Latashia Holmes sets an example to model for all women who have dealt with adversity. She wrote her first self published novel while incarcerated in prison and was determined to change her way of thinking to reflect her way of living and become the woman people aspired to be. She accepted her mistakes and used them to drive her to write a successful book and continues to encourage women to reach their goals without giving up hope. She truly loves and admire women who believe that there is a light at the end of the tunnel – especially during the darkest times.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I started my own publishing company to self publish my first book “Made U Look” because traditional publishing is extremely hard to get and takes a long time to produce your book.
Tell us about your business.
I own a self publishing company named, So Inspired Publishing, that I manage with my business partner and editor, Teera Johnson.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
My first self published book “Made U Look” debut was in June 2017 and it has been getting some great reviews!
Where is your business based?
My business is based out of San Francisco California and New York.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I started my company with just a couple hundred dollars that I put towards copyrights and obtaining a business license. At the time I was already ready to release my book, but needed to take a few steps back in order to allot some money for marketing, book covers and editing. This is often the part that people tend to forget about and the costs can sneak up on you!
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
I rely on social media to obtain new clients and word of mouth. If you have a great book, people are going to talk about it.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
My biggest challenge is marketing effectively to the right audience. It’s hard to reach a large audience without networking. I follow up on all networking leads to introduce myself as an author with a self published book that’s newly released.
How did you overcome these challenges?
To stay motivated you have to remember why you started in the first place. I wrote “Made U Look” while incarcerated in prison almost 10 years ago and I told myself then that I was going to write a bestselling book that would help change lives and become a motivational speaker with a large platform. I knew I had to first start with the change within myself and I did and I’m still striving to reach my goal.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I believe that there is no competition, there’s room for everyone. Everyone has a turn to shine, hopefully it will be my turn soon.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
The best advice I’ve received is to always stay prayerful no matter what the situation looks like.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Always believe in yourself first and foremost and trust God through the process.
What are your favorite business tools/resources and why?
My favorite business tool is Google – you can’t go wrong when you Google.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
I just re-read “True To The Game” – it was the book that inspired me to become an author. It’s the absolute best urban fiction book ever – hands down!
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I’m learning that self publishing is just that you must do everything yourself – no hand outs or short cuts. All you, determination and perseverance.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My goals are so big I believe I’ll be a household name because of my writing ability. I believe that life gives you what you desire if you believe you deserve it. If you trust the process, the blessings are endless.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @latashia_holmes, @soinspiredpublishingco
Facebook www.facebook.com/Latashiaholmes
Website soinspiredpublishingco.com
Email soinspiredpublishing@mail.com