Today we’d like to introduce you to Montravon Latise.
Hi Montravon, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Let’s see, it’s hard to decide where to begin as so much has played a role in the making of the woman doing this interview today. I started The Montravon LaTise Collection because of my love for all things hair. Little did I know GOD was shaping me to allow it to take on and grow into so much more. I have androgenic alopecia which is a symptom of PCOS, a condition I have had for years. When the hair loss began, I found myself in a place of mixed emotions. My confidence level was shot. As a woman, appearance is one of the many things we value and I didn’t understand how to I was going to get control of the situation and the emotions. I wasn’t in a space to publicly allow others to see my hair. I wasn’t fully comfortable with myself so how could I expect others to be comfortable with it as well. I took the time to learn how to make wig for myself. Once I started making them for myself, my co-worker at the time trusted me with making a wig for her mother and that went really well. When I felt comfortable enough to start making them for my clients in my business, I offered them through my hair company. My wigs are not just limited to those with alopecia or hair loss however, I have made some wonderful connections and lasting relationships with those who can relate with my journey and how it impacts women. Hair loss is a pretty big deal and having to adjust to something new in the time of uncertainty brings on additional burdens. I have become a safe space for those women on their journey with hair loss, be it for alopecia or any other condition that may cause hair loss. I take the time to listen, educate and support them on their journey as I know how it feels to need that from someone who gets it in that moment. This has allowed me to expand my reach with helping women through different channels to include hair loss, life and business, etc. It’s fulfilling as I know The Collection was birthed to align with a segment of my purpose.
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?
I wish I could tell you that this has been a smooth road. Initially, the hardest part was trying to determine how am I going to deal with myself and my emotions to be able to help someone else who is experiencing the same or similar feelings. People (most people that is) know me as the laid-back, “quiet” Latise who generally is in the background, and yet here I am “growing and glowing” today as I like to say. I have battled with imposter syndrome on many occasions and I will sometimes have a quick laugh and say, “God, why are you trusting me so much with this?” I have had to really learn myself and be more trusting of me. The biggest struggle has been realizing that everyone can’t go with you on your journey. The people that you think will be there will often not be and everyone will not understand your vision but if HE placed it inside of you, HE has also equipped you with everything you need to get the job done. I still face opportunities through my journey and I believe that where there is an opportunity/roadblock or a feeling of being uncomfortable is where you have the most room to grow. Somehow I find peace in that and continue on the road.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I specialize in custom machine-sewn wig units for all and primarily for women with hair loss and other medical conditions. I have alopecia so I can relate to those who use wigs in relation to their hair loss journey. I educate, support and help them with rebuilding the confidence that most women lose with hair loss. I teach classes in wig design and construction, how to properly wear the wigs and care for them, as this can be a major adjustment for someone new to wearing wigs and also educate on how some insurance carriers may cover medical wigs. My brand has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with women from all walks of life. This space has allowed me to also branch off into other dynamics of women supporting and showing up for other woman and I’m extremely grateful for it.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I can’t say that luck has played a good or bad role in my life or business. I feel most things are obtained by having a plan and backing it with faith followed by hard work. Faith in myself, giving this thing called life my best and being okay with my best is what will always work for me at the end of each day…
Contact Info:
- Website: www.montravonlatise.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/montravonlatise_
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/montravonlatisecollection
Image Credits
Still Shots Photography Montravon Latise
