may take a few detours, but your dreams will find a way back to you.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding thing about being creative is sharing, creating, and working with others in this space. Helping others to bring their vision to life is what drives us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.olivialphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tosha_olivialphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OliviaLPhotography

Image Credits
LaTosha Hicks Traci Gordon