Today we’d like to introduce you to Lateisha Harris.
Lateisha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well, the very first job I ever had was in retail (fashion), and from the jump, I had an instant connection. I fell in love with EVERYTHING about retail, from visual merchandising to simply helping customers. It’s something that I genuinely loved. As the years went by, I moved up from sales associate to key holder and eventually all the way up to store manager.
Becoming a boutique owner was something that just felt right. It was something I knew I could do. So I spent ALL of 2019, researching any and everything I could about owning a boutique and finding the perfect pieces to sell.
To this very day, I still have a love for the retail clothing industry but lately, it’s been hitting a little differently than when I first started working in retail. As I learn more and more about myself and my business, I’m learning there’s a deeper connection than just cute clothes. It’s about self-evolution and being your unapologetic self.
For a long time, I was afraid to be myself, I always wanted to fit in the crowd. That version of me is no more. I made a promise to myself to show up as the best version of myself and if people don’t like it… then oh well!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has NOT been a smooth road at all!
So, I started Taste Boutique back in 2019 and launched on April 1st, 2020. There was a lot going on at the time of the launch; Covid-19 was fairly new, I was a month out from graduating from the University of Memphis (so I was in school full time), and then I found out I was pregnant three months later.
During my pregnancy, I spent most of my time being active with the boutique but once my baby was born (March of 2021), I COMPLETELY took my focus off the boutique and focused on motherhood.
So, basically the whole time I’ve been learning to balance running a business and also learning how to be a mother at the same time. Not to mention, co-owning a film company with my fiancé and work full time. (Whew!)
So no, it’s not easy and I want to give up almost every day but I remember there’s more than clothes that I want to share with the world.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Taste Boutique?
Taste is an online (e-commerce) boutique where my team and I provide edgy everyday pieces (size small-large) that are easy to mix and match to build your version of the perfect outfit.
Overall, I’m most proud of the growth of my business. There’s so much growth but if I had to choose 1 thing that I am most proud of, it would be my consistency. I wanted to give up so many times. Even just last week I wanted to throw in the towel but despite how challenging things get I still have this urge to empower women to evolve and do it unapologetically.
I’m striving to build a brand that reminds women to show up as the more confident and courageous version of themselves. Every day I hope to remind someone in the world to value their journey of self-love and never be afraid to express themselves (through fashion, verbally, or just by posting on social media). You are your greatest asset.
Treat yourself as such.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There are sooo many people who deserve credit. My mother (who was actually my very first customer), my girls for being my biggest cheerleaders (they know who they are), and my beautiful husband-to-be.
My fiancé is the best thing that has happened to me. He’s so patient when I have self-doubt and always there with the right things to say.
Thank you to my tribe without y’all taste would’ve ended before it started.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SHOPTASTEBOUTIQUE.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shoptasteboutique
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/shoptasteboutique
Image Credits
Preston Williams (@p.allan.films)
