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

Hi Latasha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I always love a question like this! My thought process was actually quite simple in nature but also complex in action- let me explain. The CORE reason I started was to help people like me, who look like me, who are from where I’m from- having a life of NO’s, struggles, and being told of what you CAN’T do- instead of what you CAN DO! My way of giving back was to help women be in rooms where they thought they couldn’t be in ( it wasn’t just the door closed- it wasn’t available for them to enter). I wanted to help people elevate your career value and brand based on them not what anyone else may think and how to use a unique blend of education and life to pivot your career life forward! I did it because someone in life said they expected no less than for me to pave the way, I didn’t know what that “way” was at first! But the complex part was that in order to help others, I had to lift myself up in my career! It took long moments of clarity, dealing with imposter syndrome, a moment that I knew I could do more, and the 1,000th person to say I couldn’t to jump-start my transition into career coaching! I spent time getting better at the things that would potentially hold me back and understanding the mechanics of HR and business, I took more chances on me, and when I learned a little, I shared a little more to others along the way! I built up confidence and let the No’s fuel my passion instead. Once I made it I taught others not only how to but how to empower others to as well. See that’s the thing, starting your own business is more about you and your personal passion. It is that drive that will help you get started and stay in when things seem “slow” or not going in your favor! It is your story, your imperfectly perfect story, and strengths that will help you start a business- but only if you allow it. If you are wondering if now is your time, let me tell you it IS! Stop wondering and start doing, imagine helping that ONE person like you and then two, and the vision will continue to unfold for you! Never forget that your story lead you here and not polish it based on what you think is acceptable or NOT. Remember earlier, I said someone told me that I would PAVE the way..hopefully I can be the same for you! Latasha Williams, CEO – The Modern Millennial

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is called the Modern Millennial Career Coaching and I help people create career strategies, uncover their career value, and move from career doubt to career- YES! What sets me apart is I focused on coaching all generations on the Millennial mindset and how to use that no matter what generation you are in. It’s really about leveraging the mindset of any “new” generation and harnessing that power in your own career in order to future-proof it! I am most proud of helping over 50+ clients within the last yeat achieve over $500,000K in salary increases collectively! More importantly, I am most proud of helping people see their career value within themselves that they didn’t realize they had and visually seeing them gain more and more confidence. I have been able to get to this point in my business, to be able to talk to you, through my CORE reason for starting it as a non-profit. The CORE reason I started was to help people like me, who look like me, who are from where I’m from- having a life of NO’s, struggles, and being told of what you CAN’T do- instead of what you CAN DO! My way of giving back was to help women be in rooms where they thought they couldn’t be in ( it wasn’t just the door closed- it wasn’t available for them to enter). I wanted to help people elevate your career value and brand based on them not what anyone else may think and how to use a unique blend of education and life to pivot your career life forward! I did it because someone in life said they expected no less than for me to pave the way, I didn’t know what that “way” was at first! That journey has not been easy, but I believe that is exactly what makes me a great coach because I’ve “lived and still living through” the struggles job seekers encounter especially being the youngest in the room. This is what I want readers to take away from my brand story. Lessons Learned along the way; – Never give up on your CORE reason for doing what you do! There will be many times you will question it. – Start by envisioning the one person you will help and keep helping that “one person”. – Don’t try to change your message based on what others think! – You do have what it takes and you will do what it takes! – And the most important- pour back love and admiration into yourself. As a business owner it quickly starts to become about others and you forget until you are burnt out. Try not to let that happen.

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?
At the moment, my house because we are still under quarantine. But if we weren’t it would easily be a tour of the city the historical landmarks and great food locations.

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 credit my start to my mother Tanya, grandmother D’onna, and the man who raised me, Raymone, without the lessons from them that they didn’t know they were giving (because to them it was just “living”)- I wouldn’t be where I would be today with the drive I have to make a way for myself and people- no matter what the opposition.

Website: www.modernmillennial.org
Instagram: themodernmillennialcareers
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/latasha-williams