Meet LaTashia Perry | Author, Wife, Mom of 6

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

Hi LaTashia, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
As a black woman and a mom of 6 black children, I’ve always wanted to create or be apart of something that would have a lasting positive impact on everyone. When I wrote my first book I was so eager to get my book in children’s hands I was practically giving them away. You see, I didn’t write my books to get rich. I wrote my books to empower and build self esteem in particularly black/brown children but also all children who read them. I quickly realized that in order to build my brand moving forward I had to have profit. I had to believe that what I was offering was worth others investing in it. Once my mindset changed I realized that it was completely possible to make a impact while making a profit.

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?
As a mom of 6, finding books, toys etc that features black children has always been a struggle. 4 Kids Like Mine®️ is a brand I created to empower black and brown children through positive self images. A solution to the struggles I’ve experienced in pass years to find ways for my children to see themselves represented. What started as 1 book grew into 6 books with (French and Spanish translations). We also carry different shade dolls, puzzles with beautiful images of black children on them and t-shirts with messages encouraging a love of reading.

Our Book Mobile definitely sets us apart from other similar brands. I love the fact that I can take our items on the road. Kids and parents love a hands on experience and there’s nothing better than meeting the author of a book you love.

We have definitely had our challenges. Though we’ve had so much positive feedback for creating 4Kids Like Mine it hasn’t been without controversy. I’ve had to deal with a lot of white people who believe I am putting to much emphasis on skin color or they believe I am racist (insert laughter). I try to explain that representation matters and there was such a huge lack of representation for kids that looked like my children. My brand was created with black and brown children in mind however, my books and toys etc are for everyone! We can all benefit from being exposed to things that show other cultures in a positive light.

I’m grateful to have a vastly diverse group of supporters all around the world that share those exact sentiments.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Anywhere in nature is my favorite spot! I love to be around water and trees! My house in covered in plants. Plants make you happier I believe.

But I would definitely take them downtown Flint. We would first visit Applewood for a beautiful nature walk then hit the farmers market for an array of yummy cuisine.

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?
My husband and children definitely deserve all of the credit for my success!

From day one my husband has been my number one supporter. Without his love, support and encouragement I’m not sure if I would have had the courage to release my books or create a book mobile.

My children are my inspiration. In fact Hair Like Mine was written after my oldest daughter experienced a white girl telling her, her natural hair looked “funny”.

Website: www.4kidslikemine.com

Instagram: 4 Kids Like Mine

Facebook: 4 Kids Like Mine

Image Credits
Credit: LaTashia Perry and Virgil Perry