Today we’d like to introduce you to Latonya Lyke and Rae Fortes.
Latonya and Rae, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Latonya:
I started out with an idea of the talk show just sitting in my living room. It was initially supposed to be “Latonya’s Real Talk” with just me as the host. My wonderful niece, Jasmine Etheridge, was overhearing me talking about the talk show and she truly helped me to pursue this dream. Was I afraid? Yes! Did I know how to start a talk show? No! But I can truly say throughout this process, my family and friends have helped me make this dream become a reality. What really sparked the beginning of this journey is when my niece connected me to Martha Wallace, who had a Christian radio station in Loganville, GA called Vision 105.1 FM. She knew I had the personality to be on the show and she kept pushing by saying, “It’s Your Time.” When Martha Wallace agreed to have me on the show, I knew that I wanted a co-host on the show with me. I had options to choose from, but I really wanted what God wanted for me in this situation. I was thinking and praying about it in the car with my husband and he said “Rae”. I looked at him and said, “what did you say?” He told me that I need to have Rae on the show as the co-host of your show. I was so amazed because, in my prayer, she had come up in my mind. That’s when I knew to go talk with my sister about the show.
Rae:
I knew in my heart and mind that I wanted to be involved in broadcasting at a young age. I wasn’t sure what that looked like until LaTonya asked me to be her co-host on her talk show. I immediately said “yes” without realizing my confidence would be tested. I have always been a “talker”; very comfortable in my own circle of family and friends, but we started on a Christian Radio station which took me out of my comfort zone. I am a believer but did not have biblical knowledge. I couldn’t quote chapter and verse but knew this was where the Lord placed me. I was determined to find out what the Lord’s plan was for me. It took me a while to be comfortable talking on the show. I was initially unusually quiet. I had to learn to be confident being out of my comfort zone. I started observing the confidence that others showed as they contributed to the conversation which helped build my confidence. Once I started being comfortable with myself, I realized “I have something to say” and I have been saying it ever since. LaTonya is always encouraging and reminds me that it is time for women to come to the front and be recognized. This has been an amazing journey and I now know my purpose. I know that there will be more challenges to overcome to be a better me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Latonya & Rae:
Wow, this hasn’t been a smooth road. We had many “bumps in the road” with this show and its many transitional concepts. Even though we love what we do, we still had to learn so much about media, online marketing and gaining new team members that will help us take our ideas to another level. These were just a few things that were a struggle along the way. Let’s not forget that we both have two full-time jobs and families while we are pursuing this dream of changing the entertainment industry with our online talk show that gives a personal touch to many lives. We believe that it is a struggle…but with love, passion, and determination to give our followers what they want…a personal touch of love for every interview!
Please tell us about Let’s Get Personal with Latonya & Rae.
We are Personable. Relatable. Connecting. Exposure. A talk show where we get personal and talk about what other’s won’t. We are exposing our clients to the world by creating an avenue with live interviews, social media exposure and #WePopup live segments. Our show was created to bridge you to the world in a fun, loving and energetic atmosphere. Let’s Get personal with Latonya and Rae is an Atlanta-based company that will provide great quality talk shows with national celebrities and marketing exposure for small businesses.
We are so proud that our company not only does exclusive celebrity interviews, but we get the opportunity to inform Atlanta about ongoing community events. In this entertainment industry, we provide exposure to small businesses and charitable organizations that help the community in many ways.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Hmmm… We would have started with a team of professionals so that it would not have been so much on us. Establishing the business so that it can be more organized and prepared for the growth that we are experiencing now. But thank God for a great media team and ProBoss Enterprises Inc. who has been such a tremendous help with our marketing solutions for the talk show. This team is willing to work with us and love us along the way to our success. We are so thankful for this.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.itsyourgirlzz.com
- Email: admin@itsyourgirlzz.com
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