Conversations with Latoya Lashae

Today we’d like to introduce you to Latoya Lashae.

Hi Latoya, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey began with a personal passion for fashion and a desire to find styles that flattered my unique body type. As I experimented with different looks and learned to dress confidently, I started attracting attention from others who admired my style. People began asking me where I purchased my clothes and seeking advice on how to dress for their own body shapes.

Inspired by the positive feedback and eager to share my fashion journey with a wider audience, I decided to become more consistent on social media. I started sharing outfit photos, styling tips, and body positivity messages, hoping to inspire and empower others to embrace their individuality.

Before long, small brands began to take notice of my content and reached out to collaborate. These collaborations not only allowed me to showcase my personal style but also provided an opportunity to support and promote emerging fashion brands.

However, it was a viral post that truly catapulted my Instagram presence to new heights. The exposure from this post led to a surge in followers and engagement, propelling me into the spotlight as an influencer within the fashion community.

Today, I’m grateful to have built a platform where I can share my love for fashion, body positivity, and self-expression with thousands of people around the world. My journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, consistency, and the importance of embracing one’s unique journey. And as I continue to grow and evolve, I’m excited to see where this adventure takes me next.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Navigating the path of corporate life, entrepreneurship and influencerhood has been anything but smooth. While it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey, it’s also been riddled with challenges that have tested my resilience and determination.

One of the biggest struggles I face is the constant juggling act between my corporate life as a Business Analyst and my roles as an influencer and business owner. Balancing the demands of reporting to the office four days a week while also keeping up with my content schedule has been a constant challenge. This often leads to struggles with consistency in posting and engaging with my audience, as my time and energy are divided between multiple responsibilities.

Additionally, as the owner of Kerry’s Kakes, a freelance cake design studio based in Atlanta, I often find myself torn between fulfilling orders for designer cakes and creating content for social media. The nature of my work in the baking industry requires intense focus and attention to detail, leaving little time or energy for filming and editing content.

Beyond the daily juggle of responsibilities, I also grapple with challenges related to brand visibility and sales volume for Plush Tingz Apparel. Building a presence in the competitive fashion industry requires strategic marketing efforts and a strong online presence, both of which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

Despite these challenges, I remain steadfast in my commitment to pursuing my passions and building a successful and fulfilling career. Every obstacle I encounter serves as an opportunity for growth and learning, pushing me to innovate and find creative solutions to overcome adversity. With perseverance, determination, and a supportive community by my side, I’m confident that I can overcome any challenge that comes my way and continue to thrive in both my personal and professional endeavors.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My journey as a plus-size curvy influencer took a significant turn during the pandemic. With the world slowing down, I found myself reevaluating my passions and priorities. It was during this time that I decided to take my plus-size content seriously, honing my skills and dedicating myself to creating meaningful and empowering content.

Throughout 2023, I immersed myself in the world of plus-size fashion, body positivity, and self-love. I focused on refining my content, sharing authentic experiences, and connecting with my audience on a deeper level. It was a period of growth, both personally and professionally, as I navigated the challenges of building a presence in a competitive industry while staying true to myself.

In September 2020, amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, I embarked on another venture—I founded Plush Tingz Apparel, a luxe casual wear line for both men and women. With a focus on quality, comfort, and inclusivity, Launching with t-shirts printed with catchy sayings, then I decided to put the brand on the back burner. I relaunched in the spring of 2023 with new styles and trendier options. Plush Tingz apparel has slowly gained traction, resonating with individuals who sought stylish yet comfortable clothing that celebrated their curves.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my consistency in persevering through the struggles of getting the brand off the ground. Despite the obstacles and setbacks, I remained steadfast in my commitment to Plush Tingz, fueled by a passion to create something meaningful and impactful.

What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and inclusivity. I don’t subscribe to traditional beauty standards; instead, I celebrate diversity and encourage others to embrace their bodies unapologetically. My journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, and I’m proud to use my platform to advocate for body positivity and representation.

I appreciate the community I’ve built along the way. Through shared experiences and mutual support, we’ve created a space where individuals of all shapes and sizes feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s a testament to the power of representation and the importance of uplifting marginalized voices.

In a digital landscape saturated with curated images and unrealistic expectations, I strive to be a beacon of authenticity and empowerment. My journey may have begun during a challenging time, but it’s led me to a place of self-acceptance, confidence, and purpose. And for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with our readers. In addition to my work as a plus-size curvy influencer and the founder of Plush Tingz Apparel, I’m gearing up to launch a personalized styling subscription service.

This service will offer a tiered pricing structure for personal 1-on-1 styling sessions tailored to all event types. Whether it’s a casual outing, a professional engagement, or a special occasion, subscribers will have access to virtual consultations, personalized recommendations, and styling tips to ensure they look and feel their best.

I’m incredibly passionate about empowering individuals to embrace their unique style and feel confident in every aspect of their lives. Stay tuned for more details on how you can join me on this exciting styling journey!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Latoya.Johnson
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latoya.lashae
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@latoyalashae
• Other: Cake Website: www.kerryskakes.com (atlanta) Clothing Website: www.allplushtingz.com

Image Credits
Latoya Lashae