We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Latasha Harris a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Latasha, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Raising Kings LLC was born out of a profound love for family and a desire to leave a lasting legacy for my three grandsons, my two daughters, and in cherished memory of my son, Eric, who passed away from cancer at just 17 months old. Eric’s life, though brief, left an indelible mark on my heart and inspired me to create something meaningful—a celebration of young boys who grow up with respect, confidence, and a sense of pride in themselves.

The idea for Raising Kings struck me as I reflected on the need for boys to not only look good but to feel good about who they are. I envisioned a clothing line that would emphasize self-respect and empowerment through style. In a world where young boys, especially Black boys, are often misrepresented or undervalued, I wanted to create something that would elevate them, showcasing their potential and reminding them of their worth. Each piece of clothing in the Raising Kings collection carries positive affirmations on the tags, ensuring that these messages of hope and strength are woven into the very fabric of their lives.

The journey to starting Raising Kings was deeply personal and emotional. Losing Eric was the most painful experience of my life, and for years, I struggled with the grief and the “what-ifs” of not being able to raise him. However, his memory became a source of strength and inspiration. I wanted to honor him by empowering other young boys to rise into their greatness, fully embracing their individuality and potential. My grandsons became a living testament to this dream. Watching them grow, I realized the importance of instilling positive values early—and what better way than through something as universal and essential as clothing?

I knew this endeavor was worthwhile because it wasn’t just about fashion; it was about fostering a movement. I noticed a gap in the market for clothing that not only looked good but carried a deeper purpose. Many brands focus solely on trends, but Raising Kings offers something unique—a line of stylish, high-quality apparel that serves as a daily reminder of a boy’s inherent greatness. The affirmations on the tags are more than words; they are seeds planted to nurture self-esteem, resilience, and respect.

What excited me most about Raising Kings was the opportunity to challenge stereotypes and redefine what it means to raise a king. It’s not just about looking polished; it’s about embodying principles of kindness, respect, and integrity. Through this brand, I aim to show the world that raising boys into kings is not just a dream—it’s a mission fueled by love, legacy, and an unwavering belief in their potential.

Raising Kings LLC is more than a clothing line; it’s a tribute to my son Eric, a gift to my grandsons, and a beacon of hope for families everywhere. It’s a call to celebrate our boys, dress them with dignity, and remind them every day that they are destined for greatness.

Latasha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

A Little About Me
My name is Latasha Harris, and I’m the proud founder of Raising Kings. I’ve always been passionate about creating opportunities for connection and empowerment. As a mother who has experienced both the highest joys and profound challenges, I wanted to build a brand that reflects the strength, love, and resilience mothers bring to their families every day.

My journey into this industry stems from my deep appreciation for the role mothers play in shaping their children’s futures and my desire to create something that uplifts them. Raising Kings began as an idea to bridge the gap between fashion and family—offering a way for moms and their sons to celebrate their bond while looking and feeling their best.

What Sets Us Apart
What makes Raising Kings unique is our unwavering focus on connection. Every design is created with purpose, aiming to help mothers and sons express their love and unity. Our products aren’t just about fashion—they’re about fostering self-confidence in young boys and reminding moms how much they are cherished. We take pride in delivering exceptional quality and designs that stand the test of time while remaining stylish and functional.

Our Mission
The mission behind Raising Kings is rooted in empowerment. We want moms to feel loved, appreciated, and proud of the young kings they’re raising. At the same time, we aim to inspire boys to embrace confidence, kindness, and individuality.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I am incredibly proud of the designs and quality of all our items. It’s not just about creating something beautiful; it’s about building something meaningful. Seeing the joy on a mom’s face when she and her son wear our pieces together or hearing stories of how our products have made them feel closer is the ultimate reward.

What I Want You to Know
If you’re just discovering Raising Kings, here’s what I hope you’ll take away: this brand is about more than clothing—it’s about love, connection, and empowerment. Every piece we create is designed to make moms and their sons feel special, seen, and celebrated.

Whether you’re looking for stylish outfits, meaningful resources, or simply a brand that understands the beauty of motherhood, Raising Kings is here for you. Together, let’s continue to honor the powerful bond between mothers and their sons and celebrate the amazing journey of raising our kings.

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

A Lesson I Had to Unlearn

One of the most significant lessons I had to unlearn was believing that family and friends would automatically be the ones to support my dreams. Like many entrepreneurs, when I first started, I assumed that the people closest to me—those who knew my heart, my passion, and my vision—would naturally rally around me, buy my products, share my work, and cheer me on every step of the way.

It was a hard pill to swallow when that didn’t happen the way I expected. Early on, I realized that while family and friends may love and care for you, they may not always see your vision the way you do. And that’s okay.

The Backstory
When I started my business, I poured my heart and soul into it, thinking that everyone I knew would want to be part of my journey. But as time went on, I noticed that most of the support came from people outside of my immediate circle—people who didn’t know me personally but resonated with my mission and saw the value in what I was offering.

At first, it was disappointing. I questioned myself, my relationships, and even the direction of my business. But over time, I realized that focusing on who wasn’t supporting me was keeping me small and limiting my growth. I was holding onto a closed-minded expectation that wasn’t serving me or my dream.

The Shift
Once I let go of the idea that my success had to be validated by my inner circle, I was able to expand my perspective and energy. I started focusing on reaching the people who truly needed what I had to offer—the moms who wanted to feel more connected to their sons, the women seeking healing and empowerment, and the clients looking for quality and meaning.

This shift allowed me to grow in ways I hadn’t imagined. I learned to celebrate every new supporter, customer, and follower as someone who chose to believe in my vision, not because of proximity, but because of the value I brought into their lives.

The Takeaway
I’ve learned that your biggest cheerleaders often come from unexpected places. When you release the expectation that support must come from those closest to you, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities. Your tribe, your audience, and your customers are out there—they may not share your last name or have grown up with you, but they believe in what you stand for, and that’s what matters most.

If you’re holding onto the idea that you can’t succeed without the approval or support of those you know, I encourage you to let it go. Focus instead on reaching those who align with your vision and values. The growth, freedom, and fulfillment that come with that mindset are worth it.

Have you ever had to pivot?

The Story of My Pivot

As a Registered Nurse working at the bedside, I always took pride in my role in providing care and comfort to patients. But deep down, I knew I wanted more—not just for myself, but for my children and grandchildren. I wanted to create a legacy, something that would empower them and provide opportunities for them to thrive.

The pivotal moment came when I realized that while my career in nursing was fulfilling, it wasn’t fully aligned with the vision I had for my family’s future. I wanted to step into a space where I could build something that would not only provide financial security but also inspire my children and grandchildren to dream bigger and take control of their own destinies.

The Pivot to Entrepreneurship
That’s when I made the decision to pivot out of bedside nursing and start a healthcare staffing agency “Nurse Hustle Recruitment”. This was a significant leap for me—moving from a structured, familiar environment into the uncertain world of entrepreneurship. But I believed in my vision and trusted that my years of experience as a nurse, coupled with my desire to address the gaps I saw in the staffing industry, would guide me.

Building my agency wasn’t easy. It took long hours, perseverance, and a lot of learning along the way. But the rewards were worth it. My agency grew, not just in profits but in impact, as I built a reputation for integrity and transparency in the healthcare staffing world.

Investing in a New Dream
From the success of my staffing agency, I was able to take the next step in my journey: investing in Raising Kings. This brand was born from my desire to celebrate the unique bond between mothers and sons while empowering both to feel confident and loved. It represents everything I value—family, connection, and building a legacy.

The Takeaway
Pivoting from bedside nursing to entrepreneurship was one of the most challenging yet rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. It taught me the importance of trusting my instincts and being willing to step into the unknown to build something meaningful. Today, I’m proud to say that the decision not only transformed my life but also laid the foundation for my children and grandchildren to embrace the possibilities of creating their own paths.

Life’s pivots are rarely easy, but they’re often necessary for growth. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the courage to pivot can lead to incredible opportunities—ones that not only change your life but also inspire others to do the same.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.raisingourkings.shop
• Instagram: raising.our.kings

Image Credits

Erica Alexander
Eriana Alexander
Elijah Woods
Jeremiah Taulamago
Josiah Wilson