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

Alright, LaTasha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

After I wrote my first manuscript, I did a lot of research. I didn’t have a mentor to guide me to next steps. First, I joined Facebook writing groups. There was a lot of knowledge to absorb and experiences to read. I would encourage people to join social networks to build relationships and ask questions. These people pointed me in the direction of finding an editor, illustrator, etc. Finding the right people to work with was critical. I didn’t rush this process because I needed to entrust my project in the hands of others. I read a lot of legal resources about how to protect yourself. Next, I established my publishing company. I started looking for people to join my team and decided to draft a non-disclosure agreement with people that I interviewed. I found that when looking for people to join your team, it’s best to schedule a phone or online meeting. Having direct communication allows you to determine if the person may be a good fit. Third, I started to establish my social media accounts because I wanted to attract followers. This was my way of documenting my journey and sharing it with others. Fourth, I hired a developmental editor and afterwards, I registered with the Library of Congress. I then interviewed several candidates to illustrate my book. I would recommend that you always ask for their portfolio and references. Asking them questions about their personality, potential challenges, work experience, and meeting project deadlines proved to be a good idea. This is the time to set your expectations. It’s best to ensure that you are the owner of all the illustrations and that you have a legal document noting the terms. Lastly, I located a printer and distributor for my book. The process took a year from start to finish. After all said and done, I realized that there’s still a lot of learning that I have to undergo in order to be at the top of my game. I would encourage anyone that chooses to publish their own book to create a list of things that need to be accomplished with deadlines. Stay focused and disciplined! You will see your dream become a reality!

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?

Hello! My name is LaTasha Reynolds. I’m a self-published author of Bryla’s Amazing Imagination: Bryla Visits the Moon, host of In the Life of A Self-Publishing Mama, and Founder of Bryla J Publishing. I’m also the co-owner of Bryla J Couture with my mother-in-love, Sharon Reynolds. I’ve always had a love for writing. I decided to take the self-publishing path to enter the industry. I’m passionate about childhood literary, creativity, and self-expression. Currently, I am working on my second book and I’m extremely excited to implement everything that I have learned. My mission is to promote STEM, encourage imaginative play, and close the literacy gap. I believe that all things are possible with God when you dream it, execute it, and achieve it.

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

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”- Maya Angelou

Perhaps this one quote sums up my resilience. Have you ever seen the formation and ruthlessness of a tornado? The powerful rotating columns of air is a spectacle put on display. It’s a reminder that Mother Nature is in control and we are vulnerable to her force. Life trials and tribulations have a similar metaphor. It’s believed that dreaming about a tornado can be a meaning of transformation. The last six years has been a battle that has tested me as an individual and business owner.

In 2016, my father was diagnosed with heart failure. He had to undergo triple heart bypass. In the process, he discovered that he was no longer a candidate for a kidney transplant due to coronary artery disease. The following year, I conceived my miracle baby after trying for 3 years. I endured severe complication due to preeclampsia and I was a walking heart attack. As a result, my daughter was born with thin cord syndrome and weighed 4 lbs. A month after my daughter was born, my mother had her second brain surgery to remove a tumor. During the operation, she had a mass hemorrhaging of the brain and suffered a devastating stroke which impaired her speech and mobility. My husband and I made a sacrifice by selling our possessions and moved back to Tennessee. My mother, who is my rock needed me by her side. It was tough because my husband and I only had each other, my in-laws, and a few other family members to rely on.

Life dealt me a volatile hand of circumstances. I’ve been in darkness in my life before, but this one crippled my spirit and held my joy at ransom. Shortly, the world was plagued with COVID-19. This was not good for me psychologically. I felt like the walls were closing in. However, my mother-in-love was the guiding voice, like a light house, through a treacherous storm. We lived with my in-laws and I witnessed my mother-in-love’s serial entrepreneurial grind. It was contagious, masterful, and brilliant. Resilience for me became my survival tool.

Within the past four years, my mother-in-love and I launched Bryla J Couture, named after my daughter. This is an online store that featured stylish, timeless, and elegant clothing that we are currently in the process of re-branding. In 2021, I launched my publishing company, Bryla J Publishing and self-published my first children’s book titled Bryla’s Amazing Imagination: Bryla Visits the Moon. The road to entrepreneurship hasn’t been easy, but nonetheless has been worth witnessing the the progress first hand. I’m ecstatic about the future!

The Evening Primrose is a flower that blooms at night. Don’t be afraid to bloom in uncertainty and instability. Often times life’s storms build resilience to prepare you for the journey. In the midst, you can find your purpose.

Your destiny is calling. Take the jump!

We’d love to hear about you how met your business partner.

My business partner is my mother-in-love, Sharon W. Reynolds. As stated on her LinkedIn page, “she’s an award-winning entrepreneur including the Top 20 in 2020 Enterprising Women Award and received Essence Magazine’s Women in the Boardroom recognition. She possesses over 30 years of experience and an extensive background in supply chain efficiencies in partnership with Fortune 500 companies such as Coca-Cola, Lowe’s, and Marriott International through establishing green and sustainable practices, and innovative product development. Developed 5-patented Clean Up® Biohazard pathogen remediation technology.” She’s a game changer!

The amazing thing is that she discovered me. You never know who’s paying attention to your work ethnic and passion. I have always been told that people will stand back and take mental notes on you without your knowledge. My advice to people looking for a business partner, is to be vocal and to speak it into the universe. I’m a believer of the Law of Attraction and prayer. Networking by attending events and talking to colleagues and/or friends is vital.

Be intentional about your actions. Let people see that you are serious about your business plans. Be cautious about not over sharing your plans when you are seeking a cofounder/business partner. Research people’s track records and find someone who has equal passion as you. I guarantee that it will all pay off!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brylajpublishing.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brylajpublishing/?hl=en

Image Credits
Photo shot (blue suit)- Dokk Savage