Daily Inspiration: Meet LaTashia Fowler

Today we’d like to introduce you to LaTashia Fowler.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Some years back, I was in a low place in my life and had no real way to express myself. I didn’t let people in much, couldn’t afford a therapist, and the passion that I used to have for writing and music faded out after I lost my dad. I needed an outlet, so I started looking at things that were in the realm of what piqued my interest. I’ve always loved handmade items, and I’ve always been drawn to wood. My family is in Scouts, and one thing that really caught my attention when we started scouting was whittling and wood carving. I am fascinated with the craftsmanship it takes to do that. So, I started looking up wood carving and came across wood burning. I had never heard of this before, but I was impressed with the art that was created on a simple piece of wood. So I tried it! And I LOVED it! My first time burning was the first time—in a long time—that my mind was still and focused. It wasn’t racing a hundred thoughts per minute, and the chaos was calmed. Keeping my hands busy keeps my mind still, and something beautiful—even functional—is created in the process. One of the first pieces I ever created was called Broken Wings. It was a butterfly with pieces of the wing broken off and the quote under it was a line from The Beatles’ Blackbird — “Take these broken wings and learn to fly.” That piece was a reflection of how I was feeling at the moment when I burned it. Wood burning became my creative outlet. What was an expression for me started to be seen as a gift to others. Around this time, I was participating in a business startup class through Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, and the question was, “What is a problem or need that your business can resolve or meet with its product or service?” I thought about it, and the answer was right there…being able to express emotions or intentions. I wasn’t able to express my emotions properly, but the product of my wood burning remedied that. Sometimes, we can’t express ourselves in words alone, but we can express ourselves through the actions we choose to take. Taking the time to pick a thoughtful card for a loved one, finding the right outfit to fit our moods, splash painting to let off steam…all actions taken to express how we feel or our intentions. So, when thinking of what my business would be, this was it. Providing products that can be gifts to express how one feels/thinks about themselves or someone else; the gift of expression. Since starting my business, I have incorporated other methods of burning and have even added different types of wooden products to the lineup, some of which are done by laser. As I continue to grow in my small business, I still practice honing my wood-burning skills, but a lot of my items now are customized and created via laser. I love creating custom orders because it will always be unique and there’s always an endearing story behind it.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey to entrepreneurship has definitely not been smooth. I’ve always known that there would be some challenges, but I wasn’t quite prepared for some of them. One obstacle for me was finding the funding to accomplish things I want to do with my business. My niche is more of the creative art market; art is subjective, therefore, sales will be too. I never meet the revenue requirements for most loans or grants that I have looked into. Every part of my business — from the website, to products, to markets — is completely self-funded. Another obstacle was finding my groove. I was so focused on trying to give people what they wanted and so many had opinions about what they think would make my products better, that it overwhelmed me. “Add color, add felt, add more earth tones, leave it blank, do bigger markets, make bigger pieces, incorporate other types of material,” and so much more. I had to come to the realization that I cannot please everyone and I have to do what feels right for me.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in handcrafted wooden art, jewelry, and gifts. I would say that I’m most proud of the custom pieces that I was commissioned for. I’ve done custom noodle boards, cutting boards, coasters, notebooks, jewelry, and even painting canvases. The thing that sets me apart from others is that all of my products are wooden, and I make things that I feel like people can connect with. When I do markets, most of the time, I’m one of the very few vendors (sometimes the only one) with all wooden products. I have a blog series on my site detailing the types of wood that I use for my products and the properties associated with them (spiritual, medicinal, etc.).

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I’m a member of Gurl 2 Girl Network and the ladies there have been a tremendous resource for me! From the advice about market displays, to creating content, how to engage with customers and audiences, and so much more. Outside of business, we have hangout dates, the walking club (which I really enjoy), book club, and other social events/clubs for members and non-members.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://woodflarecreations.shop/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wood_flare/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Wood-Flare-Creations-LLC-61557423185617/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/woodflarecreationsllc/