Today we’d like to introduce you to LaToya Stewart.
Hi LaToya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is LaToya Stewart and I’m originally from Montgomery, AL. I’m a full time mother, employee and entrepreneur. I love to shop, travel, go out to eat and spend time with my family and friends.
I launched The Bella Noire Store on July 31, 2021, after my significant other encouraged me to embark upon this journey. Like many people, I was buying a lot of things online during COVID; so much so, I had began developing relationships with the mail carriers. One night, he said to me, you should open up your own boutique. You love to shop, you have an eye for fashion and people are always asking you about the things you wear. I immediately refuted his offer and said, no, I don’t want to sell cheap clothes. He said you don’t have to. Over the next several days, I prayed about the idea and asked God to give me a clear vision. I knew I had to act swiftly, if I was going to do it, because procrastination would set in if it took too much time. Over the next week, I began researching and praying and sometime during mid-July, God had given me a name for my boutique and a clear vision. I told my boyfriend that I was going to take him up on his idea. He asked me what was my boutique name going to me and I said Bella Noire! He said, I like that. I began ordering merchandise, promoting my business and working on my website. It took me 2 weeks from idea to launch day to execute my vision.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, I have experienced great success fairly quickly. My greatest obstacle has been balancing family, my career and entrepreneurship while maintaining boundaries and making time for self-care. I’ve learned that I too need help and it’s okay not to be okay sometimes. I strive to relax and have quiet time.
My family, friends and coworkers have been super supportive and I can’t thank them enough for that. So many times, people complain about the lack of support within their circle, but that’s not the case for me. It’s the exact opposite and I am filled with gratitude for their support.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Labor Relations Officer for the Federal Government. Much of my day-to-day consists of working with managers and supervisors regarding the conduct and performance of employees. I also negotiate changes in working conditions with the union. Much of my career involved conflict resolution and working with managers to devise workable solutions. I truly love my career and it honestly brings me great joy to help managers solve problems as well as recognize their key performers.
How do you define success?
Success is defined by the overall impact you have on others. How you make them feel. Many define success based on how much money you make, what kind of car you drive, where you live. None of that matters if you don’t make a meaningful impact on others. To be in a position to help others and give back.
Contact Info:
- Email: sales@thebellanoirestore.com
- Website: thebellanoirestore.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/bellanoirestore
- Facebook: Facebook.com/bellanoirestore
- Twitter: Twitter.com/bellanoirestore
Image Credits:
Calvin Howard of MGimages
