Meet LaToya Randle | Pretty Girls Pound the Rock–CEO/Owner

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

Hi LaToya, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
All my life I have participated in ladies’ basketball somehow, someway. Whether I was starting on an undefeated All-boys team in Middle School, playing in front of a packed high school crowd, or competing in front of a sold out arena at Wichita State University; BASKETBALL has always been a part of my life. After competing in college I went on to coach high school basketball and in April of 2012, my dreams came true–I was given the opportunity to coach at the collegiate level. I could not believe it and I was looking forward to the challenge.

In June 2012, I was distraught, I had to resign!!! My youngest son had become terminally ill. He was an active 5 year, who now had the motor skills of a 9 month old baby. He could not walk, he could not hold his neck up, and we had no answers. Our family was devastated.

After several months of living in the unknown, on September 16, 2012, my son, Julian Randle was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM). At the time Wichita, KS lacked pediatric specialists and resources, so we spent many days at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO. Needless to say, the struggle was real. Sleeping upright in hospital chairs, listening to beeping machines, traveling up and down the highways, and frustration mounting due to the pile of medical expenses, and a $50,000 loss of income due to my husband’s lay-off and my newfound role as my son’s caretaker.

Although prayer does change things, sometimes we need a human touch. Someone to remind us we are not alone and to keep pedaling. During one of my son’s physical therapy sessions he struggled to do two push-up. As tears stream down my face, (the disease had caused muscle deterioration) he waddled over and told me “Mom I only did 2 today but tomorrow I will do 5!” A five year taught me a valuable lesson. I have GRIND it out. WIN the day and REPEAT the process. GRIND.WIN.REPEAT.

My child inspired me to create Pretty Girls Pound the Rock. It’s not just a business but a necessity for our family. Being an Entrepeneur has allowed me the opportunity to do what I have been called to do (empowering, inspiring and uplifting young ladies’) and still be a great mom to my two sons.

What should our readers know about your business?
We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about.

Pretty Girls Pound the Rock is a lifestyle brand cultivated to uplift and inspire female athlete ages 5-18. Our brand will teach, engage, and advance the sport of women’s basketball.

Simply put–We help girl basketball players become elite athletes by empowering their champion within.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise.

As I stated before entrepreneurship was a necessity. It was the only way I could be a great caretaker and fulfill my life’s purpose which is empowering young women.

Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

No it was not easy. It was extremely difficult to get corporate sponsors to invest in “Girls Basketball” In fact,
many times the sponsors would ask if we were going to include the boys or go as far as stating that girls basketball is not as relevant as boys basketball. Therefore resulting in, boys receiving 1.3 million more opportunities to play sports than girls. However, just like its unfair to compare the NBA (a 75 year company) to the WNBA (a 25 year old company); we should not compare youth boys and girls sports either.

For things to improve we must start at the grassroots level (youth basketball) and continue to build. We must allow girls sports to mature at a realistic rate by making sure we are working to provide just as many opportunities.

Despite the unfavorable circumstances for young ladies we, at Pretty Girls PTR want girls to understand, they too possess greatness inside.  So we have created a PGPTR apparel line to raise funding for GIRLS’ events, clinics, and camps, and life skills development training.

For every $100 in sales, we invest $25 in a girls’ sporting event or team.  By investing in girls’ sporting events and teams Pretty Girls PTR is making a bold statement: GIRLS ARE WORTH IT!

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way.

GRIND.WIN.REPEAT.

Know that any obstacle is temporary. Sometimes obstacles may require you to pause, pivot, or press through but whatever you do DON’T QUIT! Pain is rooted in purpose and its just weakness leaving the body whether it’s physical, mental or spiritual. If you have to cry your way through it just keep going–there is a blessing on the other side.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

“If you invest in a girl, you invest in a nation because women naturally take care of us and community!’
_Kevin Okyere (Steve Harvey Talk Show 2019)

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?
We would start our week out by visiting a museum or two. Definitely exploring and visiting historical landmarks. We would then catch a comedy show or concert–maybe both.. We would search for a networking event –why not we are there all week. We would eat at the best restaurants and shopping is a must. If we could squeeze it in we would also spend time at a winery and designating some time to go listen to live music is a must. We prefer a band who loves to play RnB with a Love Jones type of vibe.

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 and foremost I am honored, I am humbled and so grateful to God that I get to do what I love each and every day.

Without my incredible support system I don’t know where would I be.
I must start by thanking, my husband, Melvin–my rock, my sons Jaylen and Julian who are my inspiration. My Grandmother, Annie O. who is the foundation I stand on. My gracious mother, Connie who supports anything I do and I would also like to thank my father Essix for constantly encouraging me.

A special thanks to My Aunt Selma who has taught me how to be a professional in the sports business. To all those who have mentored me and poured into me thank you, thank you, thank you. Especially, my mentors Uncle Curtis and Aunt Chan-Tell.

To my siblings Carlin, Keyleen, Kylie, Caleb, E.J. and Paco I love you immensely. To my sister Arlagra Ann, whom’s life was all about love and laughter we miss you dearly. Rest in peace.

Website: WWW.PRETTYGIRLSPTR.COM/SHOP

Instagram: @prettygirlsptr

Linkedin: LaToya Randle

Twitter: @prettygirlsptr

Facebook: @prettygirlsptr

Image Credits
Films From Within Photography & Levels 316 Photography