Latoya Heyward’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

Latoya Heyward shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Latoya , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
When people ask me what’s been bringing me joy lately, I don’t have to think too hard. It’s the walks I take with my mom. She’s 73, living with dementia, and yet she is thriving—full of life, laughter, and a quiet strength that humbles me every time we step outside together.

Now, let me be honest: some days I’m ready to call it quits after just one or two laps. I’ll look at her and say, “You tired yet?” And without missing a beat, she smiles and says, “No, I can go one more time.” That right there is medicine for my soul.

As a servant leader in healthcare and the visionary behind SheThoro, I pour into others daily. But these walks remind me that joy is not found in the big stages or spotlight—it’s found in the simple laps we take with the people we love. My mom’s resilience fuels me. She motivates me to keep going, even when life whispers that I should stop.

Since 2018, I’ve been creating transformation shoots to help others see themselves in their truest light. To now witness my mom, full of energy and glow, walking beside me—it feels like a transformation of its own. She doesn’t just walk laps; she walks hope into me.

At the end of the day, that’s what SheThoro is all about: celebrating resilience, embracing beauty within, and finding light in the moments that matter most.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Latoya N. Heyward, a Human Resources Manager in healthcare by profession and the founder of SheThoro, a brand dedicated to transformation, healing, and celebrating beauty from within.

What makes SheThoro unique is how it blends professional expertise with personal passion—I’m also a certified peer specialist, burn advocate, and mental health first aider. Inspired by my daughter, Caliyah—known as PrettyThoro and a courageous burn survivor—we created ShePretty, an affirmation candle line reminding others that they are worthy, loved, unstoppable, and THORO. At the heart of everything I do, whether in HR, advocacy, or transformation, is a commitment to helping people see their light, own their story, and keep going one more time.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
So many of my family members have always known me deeply, but my late brother, Nasim “Live” Al Hakim, saw me clearly before I could see myself. He spoke life into me—in my business, in my relationships, and in my growth as a woman and leader. Even when I wanted to give up, he kept me grounded and determined. Just two days before his passing, on his way to a conference, he told me: “Always show up as your authentic self.”

Nasim was more than a brother; he was a leader who challenged me to regulate my emotions, listen first, and embrace the beauty of different perspectives. His words still fuel me today, reminding me that our differences make us uniquely special. His voice continues to echo in everything I do—professionally and personally—and that’s a gift I’ll carry forever.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
When my daughter, Caliyah, was just 4 years old, she survived a burn accident that completely shifted our lives. I quit my job, became a full-time entrepreneur, and stepped into the role of caretaker while navigating an entirely new norm.
Suffering taught me what success never could: that strength is not about titles or achievements—it’s about resilience, love, and the ability to rebuild when everything feels broken. It showed me that purpose is born in the fire, and that the greatest victories often come from the places of our deepest pain.

That’s why Caliyah and I created ShePretty, our mother–daughter affirmation candle line. Every candle is a reminder: you’re THORO, you’re unstoppable, you’re worthy, you’re loved. ShePretty was born out of our story, but it’s not just for us—it’s for every person who needs hope and light in their darkest moments.

Our mission is simple: to light up every household and inspire people to keep going. Because no matter what you’ve been through, your glow is unstoppable.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The belief I am most committed to—no matter how long it takes—is the power of continuous transformation. Through SheThoro, I’ve learned that true change begins within, and I hold myself accountable to keep doing the inner work so I can show up whole, healed, and authentic for others.

I am deeply committed to serving people in a way that inspires them to keep their light burning, to not let their dreams die, and to see themselves as worthy of more. Whether it’s through HR leadership, ShePretty candles with my daughter, or transformation experiences, my mission is the same: to uplift, to ignite hope, and to remind people that they are THORO—resilient, unstoppable, and loved.

This isn’t a short-term project; it’s a lifelong calling. And I’ll keep showing up, no matter how long it takes, until more people believe in the beauty and power within themselves.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, role, and possessions, what would remain is the THORO imprint I’ve left on people’s lives. Not the titles, not the things—but the healing, the light, and the way I made others feel seen, worthy, and unstoppable.

Because being THORO means pouring into others while they’re here, giving them their flowers in real time. That’s the legacy I want to leave behind—one of love, resilience, and transformation that keeps blooming long after I’m gone.

Contact Info:

• Other: ShePretty Candles Website: prettythoro.com

Image Credits
Creative Director: Latoya @SheThoro
Photo Credit: Raven @newmoonvisuals JazzyJae Creations Photography
Rhayna C Photography @rhaynacphotography
Byron Davis
Cinematography Director: Khadijah
@conquerormovement
Make- Up: @enhancedbylai
@makeupbyimonie