We were lucky to catch up with LaTanya Foreman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, LaTanya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?

If I could compare working a job to a song, then each job would have one song in common. Dolly Parton sang it best in her song “9 To 5”. The theme of being undervalued, underpaid, and overlooked was unfortunately a consistent melody. However, it taught me not to be complacent. I knew that I was worth more and that my value was not attached to my place of work. I was never happy or satisfied with being dissatisfied. There was a deeper part of me that knew there was something more that I needed to do.

I kept pursuing other opportunities. However, no matter what I did, nothing would ever materialize. It did not fit and I felt out of place. My life did not align with the life I was living. And since I could not find a path that could value my worth, God allowed me to step out and build a platform that would establish a space that would. And now I have the profound pleasure of helping others to do the same.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I find so much joy in being a creator. This is evident in every area of my work as a writer and graphic designer. I have been through many hardships in my life. And the arts are therapeutic for me. After recently losing my oldest son, I turned to writing as means of coping with my grief. He was an amazing artist. And I created a poetry book featuring his artwork called Kings Cry Too. I firmly believe that their is still purpose beyond the storms of our life.

Our company, RL Coaching and Consulting, focuses on helping others turn their pain into purpose. We combine Life Coaching and Business Consulting Services to help others get over their hurdles in life and move forward onto their road to success. What sets us apart is that we focus on the overall wellness of the individual and not just the success of the business. And by making sure the person is in a better mental and spiritual state with our Life Coaching Services, we can then create a stronger foundation for their business.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My first business was a bakery. I tried to open a storefront on two occasions and each time, it failed. I finally decided to do an at home bakery for a period of time. It became so popular that I worked myself into a health crisis. It taught me that I was not prepared to be in a store and it was a blessing that I wasn’t able to open one. It grew too fast and I wasn’t ready for the increase. Although I am gifted at BAKING. I never wanted to be a BAKER. I simply wanted to open a bakery and run the business.

Now, I am operating in a business I enjoy. I understand there are times when seasons may shift and we may have to pivot to do different things. I have learned not to resist change or hold onto the idea of the perfect picture of how I thought it would be.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My father passed away when I was 19. I was grieving heavily. I was in college at the time and it was so hard. I could not focused on my life, A few short months later, I was pregnant. And by the age of 20, I was a single mom.

It took me 7 years to obtain my B.S. degree because I would not leave my son home with my family. I refused to be one of those mothers who’s child was calling her by her first name. I left a prominent four year college and transferred to a community college. I attended classes there for a period of time and then transferred to a smaller four year school. I commuted and attended classes two days a week. I was gone from 6;00 am to 12:00 pm. My son and I relocated near the college my junior year. I attended classes during the week. And we came to my hometown on the weekends so my family could watch him while I worked my full-time job pulling 36 hours in 3 days.

It was difficult, but I refused to give up. It was more important to me to get my degree so that I could position myself to provide the best life for him. I went on to pursue my Master’s degree. Thankfully, that one didn’t take 7 years to complete!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.RLcoachingandconsulting.com
• Instagram: @latanyarforeman
• Facebook: latanyarforeman