We recently connected with Latisha Holmes and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Latisha , thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

EliteSmiles NYC was created in August 2020 during the COVID 19 pandemic. For me, this was not the first time that I set out to create something of my own. In fact, I started a cleaning business the year prior but quickly realized that cleaning after others was not in my life story lol. During the time of the pandemic, I knew that I had to tap into building something tangible for my children, not only for extra money but to have something that can be passed down. A friend of mine began teeth whitening classes and after seeing her success I decided that it would be worthwhile. Within the first month of whitening, I knew that this was the passion that I needed. I was able to work the hours I wanted while still being able to have time with my family. I controlled my clientele and made so many wonderful encounters. I feel like I started my business at the right time in my life having accomplished graduate school and purchased my home. It gave me a new sense of purpose in other peoples lives. Being able to give them the confidence that was once lost, being able to hear “wow” after seeing their results and being able to make someone’s day brighter is the main reason to keep going. Being a business owner has many challenges especially in slow seasons but you have to be self motivated to keep “pushing” and that’s with everything you do in life.

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

My name is Latisha Holmes 41, mother of four beautiful girls. I got into the business from other business owner that encouraged me to take a leap of faith. With whitening being a growing industry, it was quite intimidating but it’s just like any other product out here. Everyone can own something but the experience you give sets you apart. My personality absolutely sets me apart. I ensure my clients have the best experience because it truly starts with me. I am most proud of my referrals to be honest, it means that you loved the service enough to tell others about it.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

My audience was solely built on my friends primarily. I tapped into my friends that are social media popular by offering services to them in exchange for an instagram post sort of like tell a friend to tell a friend. It’s harder to network this way versus the old fashion in person because you really have to beg for the business. People are often reluctant to try services mentioned on social media well least the population in my age. But I am not deterred from it.

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 had to unlearn that everyone does not the best for your business. I had a client very early in my career that was super pleased with the service she decided to take classes for herself. I referred her with no hesitation because who am I to stop anyones growth. This person then marketed to the same audience. I didnt see myself as her competition until one day I realized she removed and blocked me from her personal and business page. I then received a client that I could not do and referred them to her only to have her block me from her phone as well. To this day I am still confused as to what caused her behaviors. The lesson I learned is to not be so forthcoming with information.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: elitesmiles_nyc