Meet Mrs. LaToi Tolen

We recently connected with Mrs. LaToi Tolen and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mrs. LaToi, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

Generosity is the cornerstone of who I am, and it stems from deep roots planted in my upbringing and life experiences. Raised in a family where kindness and giving were not just encouraged but expected, I learned early on that the true measure of a person lies in their ability to uplift others. My parents, Rev. Dr. Bennie Lee and Sophia Griffin, were always involved in community service and instilled in me a sense of responsibility to contribute to the greater good. This foundational belief has influenced every aspect of both my personal and professional life.

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?

2.) I’m thrilled to share a bit about myself with you. My name is Mrs. LaToi L Tolen and my journey has been a fulfilling blend of personal growth and professional dedication. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been passionate about entrepreneurship. This passion led me to pursue a business with my husband. Our first restaurant grand opened, July 2019 and our second restaurant opening January 2022. Every day, I wake up excited to make a difference, whether it’s through community service, being a wife, mother and grandmother, I simply enjoy serving. I’m a board member of Solder’s Point Texas non profit organization and I’ve collaborated with incredible teams, on driving initiatives that have a meaningful impact. Outside of work, I pour my heart into my religious beliefs, family and community services. I recently launched LaToi’s Sauce, April of this year. I’m excited to see where this leads.
These endeavors not only enrich my life but also fuel my creativity and provide me with unique perspectives that I bring back into my professional world.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

3. Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been most impactful: resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning. These elements have shaped my professional path and personal growth in ways I could never have anticipated.
Resilience has allowed me to navigate the inevitable challenges and setbacks that come with any career. Whether it was overcoming failures or pushing through tough times, this quality has kept me moving forward.
Adaptability has been crucial in a rapidly changing world. Being able to pivot, learn new skills, and embrace change has kept me relevant and versatile in my career.
Lifelong learning is perhaps the cornerstone of my professional development. By constantly seeking new knowledge and staying curious, I’ve been able to stay ahead of the curve and continuously improve. For those who are early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate these three qualities actively. Develop resilience by embracing challenges rather than avoiding them. Hone adaptability by stepping out of your comfort zone and being open to new experiences. Lastly, never stop learning—whether through formal education, reading, or hands-on experiences. These foundational elements will serve you well throughout your career and life.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Over the past year, my biggest area of personal growth has undoubtedly been in my ability to set and maintain healthy boundaries. For much of my life, I struggled with saying “no” and often found myself overwhelmed by taking on too much. However, through a lot of prayer, self-reflection and encouragement from my sister, LaKiea Griffin and supportive husband, Michael, I’ve learned how to prioritize my own well-being and communicate my limits effectively. This shift has been transformative, allowing me to foster deeper, more meaningful relationships and take better care of myself emotionally and mentally. It’s been incredibly empowering to see how setting personal boundaries not only protects my energy but also enhances my overall quality of life

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Marlo Dunlap

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