We were lucky to catch up with LATOYA Rucker recently and have shared our conversation below.

LATOYA, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Venturing into the unknown with my move to Los Angeles was a decision teetering on the edge of audacity. Prior to this bold leap, my life had adhered to a rather conventional script. I was comfortably settled in a house, occupied a coveted position at a Power, Oil, and Gas Company where I meticulously reviewed contracts. But, alas, the predictable nature of it all had cast a veil of tedium over my existence.

A persistent, fervent yearning gnawed at my heartstrings, urging me towards Los Angeles. It was there, in the epicenter of entertainment, that I aspired to chase my dreams of acting and modeling. Simultaneously, my profound passion for event planning emerged as a lifeline – a way to sustain myself while pursuing my artistic ambitions.

The journey, post my arrival in Los Angeles, was anything but linear. A short-lived job at a women-centric company left me adrift, pushing me into the realm of odd jobs as I clung to my aspirations. The pivotal moment came when I made the daring decision to establish my own event planning company. And as fate would have it, it was this leap that steered my life in an unexpected direction.

With unwavering commitment to working for myself, I was met with a stroke of serendipity. Contracts began pouring in, including prestigious names like Apple, Coca Cola, and multiple pharmaceutical giants. The plan was unfolding beautifully; my event planning business was thriving.

Yet, my acting and modeling ambitions still lingered on the periphery, waiting for their moment in the spotlight. It was then that a soft yet insistent voice whispered in my consciousness, advising me to seek guidance from a pageant coach. Driven by newfound determination, I scoured the internet until the wee hours of the morning. And, just like that, I stumbled upon a three-month boot camp for the Miss USA competition.

I registered without hesitation, encouraged by the owner’s assurance that they often worked with aspiring models and actors. The months that followed were transformative. I clinched the titles of Ms. Nevada, Ms. West Coast, and Ms. Women United States, a triumphant turn of events that opened doors to a world of opportunities. Commercial roles, and I found myself becoming a part of the prestigious Screen Actors Guild (S.A.G.). To top it off, I was cast in my first short film, portraying the iconic Mae Jemison, the first African American woman astronaut. This film is now making its way to film festivals.

In retrospect, the risk of leaving my conventional life behind to chase my dreams in Los Angeles was, without a doubt, one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. Today, I’ve learned to heed the counsel of my inner voice, which I affectionately refer to as my guiding system. It continues to chart my course in the right direction, and I couldn’t be happier with the path I’ve chosen.

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.

Certainly, for those unfamiliar with my journey, allow me to introduce myself. I embarked on a transformative path that led me to the vibrant world of entertainment, particularly acting and modeling, in Los Angeles. Before that leap, I led what many might consider a “traditional life,” residing in a house and holding a successful corporate position at a Power, Oil, and Gas Company, specializing in contract review. However, I yearned for something more, and that yearning eventually steered me toward Los Angeles.

Intriguingly, my journey involved the duality of my passion for events. While I pursued a career in acting and modeling, I also delved into event planning as a means of financial support. This dual pursuit allowed me to explore my creative side while maintaining a stable livelihood.

The transition was fraught with uncertainty. My initial job in Los Angeles, working with a women-centric company, was short-lived. I found myself navigating through various odd jobs, all while clinging to my dreams. It was a pivotal moment when I decided to take a monumental risk by establishing my own event planning company.

The turning point in my journey came when I fully committed to my entrepreneurial venture. This endeavor soon bore fruit as I secured contracts with renowned names such as Apple, Coca Cola, and prominent pharmaceutical companies. My event planning business thrived, providing impeccable services for a diverse array of clients and solving their event-related needs efficiently.

Yet, my aspirations in acting and modeling were far from forgotten. An inner voice encouraged me to seek guidance from a pageant coach, propelling me into a new chapter of my life. Late-night internet searches led me to a three-day boot camp for the Miss USA competition. I registered without hesitation, for the owner assured me that they frequently assisted aspiring models and actors.

The following months were nothing short of transformative. I achieved the prestigious titles of Ms. Nevada, Ms. West Coast, and Ms. Women United States. This accomplishment catapulted me into the world of commercial acting and the prestigious Screen Actors Guild (S.A.G.). I even had the honor of starring in my first short film, where I portrayed Mae Jemison, the first African American woman astronaut, a role that is now being submitted to various film festivals.

What sets me apart from others is my unrelenting pursuit of my dreams, my willingness to take risks, and my innate ability to pivot when necessary. I’m proud of the diverse skill set I’ve cultivated throughout my journey, allowing me to excel in both the worlds of event planning and entertainment.

In essence, I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my journey is a testament to the power of following one’s passion, even in the face of uncertainty. I’ve learned to trust my inner voice, which has acted as my guiding system, directing me toward a life that I truly love. My brand is a fusion of creative expression and meticulous planning, and I’m excited to continue sharing my journey with the world.

Have you ever had to pivot?

bsolutely, I can relate to the need for a significant pivot in both my personal and professional life. I was living a life that I thought would please everyone else, striving for what society deemed “average” and comfortable. The truth was, nobody around me knew about my burning desire to pursue a career in acting and modeling. It was an unspoken dream, concealed beneath the weight of societal expectations.

Embracing my true passion was a challenging endeavor. Not only did it make those around me uncomfortable, but it also unsettled me to my core. It was an internal struggle between the conventional path I was expected to follow and the path my heart was pulling me towards. The realization that I couldn’t continue down the road I was on hit me like a ton of bricks.

Eventually, I reached a pivotal moment in my life where I had to make a bold decision. I couldn’t bear another day of living a life that didn’t align with my deepest desires. The need for authenticity and self-fulfillment became too compelling to ignore.

That’s when I took a leap of faith and made a significant pivot. I transitioned into the world of event planning, a field where I could harness my creativity and organizational skills. This career shift was my way of embracing my passion for events while keeping my dreams of Hollywood alive.

It’s been a transformative journey since then. Not only did I find success as an event planner, but I also started making significant strides in the entertainment industry. I’ve been able to navigate my way into Hollywood at a pace I never thought possible.

This pivotal moment in my life taught me that it’s essential to listen to your inner voice and follow your true calling, even when it challenges the expectations of others. It’s a reminder that embracing your passion can lead to personal fulfillment and success beyond your wildest dreams.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Certainly, while books, videos, and essays have their place in shaping one’s management and entrepreneurial thinking, one of the most profound influences on my philosophy has been the concept of having a coach for different facets of life. This coaching approach extends across various genres, including the spiritual, career, financial, and more.

The idea of having dedicated coaches for different aspects of life has been immensely impactful for me. It emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance and mentorship from experts who specialize in specific areas. This multifaceted approach helps me continually grow and adapt in various aspects of my life.

While I may not attribute this concept to a specific book, video, or essay, it’s been an essential element of my personal and professional development. It underscores the significance of learning from those with expertise in specific areas and reinforces the belief that mentorship and coaching can be incredibly transformative in one’s journey toward success and personal growth.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: latoyalrucker