We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Latoya Scott. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Latoya below.
Latoya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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
I started my business in 2002 because I was denied during a casting call in Philadelphia. The casting director was very blunt and told me, I was too black and fat for the audition. (I was a size 4 at the time) But in all fairness I was not what they were casting for either. I turned to him, thanked him for his time and said I will create my own company that will help people who look like me (Not as tall or fit the average look casting directors look for). I was 18 at the time and haven’t stopped since that day. This experience motivated me to try harder, research, learn more about the industry and what they actually look for and why. This helped me to actually land roles which lead me to helping others.
In 2005 I launched Final Touch Models in Philadelphia. The company offered hands-on instruction from a professional team of qualified make-up artists, runway trainers, and photographers with workshops in makeup application, runway technique, camera etiquette, and more! I opened a second location in Jacksonville NC in 2013 and begin doing fashion productions in multiple cities and countries and now working in Okinawa Japan.
My company has helped over 5000+ individuals with their path in the entertainment industry, rather in front of the camera or behind it. More importantly, the productions we produce has made a huge impact in the military communities we serve NC, VA, and now Okinawa Japan.
Latoya, 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?
I am a wife of a United States Marine, a mother of three beautiful children and the 2022 AFI Camp Hansen Military Spouse of The Year in Okinawa Japan and the 2020 & 2021-Armed Forces Insurance MCB Camp Lejeune Military Spouse of the Year. I sit on the board as the event coordinator and outreach specialist for Life Mediation Non-Profit. I am the Founder & Owner of FTM Fashion Week & Final Touch Models, as well as the Editor in Chief of Farbe Magazine.
I have over twelve years’ experience in event planning, business development, website development, publishing, and graphic designing. Through my virtual business coach & development program I have helped over 500 small businesses and corporations narrow down their goals, complete their marketing plans, create social media marketing plans, as well as create brand awareness. Through the productions we’ve helped over 1500+ individuals with self-esteem, character building, and industry training. I love what I do, and I have a passion to help others achieve their goals.
I have received many awards and acknowledgements for the community work I’ve done, Military Spouse of The Year, Citizen of The Year, Presidential Volunteer Award, Pretty Girls Rock Award, Best Modeling Company in Philadelphia for 2019-2020, just to name a few. I do what I do because I have a passion to help and contribute to the communities we live in, not for awards although they are great and are appreciated.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
When I first started, I was extremely driven and determined to bring my idea to life. I was so focused I became unaware that I was doing EVERYTHING and not allowing others to help me during this process. There was a time I turned to a teammate and said, “why haven’t you completed your task?” that teammate responded, “because you haven’t given me any task to complete”. It was at that point I realized most of my task and ideas was stuck in my head where no-one could access them. I was moving under the assumption that people could read my mind to access the information.
I had to unlearn my ways of communicating! Since, I’ve become better at delegating and communicating with my team and allowing people to actually help grow the vision. I share this story often because as a visionary we can become so focused on the vision and fall short on the deliverables to build the idea/vision.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
With any industry you will have distractions, haters, roadblocks, and become discouraged. I believe what helped me build my reputation within my market is staying true to who I am no matter what people say. I don’t respond to naysayers, I just keeping moving forward and allow my work to speak for itself. This has helped me tremendously within an industry filled with gossip and trends.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thereallatoyascott.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereallatoyascott/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latoya.scott.589
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thereallatoyascott
Image Credits
Professional Headshot- Darius Newsome All other images are curtesy of Final Touch Models