We were lucky to catch up with Joyce Latson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Joyce, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

One day I hope to leave behind the true essence of me. I hope that one day that people will know and remember my brand for what it is and what it stands for. Just as my motto, “Stand tall, stay sweet, and always wear your crown,” I hope that my products continue to speak for themselves. Everyday I bring my customers’ visions to life through art of customization. It may just be a t-shirt to some, but to others it may be a keepsake of a loved one. I hope that one day that my legacy will be that of, “Joy always made it happen for me…”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I go by the name of Joyce before 5 PM Monday through Friday, and by nightfall Juice is in full effect! I am a full time IT Systems Specialist, Associate working for the State of Alabama and I own a customization business, Juice’d Out Creations. I got into my business literally by saying, “I can do that!” One Father’s Day, I wanted to get my dad customized shirts and at the time I felt that they were all so overpriced. Boy I wish I knew then what I know now! I decided right then that I would make my own shirts. It was nothing to get it started and I would soon get into sewing and making tutus. I aspire to help my customer’s visions come to life. They come to me with bits and pieces, and I put them together and go above their expectations. I try my best to never disappoint and provide top tier customer service because I wouldn’t sell anything that I wouldn’t wear nor would I shop with someone who is not up to par with their people skills. I’m just Godly proud of my successes and accomplishments through being an owner. I’ve taken many many hits and I have sacrificed so much, but if I didn’t go through these things I wouldn’t be where I am with Juice’d Out today. My brand is a lifestyle. It’s about making people represent who and what they love.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I really had to unlearn being overly nice in regards to not having set prices and cutting deals. In my head I would think that I’m being too steep with my prices (actually was told this a couple of times), when in reality I was not charging enough for my work. Honestly I still might not be getting enough for my work. Juice’d Out really speaks for itself and my customers are always pleased. Growing up, I’ve tended to not want to disappoint my parents or family and that eventually overflowed into not wanting to disappoint people, I’ve had to let go of that mindset. I still don’t want to disappoint my family, but I’ve had to learn very hard lessons when it comes to not wanting to disappoint people. That’s with business and personal. Everyone is not going to like everything about your business and that can be from a range of things. I’ve honestly had to stand up for my business and stand on what I deserve.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe my family and friends helped build my reputation as well as my work. I take pride in my work so I would never give my customer something that I wouldn’t be satisfied with if it was the other way around. My family and friends truly promote me in this t-shirt making market. I try my very best to show exceptional customer service and to get products back in a very timely manner. That truly goes a long way with everyone that encounters Juice’d Out because it keeps them coming back and referring me to others.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @juicedoutcreations
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/JuicedOutCreations

Image Credits
Calvin Howard-MG Images