We were lucky to catch up with LaTanya Foreman recently and have shared our conversation below.
LaTanya, so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?
Several years ago, my eldest son began facing significant challenges with his mental health. His situation took a drastic turn for the worse when he ceased medical treatment and sought alternative coping mechanisms. What began with marijuana use eventually escalated to harder substances, leading him to find solace on the streets.
He frequently cycled through hospitals, mental health facilities, and jail. As time passed, both his injuries and legal troubles intensified. When Covid-19 struck the United States, I found myself grappling not only with the pandemic but also fighting for my firstborn’s life. On one hand, I witnessed the tragic loss of loved ones, including my grandmother and brother, alongside numerous neighbors in the small town where I grew up. On the other hand, my son endured being stabbed, shot, and beaten within a short span of time.
As life continued to throw grenades, I was compelled to pick up the pieces while taking on the role of my son’s primary caregiver. After he received a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, the weight of stress from his struggles began to impact my health and mental well-being.
The reality of being a mother is that, despite the hardships faced in connection with your children, there remains an endless capacity to love them as if they were newly born. Tragically, we lost him to his battle with drugs on June 11, 2023, at the age of 28. Yet, my love for him instilled in me a sense of resilience. I learned to navigate the storms during his manic episodes, prioritizing his peace over conflict. At one point, my husband expressed a wish to possess the same level of patience and calmness that I exhibited. With utmost confidence, I responded, “I earned it,” as this tranquility came at a significant cost.
In essence, love has shaped me to empathize with others’ struggles, particularly regarding mental health.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My Journey to Entrepreneurship and Beyond
Historically, my career path has been shaped by my experiences in Human Resources, Corporate Training, and Career Counseling. However, I have always felt a strong pull towards entrepreneurship. Fear of the unknown kept me anchored to the security of traditional jobs. Ultimately, though, I could no longer ignore my calling. After thirteen years of working for others, I found the courage to take the leap into entrepreneurship.
Velvet J’s Sweets & Things
Together with my husband, Reginald, I co-own Velvet J’s, a bakery now located in the Fort Worth, TX area. Although we are still in the early stages, it has always been my dream to expand to multiple locations. Our menu features a variety of classic dessert treats, each with a sophisticated twist. Our goal is to create moments where families and communities can savor our baked goods while enjoying fellowship with one another.
A Passion for Writing
In addition to my culinary ventures, I am also a published author and poet. I have written two books and co-authored a faith-based curriculum for both adults and youth. For years, I defined myself solely through my journey as a single mother, which consumed me to the point of neglecting my own identity. As my sons transitioned into adulthood, I found myself on a quest for self-discovery. I later married a wonderful man who encouraged me to explore my true self, allowing me to align my life with the path that God intended for me.
Supporting Others
Together, we are not only ministry leaders but also help others navigate difficult life events and discover their purpose, even in the face of tragedy. There is always a purpose in your pain.
Looking Ahead
We are thrilled about what the future holds as we settle into our new home in Texas. We will be participating in the upcoming March of Dimes Chef Auction in Dallas, TX, on October 9, 2025, where we will showcase our desserts. Additionally, for those seeking open conversations centered around God and personal growth, we invite you to join our monthly Facebook Live events titled “Real Talk with the Foremans.”
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The Three Most Impactful Lessons from My Journey
The three key lessons that significantly shaped my journey revolve around understanding that no one will come to rescue me from the challenges I faced. If I wanted to experience healing, joy, or peace, it had to occur while I was in the fire. This realization prompted me to make a conscious choice to confront difficult situations rather than avoid, deny, or suppress them.
-Avoiding challenges doesn’t eliminate them.
-Denying your pain won’t stop the wound from existing.
-Suppressing emotions only makes them grow stronger, eventually leading to an explosion or implosion.
Beneath every title—be it wife, mother, daughter, sister, or friend—lies an individual waiting to be discovered. To truly serve in these roles, I must first understand, love, and accept who LaTanya is. Only then can I give to others from a place of abundance rather than an empty cup.
Lastly, and most importantly, God is the foundation of it all. True healing and self-understanding cannot be achieved without a relationship with the Creator. Anything else is merely superficial healing.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
My Primary Challenge: Letting Go
My greatest challenge at this moment is learning to let go. Since the loss of my son two years ago, everything that has occurred feels like compounded interest—events unfolding one after another. Not only did I grapple with the emotional weight of his passing, but I also faced a decline in my health and financial stability. I felt powerless to stop life from spiraling out of control. However, I realized I had a crucial choice to make at any moment: Did I want to embrace freedom? Did I desire peace, or would I choose to cling to the emotional baggage tied to each experience?
Letting go demands both courage and strength. It requires you to forfeit your right to feel a certain way or to harbor anger. Clinging to these emotions will not alter the situation; instead, it will keep you captive. The first step in this journey was acknowledging my feelings. I decided to seek guidance and support from spiritual leaders and counselors to hold myself accountable for my healing process. Additionally, discovering a community where I could be authentic without the pressure to pretend everything was fine has profoundly impacted my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.LaTanyaForeman.com
- Instagram: @LaTanyaRForeman
- Facebook: @LaTanyaRForeman
