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

Latoya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Often times, sucess is defined as “The achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted”. Sucess can mean different things to different people. I think in order to be successful; you have to be “hungry” for more, have a purpose driven plan, dedication, drive, ambition, perseverance, commitment and belief in what you’re pursuing and let’s not forget the most important thing… FAITH!

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

My love for the kitchen began when I was a little girl. My mom would always make a feast for the family to enjoy, and the best part would be the desserts. It was my job to pour, stir and mix. At the age of ten while helping my mom prep for Thanksgiving, she asked me to bake. I’d never baked anything before, but I always watched her, so I was up for the challenge. After that butter flavored cake, I’d bake all the desserts for family functions, birthdays and holidays. No matter the occasion, be it happy or sad, I’d bake, the kitchen was my happy place! As the years go by and time passed, I developed another passion that eventually led me to the medical field. It wasn’t until I became a mom that the flame was ignited again with the kitchen. My son’s first birthday was approaching, and I’d received word that my commencement ceremony would be on his birthday! I began planning an elaborate celebration since my entire family would be in attendance. Two weeks prior to our event, I decided I wanted a customed dessert station to help us celebrate. I searched near and far but, couldn’t find anyone to make the things I desired. After commencement ceremony I stayed up the entire night making chocolate covered confections, my son would have that dessert station I desired! Seeing pure joy and excitement in the eyes of everyone in attendance gave me an indescribable joy! I’m blessed to feel that indescribable joy every time I have the pleasure of designing and executing a dessert display for a couple becoming one, welcoming a child, celebrating a milestone birthday, the first day of school, graduations, holidays or a decadent dessert for Sunday dinner. No matter the occasion, I love helping you celebrate!

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

2020 was life altering! Professionally the first quarter was astonishing, the support I received was truly amazing but personally things started to become unglued. My fiance’ and partner of 10 years became gravely ill! For weeks I watched him deteriorate in ICU and there was absolutely nothing I could do. Nine days after being admitted in ICU, I had a fairly large order due that had been booked for months. Between working 12-hour shifts, daily ICU visits, and caring for our four-year old I was mentally and physically exhausted and no one knew of my eternal battles. I could not disappoint my client by cancelling her order the week before and I knew I’d feel horrible doing so, I had no other option but to keep going! It was finally delivery day and about 5 miles away from the venue, I had a blowout! I screamed and cried for a solid two minutes but then I remembered who was watching me & my reason why! I wiped my face made sure all items were secured prayed and began to drive, I drove on nothing but a rim for 5 miles! God was the only explanation as to how we got there unharmed and on time! When I arrived, my client was so excited and so was I! She had no idea of my personal issues or the obstacles I’d faced enroute to her event and I wanted to keep it that way. My goal was to add the sweetest touch to her celebration and give her and her guest an unforgettable experience and I accomplished just that! Unfortunately, my spouse met his untimely demise 26 days later. After his passing there was so much uncertainty in my life, I was heartbroken and often times felt like giving up. Trying to grieve while being strong has been difficult to say the least. I’ve had to learn a new way of living and thinking since I no longer have Ken to cheer me on, offer words of encouragement or give me that extra push when needed. This has been quite the adjustment, but I refuse to let grief consume me. I constantly remind myself of my reason why. I’m proud that no matter what life throws at me or how many hurdles I encounter, I keep going! I remain authentic put my best foot forward while remaining optimistic and seeking opportunities that may present themselves daily. You never know how strong you are until that’s all you can be!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think empathy, diversity, knowing my audience, being consistent with my brands image and delivery of my brand promises all attribute to my reputation in my industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: linktr.ee/toiassweetesttreats
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/Toiassweetesttreats
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toiassweetesttreats
• Yelp: Toia’s SweetEst Treats,LLC
• Other: Email: [email protected]

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