We recently connected with Latoya Shelby and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Latoya, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.
When I first launched my business, I made a post on all of my social media accounts. My family and friends begin to share all of my product’s multiple times a day on social media. When I received my first order, I was so excited. I couldn’t have never imagined the joy I would feel to know someone believes in my business. One day I was received a notification from a chat on my website from someone who lived in Washington DC. At the time I didn’t know anyone from that area. We began to have a conversation and she stated she was interested in purchasing some of my products, but she had a few questions. In the midst me answering her questions I asked well how you found out about my business. She stated I saw some people on Facebook sharing your products and I read some of the reviews. I told her I was appreciative about her taking a chance and purchasing from me. She was my first out of state order and now she is a regular customer of Purrrfect Eyes. These are the times I will always remember.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am an At-Risk Coordinator. I’ve always had a passion to work with children. I’ve been in the school system for 5 years now.
I’m initially from Yazoo City, Mississippi which your success depended upon who you know or who you are, which made it harder for those who wasn’t known. As a child I was taught to work for whatever I wanted or needed. I was only 14 years old when I landed my first job. I was on a softball team, but our coach Herman Leach also taught us nothing will be given to you for free not even our uniforms. We paid for everything. Having those things to be instilled in me as a child helps me today knowing that nothing will be handed to me. My passion for my business also sets me aside from others. I’m very passionate about my business, so when things don’t go as planned, I’m always ready to activate my Plan B.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is to continue to be YOU. People respect you more when you’re being who you genuinely are. I’ve also learned everyone will not be happy for you. It does not matter how good you are doing; society will find reason to discredit you. Dedication, hard work, and not giving up when things get difficult, helps me get to where I am today. None of it was easy. Having a business is very stressful, especially until you reach your end goal.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I built my audience by constantly promoting my business everyday multiple times a day. When you promote your business, you will reach someone different every time. When someone shares your business, you will reach someone different every time. You must constantly put your business in the audience face, so that they never forget who you are. I promote my business on every social media platform, and it helps my business grow tremendously.
Be sure to come out to my next event The Street Food Festival. This event will be held at the Mar Thoma Event Center on August 27th. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Contact Info:
- Website: Purrrfecteyes.com
- Instagram: Purrrfect_Eyes
- Facebook: Purrrfect_Eyes
- Twitter: Purrrfect_Eyes
Image Credits
Fredrick Russell III – Photographer