We caught up with the brilliant and insightful LaToya Davis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
LaToya, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Living out her passions and dreams, LaToya helped plan special events and milestone celebrations for her family and friends for years before realizing her true gift. Not only did she plan and design the special occasions, but she also curated the vibes and flow of the events with ease and poise.
After much encouragement and persuasion from her husband, family, and friends, LaToya followed her purpose and passion. While the love of event curation and luxurious things, as well as meeting and connecting with people, were important to her, the journey of creating BOX was so much more. She wanted to combine all her loves and passions into something bigger than herself.
She’s learned her why — creating a beautiful space (often a table) for people of color to enjoy authentically – in all of their blackness while coming together to love on one another, have fun, connect and celebrate #theculture.
As the saying goes — if you don’t see it, create it. BOX was founded in 2021 — amid COVID because LaToya did not see what she was looking for in the DMV — more than a day party, more than a brunch and or a turn-up — which was combing all three and making it an upscale Xperience for Blacks to enjoy and feel seen, loved and understood in an authentic way.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Black Opulence Xperience is a brand that celebrates black culture, community, and soul care through curated Xperiences.
THE BOX LIFESTYLE:
Celebration of Culture: BOX exudes fresh and creative ways to celebrate Black Culture while also paying homage to classic culture.
Providing Community & Connectivity: BOX provides a platform for community and connection from dining to networking — socializing and sharing life; we empower like-minded people of color to celebrate our beautiful life.
Living Unapologetically Black: BOX represents the importance of living a full-out lifestyle of soul care, wellness, and appreciation for the culture – incorporating black-owned businesses.
We are fresh off the heels of our flagship event, Rosé in the Garden that took place set amidst the picturesque Brookside Botanical Gardens in Montgomery County, Maryland, on June 29, 2024. We had approximately 75 Black professionals aged 30-55 from the DMV region, NYC, NJ, Upstate NY and GA who attended the event that celebrates our community’s connection to our affinity of the beauty that lies within our outdoor gardens, our local community and our love for wine and spirits, particularly Rosé.
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?
Creating my own path. Often its easy to look to the left & right to see who’s doing what you’re doing and get discouraged because they’re further along than you may be, have greater resources than you and or haven a larger following. Stay the path, stay focused and rise to the occasions, always. Don’t look to the left or right but instead stay focused on what’s ahead.
Network. Having the right people around you to help you grow, want to see you win and will support you is so key. I could not have gotten to where I am if it weren’t for my network. Don’t be afraid to tap into your network! There’s always someone willing to lend a hand.
Stay authentic to who you are. It’s hard enough figuring out entrepreneurship, let alone doing it while trying to be something/someone you’re not. Be yourself and the rest will fall into place.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, we are always looking for other like-minded businesses to come along with us on our journey! We host 1-2 large events per year and are always looking for businesses who want to collaborate with us to help bring the events to life. Whether an in-kind donation (monetary or product based), would like to be included in our gift bags to our guests via products or discount codes, attending an event in person and or purchasing tickets/a table. Those are just a few ways that we can collaborate but there’s plenty more! If you’re interested let’s connect via our website https://www.blackopulencexperience.com/let-s-connect or email: [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blackopulencexperience.com/
- Instagram: @blackopulencexperience
- Facebook: @blackopulencex
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