We were lucky to catch up with Latoya Vickers recently and have shared our conversation below.
Latoya, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
In my professional life I was most times the only one in the room that looked like me. However, the Corporate world was not my introduction to this phenomenon. Growing up I was usually the only black girl in the group (4-H, cheer squad, etc). The one lesson my Mom always taught me was don’t be afraid to be yourself; and that’s who always walked in the room. Me! I never tried to be anyone other than me and that was always enough. It got to the point I stopped noticing. On one occasion I brought my BFF to a work function with me, it started with drinks and bites at the bar and then on to the game. After we left the bar, she said to me, “You were the only woman and black person back there. Is it like this all the time for you?” I looked at her and said, ” was I? I didn’t even notice, but yes, this is how it usually is for me.” The other key to this is having an outlet. Going back to how I was brought up, though I may have been the only one in the room in instances, it was not always this way for me. My Mom ensured I was surrounded by people who looked like me in other ways intentionally (church, Girl Scout Troop, enrichment programs, etc) and I do the same in my adult life. Lastly, it truly comes down to having an alternative perspective. My experience at an HBCU gave me this. I graduated from North Carolina A&T State University (Aggie Pride) and it was there I truly saw how beautiful black could be. I was in a place where everyone (almost) looked like me and were all working toward the same goals. I also had professors who had been out in the World and were used to being “the only one” in the room and gave me tools on how to do it too. Priceless!
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?
This is my favorite part. Festival Noir is all about Celebration. Celebrating wonderful Industry “stars” and creating a space for them to be celebrated. I celebrate craftsman in the Wine/Spirits industry and shining a bright light on those of African – American decent. This space is so vast and there is such great talent, which most people never get the chance to experience. Through, specialized pop-up events, winery tours, customized tastings and contest I get the opportunity to do this not only for the brands but for the people like you, who love to partake. The project I’m working on right now is The Great Shakeup. It’s an African – American Cocktail Craftsman Competition (and day party). I’m so excited to bring this to our community. African-Americans make up less than 6% of all mixologists in the US with consumption rates well over 40%. With that being said we have amazing mixologists out there with great artistry who deserve to be celebrated and given the spotlight. Submissions to compete will open on October 1 with the competition taking place on April 26, 2024 right outside of beautiful Charleston, SC in Ladson. Tickets go on sale in February. There will be food, drinks and good time for all!
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?
Ohh good question. 1. My ability to hear/accept the word “No”. It is a complete sentence. It will come and you have to be able to move forward. Thank them for their time and keep it moving. 2. Always have options. If you only plan to ask one person and they say no you have to start all over. You know your plan is Fire! Someone else will too. Just maybe the 3rd or 4th person you pitch it to. LOL!! 3. Habakkuk 2:2-3 – …Write the vision. Always know what you want and create a clear plan to go after it. 4. Don’t be afraid to fail – it’s gonna happen just as sure as the nos but your ability to recover makes the difference between you and the other folks out there. In this journey trial and error are the greatest teachers, but seek out advice for those who are not only doing what you want to do, but who are successful at it. Listen to the stories and experiences – learn from them.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
The book that has played an important role for in Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg here light and simple yet mind blowing perspective gave me such encouragement. It made me feel seen and gave me confidence to advocate for myself in ways I hadn’t before reading it. There was a lot being said when the book came out but it was so worth the read (or listen in my case).
I am always looking for others to collaborate with from Brands, Influencers, and Sponsorship . I’d love to bring an event to your location and find new ways to collaborate with others. You can connect with me via social at IG – Thefestivalnoir or via email: [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: thefestivalnoir.com
- Instagram: thefestivalnoir
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Stills shots Photography – Greensboro, NC https://stillshotsphotography.com/ @stillshotsphotography_nc
