Meet Letia Wyatt: Author and Higher Education Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Letia Wyatt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Letia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting The Coco Student and becoming an author was that I finally wanted to take a risk and believe in myself. Oftentimes, I can hold my talents and gifts back, but I believe that God was telling me to trust Him during this time and take the leap. I started writing the Carlie Rae and Crew Series in 2015 and released it in 2020. I was holding back from fear of the unknown, but I realized that every day is unknown and not promised, so why not go for it. My doctoral journey has played a role in cultivating that confidence that was hidden. This has given me the push and drive that I needed to tackle any endeavor.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a self-published children’s book author. The Coco Student is a place that allows me to express myself creatively and also share with others the never-ending journey of education. Creatively, my books are unique and set me apart from others because they are created to represent all the little children in the world. The main character is a little black child who is inquisitive and friendly. She loves her life and wants to share it with others. She believes in diversity and the power of friendship. As the series opens up, I want people to see themselves and their children in the characters.

Professionally, it has been a freeing struggle, if that makes sense. I am continuously learning how to navigate the social media world and also sales and marketing. I am appreciative that I get to learn new things and grow creatively as a professional businesswoman. As they say, “the struggle is real,” but the reward is so much sweeter. Seeing children and their parents enjoy my books brings me great joy. Consulting with others who want to give knowledge and joy to others through written words and pictures has been enlightening.

I have learned to always believe in myself, utilize my connections and resources, and continue to write for the little girl I once was. I want the world to know that I am not stopping, so look out because The Coco Student is coming in full force!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The top three cultural places I would take them would be the Botanical Gardens, The Black Hair Experience: Pop-Up Art Exhibit, and Stone Mountain.

I love anything outside and dealing with nature. The Botanical Gardens and Stone Mountain are beautiful depictions of nature, and you can also get some good exercise too!

As far as food, I love Susie’s Tacos on Cascade and Del Frisco’s. Sure they are not the overly flashy places that Atlanta may be known for, but I love good food, and those two places never steer me wrong. If we are feeling adventurous, the Slutty Vegan is the place to go! I’ve actually never been due to the line, but if my bestie is with me, then the wait won’t seem as long.

Punchbowl Social at The Battery is always a good source of drinks and fun for me. A nice pub atmosphere with games. Speaking of The Battery, that’s another area that I can count on for great drinks and fun, no matter where we go!

Overall, The Beltline for walking, any lounge, or cultural exhibit is my source of fun and excitement. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my Shoutout to my family. They have always been the driving force behind what I do and who I am. Being the youngest of four, I’ve always felt seen and appreciated. Even when I would do crazy things like getting a tattoo at 18, my Dad asked why didn’t I get in bigger! My mom always encouraged us to speak properly and spell our words correctly. That is what sparked my creative writing juices with poetry and short stories. It’s the hustle in my family that created the entrepreneurial spirit in me. I am forever grateful for them.

Instagram: @thecocostudent

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/letiawyatt/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecocostudent

Image Credits
Ashley Goodloe Sabrena E. of Images You Can Hold Photography F. Buffington of The Buffington Effect