We were lucky to catch up with Latika Ann recently and have shared our conversation below.

Latika , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about your team building process? How did you recruit and train your team and knowing what you know now would you have done anything differently?

When I first started I was pretty much the only one designing and printing. I’ve had friends and a few family members invest in things I’ve needed. I’ve tried to hire family on the team but it never goes as I vision it. The people I barely know have been more of an asset than family members. I don’t have the capacity to pay an actual working rate but I do pay as work gets completed. Most of the individuals I work with are already familiar with the things I need help with , I do recruit up and coming youth, I train them in graphic design and screen printing. I wouldn’t say I’d do anything differently if Justin say I’ would’ve been more consistent if anything.

Latika , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Well my name is Latika S but I go by LatikaAnn. I am an artist, an aunt, a daughter, a connector, a lover, a believer in all people deserve to be loved equally, I am a human being existing in a world set to destroy us but we as people have always proved why we deserve to be here. I have always been into the arts since I was a kid, I’ve been drawing since I was 5 years young.I I’ve also always liked fashion. As a kid I modeled with my aunt and always imagined people walking down a runway in my merchandise. It wasn’t until I went to college I really got into fashion.

Being able to design was cool but to actually design something and create it was a game changer for me. I’ve can do pretty much anything fashion and arts I’d humbly say. Once I have something set in my mind sacrifices must be taken. Sleep is very slim for me, my diet changes and I really enjoy my time alone or with other creatives when a project has to be done. I’ll be honest I haven’t came across any problems when dealing with clients. I’ve had a few miscommunication situations but nothing I’d say would be problem worthy.

I believe what separates me and the brand from any other individual/brand is that we have been doing this a lot longer and more independently than most people. Our designs are strictly our designs. Nothing you see from myself or the brand has been done before and if we do we recreate it in a way it would’ve never been created. We are the designers, screen printers, seamstress, metal smith, and so much more. I am thankful for the gifts I have been blessed with.

I’m most proud of the journey I’ve been taking. The connections, places, money I’ve been blessed with have all shaped me into the person I am today and will continue to become. I want for people to just continue following our journey and if you haven’t I’d advise you to. The Brand & myself have a lot of new things we are going to introduce and reintroduce.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Just staying true to what we believe in and always creating what we want. Staying active in the real world as well as the social media world. Always trying to stay 6 steps ahead of anyone in our creative fields. Networking working events and really staying consistent.

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

I’d have to say my most recent business trip to Miami was when I realized I had strong faith. From the time I arrived in Miami I got scammed, lost over $300, got pulled over, my rental got towed, I was stuck in the middle of nowhere for over 2 hours and I missed my flight. Through every obstacle I encountered there was a blessing on the other end. Even if it was just a life lesson that I learned. I’ve been on my own since I was in the 9th grade. Literally living house to house, family to family, placement to placement and I have never given up. Even at my lowest times in life there’s always a reason for me to continuing doing what I’m here for. I’d say I inherited that from my Grandma Ann. She’s one of the most resilient human beings I know walking this earth.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @latikaann / @hightalentstu
• Facebook: High Talent Studios
• Youtube: High Talent Studios / 2Low Visuals

Image Credits
2Low Visuals High Talent Studios && Ash