Meet LaShai Howard | Boutique Owner, Stylist & Life Coach

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

Hi LaShai, what do you want people to remember about you?
When I think about my legacy, I want to leave a legacy of fighters and over-comers. We don’t always determine the problems that happen to us, but we do determine our response. I want to leave a legacy of those who don’t give up. It can be like they are in the boxing ring where it seems like they are going to loose, but come 12th round it’s a knock out! That’s the kind of people I want to encourage and motivate to keep going. I want people to remember me as the one who has always been a fighter. Sometimes life may have me with my back up against the wall, but I always come out swinging and winning.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Rugged Chic is my new baby. We are a clothing boutique which offers a style service, however we are a brand that represents those who have overcome or are overcoming struggles. We want people to “Glow through the Struggle” because we believe that you do not have to look like what you’re going through or what you have been through. Our brand speaks to the individual who may be rough around the edges due to life’s obstacles, but can still pull themselves together and show up looking their best when it’s time. We are set apart from others because we not only want to be known for selling amazing clothing, but we want to highlight individuals who have overcome life’s hardships as a part of our brand. What makes Our Clothing different than what’s currently on the market is our pieces can be worn with versatility. We believe we can maintain a competitive edge because we present the best of both worlds. Our clothing can be worn with a casual or slightly dressy shoe when our community is handling business, yet can also be worn with sneakers when switching up the game to hit the streets. As the Owner of Rugged Chic, I have decided to be the first face and ambassador for the brand to speak to people like myself. After no longer being able to wear heels due to a rare disorder and disability, I had to create a company that would allow me to find pieces that would represent people like me; those who still wanted to look classy, but had to wear flats and kicks most of the time.

I am most proud and excited about the recent soft launch of this business. I have been saying I wanted a clothing store for as long as I can remember. I have styled others and dabbled in fashion for many years as well. However, I have always allowed my disability or other obstacles in life to get in the way and cause fear of taking the leap. I finally got to the point of launching this business by helping my husband start our family business and gaining experience. I also spent time studying many people in the industry, and relying on people who have been doing it longer than me. I must say, having a business coach is necessary. This has not been an easy process because I have poured funds into research, products, and spent many sleepless nights trying to figure out what comes next. The way I overcome these challenges is focusing on my why, and relying on wise counsel. Even when I am tired or want to quit I have to remember my 5 boys need me to be successful. I have to think of how many lives can be changed just by hearing my story as a part of the Rugged Chic brand or from me as Life Coach LaShai Howard. Also, when I say wise counsel, I mean people who are successful in the industry and those who have had failures as well. I overcome obstacles with lots of prayer and speaking to other believers also.

This part of my journey is new territory for me, but the lessons I have learned in my former career up until this point are never to do anything just for the money, make sure to invest some of your money, have several streams of income, and always carve out time for yourself. My favorite one of those is the first one and I say this because people can burn you out and you will never be paid your worth. However, as long as you know you are called to this purpose or career to make a difference, you will feel successful at any pay grade. That is something that cannot be taken from you.

When it comes to me and my personal brand, I want people to know that they can overcome things like I have. Back in 2002, I was the first reported African American case of a rare disorder called Erythromelalgia aka Mitchell’s Disease and there were so many odds against me. With my faith in God, determination, and the love and support of my family, I beat them. I was told I may never have children, yet I am a mom of 5. I was never expected to hold a job long term due to constant pain crisis, yet I am a business owner. I lost my mind due to a benign tumor affecting my brain in 2017 and thought I would never recover, yet I am sane today. I may have to walk with a leg and foot brace due to limited mobility in my left leg and foot, but I’m still going to walk with my head high as I soar higher. When it comes to the Rugged Chic brand I want the world to know that it’s okay if life has been a little rugged, you can still show up and be Rugged Chic. They can still beat the odds and come out glowing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would first take them to the Atlanta Belt Line to get a little mini tour of the city. We could ride the transit system or take a bike tour. I would have to take them to the Georgia Aquarium, which I still haven’t been to myself. Another stop would be the World of Coca-Cola to taste all of the different flavors of Coke. That would be fun because that is something I haven’t done since I was a kid. Catching a show at the Fox Theater would be nice; or even catching a concert at Centennial Park would be fun. Some of the places I would have to eat are, The Vortex, Fox Brother’s BBQ, Mary Macs, Slutty Vegan, and Sgt. Wyatts. For a more upscale dinner we would go to Rays in the City, Cuts Steakhouse, STK Steakhouse, or maybe Spondivits, I am not really a drinker so I don’t know of a place to have the best drinks. Some of my associates go to the Daiquiri Bar, and Sky Lounge.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank God first for my success. With God, my prayer life, and hard work I have been able to see the manifestation of almost everything I have ever wanted in life. I would like to thank my loving parents, John and Lisa Lucas, my husband Mekal Howard, and My Siblings, Lock, Tray, Telena, and Jacoby (deceased) for being my rock. They have all been by my side through the most trying times in my life. I would like to thank my Support System which includes my in-laws, my kids God Parents (who are all my closest friends), My kid’s bonus Grandparents, and a host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, other family members and friends. I would like to thank my business coaches, Tanesha “Coach T” Reed and Ashely McMillian who have poured so much into me over the last year. I would like to thank Ladies in Formation (organization) and their Women Build Program who motivated me to get a jump start. Atlanta Tech Villages Start it Up GA program, and Operation Hope’s Entrepreneur’s Program.

Website: www.beruggedchic.com

Instagram: @beruggedchic and @iamlashai.howard

Facebook: Rugged Chic @beruggedchic and LaShai Howard

Image Credits
Photo Credits Mekal Howard