Today we’d like to introduce you to LaToya Yeargans.
Hi LaToya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m LaToya, wife, mom of 3 and a creative at heart. It’s fascinating how life can lead us down unexpected paths. Starting out by simply watching TV and paying attention to ads, and then finding yourself within the advertising industry—it seems like a storyline straight out of a movie! Since I was a child, I watched movies. Crafting a narrative from an initial spark of inspiration has always fueled me creatively. Reflecting on my journey, it feels as though this path was destined for me. Little did I realize then that the realms of television and cinema held promising career paths. Moreover, this journey through advertising and independent filmmaking has afforded me the privilege of collaborating with incredibly talented individuals within the industry. The opportunity to meet and work alongside such passionate professionals has been both inspiring and enriching, further fueling my dedication to storytelling and film production.
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?
It’s been easy to come up with the story ideas, I have a book full. The thought of a smooth road for my industry is a tough sell. When pursuing true passion, obstacles are inevitable. Graduating and thinking with my college degree, I’d have a job in no time, right? Well, not really. One challenge I recall, I encountered was securing employment within a market where individuals who resemble me were scarce. Establishing myself proved to be a daunting task. It’s a part of growing pains, for sure. This also could cause someone to give up as I was close to going back to the bank world. Instead, my family and I made the decision to relocate. This move led to my first freelance opportunity, marking the beginning of my journey towards securing full-time employment. Obstacles will happen, but if the desire is to have what you want out of a career, always go for it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My projects consists of advertising tv and social spots and independent film shorts and features, encompassing both producing and editing. I have garnered recognition for my involvement in character-driven narratives, where the protagonist or voiceover talent navigates toward a desired goal. I like to make sure the audience understands the overall message. I take so much pride in the projects that have presented the greatest challenges, as they not only boast visual excellence but also speak to the obstacles I’ve overcome to bring them to life. What separates me from my peers is my capacity to oversee projects comprehensively, from inception to completion. I have a knack for infusing creative ideas into tasks and navigating problem-solving scenarios. I’m always looking for opportunities to network with others and learn new skills since this industry is always changes. With that, me and my husband, who is also my creative partner, supports indie filmmakers with a variety of projects. I edit and he handles the audio, it’s the perfect combination.
What do you think about happiness?
When your profession aligns with your passion, it feels less like a job and more like fulfilling a journey. Outside of work and passion projects, going on vacation with family and visiting new places. We have a motto in our home: work hard and play even harder. So, when we get the times to just be still or explore on vacation, it makes me smile and feel it’s all worth it. Hopefully, my kids will be inspired to pursue the career and life they envision as well. Having this alignment in my life contributes to my happiness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://latoyayeargans.wixsite.com/mysite
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latoyayears/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latoyamyeargans/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoyayeargans/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/latoyayeargans
Image Credits
Isaiah Williams
Chon WSSU
Todd Davis
