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

Hi Latoya, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
The most important thing I have done as a parent is not to only tell my children that they are loved but I have shown them that they are loved. I was a teen mom and wasn’t ready but I didn’t allow anything to stop me from doing what was best for my child. I waited 10 years to have another child because I didn’t want to be a single parent to multiple children knowing how hard is was with one. I haven’t had this 5-star life for my children, in the eyes of the world, but my children definitely make me feel like 5 stars all the time. If my children take nothing else from me but how to LOVE, I am happy with that.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
One thing that I feel set me apart from other events planners is that I try to work within anyone’s budget. I have very affordable packages for any occasion. I also like to personalize each event to cater to the personality of my clients. I started doing small events for family and friends, then went to doing events for my full-time job. Event planning has always been a side hustle for me. After being in a car accident in 2020, my life changed. I have always wanted to do events full time but financially felt like I wouldn’t make it. My husband told me to go for it. Knowing that I wasn’t physically able to do everything that was required, I gathered up my team and told them what I wanted to do. They have supported me 100% and from there I was in business. I love it when my client shed tears because I AM THE QUEEN OF HAPPY TEARS!!! In my business, making people happy, makes me happy. A simple smile on someone’s face is everything to me.

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?
First, I would like to give credit to the most high, Our Father, himself. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). WITHOUT HIM I CAN DO NOTHING. My husband, Brandon, for supporting this big step in our lives. My family for pushing me and giving me a chance, especially my uncle and auntie, Emmanuel and Shanetola Flagler. My Pinky Promise team (Angela, Marquita, Kiona, Dawn, Gloria, Janiah, Bre’Ashia) for being amazing!!! This is a team that Shows up and Shows out for everything I do with my business. Jennifer Gibbons for being my mentor and helping me and showing me the way. Shayla Castor, thank you for recommending me to Shoutout Atlanta.

Website: PinkyPromiseEandD.com

Instagram: Pinky_Promise_EandD

Facebook: Pinky Promise Events and Designs

Image Credits
Coby Banks Angela Harris Bre’Ashia Lester

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