HBB Star – Latoya Whitfield

We got to connect with another rising star in our Huntsville community and today we had the opportunity to connect with Latoya Whitfield of A Queenpreneur’s Plan. Check out our conversation below:

Latoya, please tell us a little about you. Where you are from, what’s your upbringing?

I am from a small town called Coffeeville, MS. The population is fairly small and when I was a kid it was roughly 1000 people. I lived with my grandparents, mom, and brother in a small 3-bedroom home. We lived in poverty, but I always knew I was loved, especially by my mother. I grew up with my older brother who was a wonderful artist and extremely smart. Unconsciously, I was always compared to him and like most kids we would find someone to look up to.

The more I would try to draw like my brother, I found that I loved to design clothes, specifically prom dresses. I planned to go to college for fashion design, but I was later told that it was too broad. I took that advice and tried to find something else that made “more sense.” I said why not be a veterinarian, I loved animals. Or a teacher, grandma always said I was good at that. And one day I heard a motivational speaker at my school, and he inspired me and so did my aunt. I knew that had to be out of the question because I was very shy.

I knew I was nice and loved to give. I knew I could sell candy or anything for that matter. I knew I loved to teach people how to do a new task at my high school job. YET, still, I was so confused and did not know my purpose or what was my reason for existence. It was a feeling, an indescribable feeling, it was the unknown, it was nothing that no one ever spoke of—–5 years later after graduating from grad school I would find out that that feeling was purpose, not the college degree that everyone spoke of so highly.

Now, I am living in my purpose with 3 beautiful children and my wonderful husband. These lessons that I have learned, are the very reason that our children will get to experience the true meaning of purpose.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I love community and helping people become the best version of themselves. For as long as I can remember, I always enjoyed training and empowering others. I would also give my resources, whether it was monetary, information, or time. What started off as simply giving back, blossomed into a beautiful business. Thankfully, I am still able to still incorporate these things.

What is unique about your business? Tell us a bit more.

A Queenpreneur’s Plan is a faith-based community focused on purpose, mindset, and networking to grow your business. Our vision is to help black women become the best version of themselves through purpose. We teach Kingdom principles to help women overcome fears from a biblical perspective. This organization creates a space where like-minded individuals could come together through strong collaboration and networking to grow their businesses. We understand that black women may have many challenges from the business world denying them of resources, but we teach them to have an unlimited mindset and not decrease to societies’ barriers.

Our services include our Queenpreneur Ambassador Program, HBCU Queenpreneur Program, Dare to Dream Awards, Queenpreneur workshops/speaking engagements, and Business coaching for service providers.

What have been your biggest challenges, and how have you overcome them?

I would have to say my biggest challenge has been staying consistent during adversity. I previously had businesses that lasted no longer than 6 months. When things got tough, I would hang up the towel. At the start of this business, I simply asked God one thing and that was how do I not give up when life gets tough? Instead of telling me, He tested me. Many things occurred in my life between 2020-2021. One was the diagnosis of cancer with my mother. I made a decision–am I going to fight or flight. I chose to fight and focus on my health and wellness, my spirituality, and my overall dedication to self-development. I knew if I did not take care of these things, I would lose myself, my family, and my business. As I did this, my faith increased and I became unstoppable. I became influential on social media and was featured on multiple streams including WAFF48, FOX54, Voyage ATL, and so many others. Needless to say, my business is still thriving and more importantly, my mother is cancer FREE!

If you could speak to your younger self, just starting out, what advice would you give him/her?

Whatever you do, keep your tunnel vision because you will be amazing. Becoming the best version of you will attract genuine people that want to see you succeed. Now your journey won’t be easy, and it will take you a while to find your purpose, but it’s necessary. You know why? You will be teaching others how to find theirs. You will be one of the most influential and impactful women in Huntsville, AL. You will have an organization that brings unity and solves every problem that you have faced. The key is that you must remain consistent and NEVER give up. If you do, you will have to start back over, now who wants to do that? So put on your gear, we got work to do. Oh, by the way, you will be so confident and known as Coach Latoya Whitfield to the world.

What’s your dream/the end game?

My dream is to ensure that every single person under my leadership and influence is operating in their God-given purpose and becoming the best version of themselves. I want to ensure that black women are thriving and winning together. I want to teach them to not focus on external forces but on internal forces. I want to ensure that everyone starts with purpose in mind. If this happens, the business will fall into place effortlessly.

What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?

All entrepreneurs should keep these four principles in mind:

1. Mindset- If you do not have the willingness to be better, it won’t happen. No one is going to rescue you. You have to literally be tired of being stagnant. Everything is unlimited if you believe it.
2. Attraction- When I learned that I don’t need to chase my clients, I attracted the right clients that didn’t burn me out. Don’t accept every customer that wants to pay you. If they don’t align with your purpose or they are not willing to adhere to your policies and procedures, this is not a loss.
3. Purpose- Make sure that you know your WHY. If you start a business only for money and not impact, ultimately you will still not be satisfied. I have done extensive research on some of the wealthiest people in the world, and money is not the #1 driving force. Money mindset is much bigger than money because it is simply a tool. Even when you fail, your purpose will give you a reason to keep going, not money. If you made $1000 before, you can do it again.
4. Stewardship- Be a great steward over your gifts, finances, and relationships. You reap what you sow is not cliché, it is a principal. Delayed gratification will ensure that your motives are pure. I can truly say, my strong relationships and network came from giving unselfishly and when it was my turn to shine, the light could not be dimmed, and neither will yours.

And that’s a wrap on another amazing interview with another of the amazing small business owners here in Huntsville, AL. Thank you for taking the time to chat with us!

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