Today we’d like to introduce you to Latasha Harris.
Hi Latasha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Memphis, TN, and I am a proud product of the then Memphis City Schools! I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in the winter of 2003. I knew that I wanted to work in the inner city, so the following summer, I moved back home to begin my teaching career. I have been an educator for 19 years, and I have served in various roles such as teacher, instructional coach, advisor, and principal. Although my career has brought me great joy and provided financial stability for my family, it has always been my husband’s and my dream, to build generational wealth for our children. We knew that in order to do so, we had to have additional streams of income. So, in 2016, we launched our very own real estate investment company, ALAR. It was our goal to go into some of the poorest neighborhoods in Memphis and provide families with affordable, yet updated and beautiful housing options. To date, we have added 9 rental properties to our portfolio, In addition, we have had the opportunity to flip a few properties as well. At the start of 2023, we will launch our first Air BnB property under our newest LLC, Mane Stay!
When the pandemic hit in 2020, I added two more small businesses that spoke more to my creative side. A few friends and I launched a yard card business, Yard Glam, in the midst of the pandemic. Families were looking for ways to still celebrate special days, so our yard card business took off! My second business, Slumber Squad, was also birthed during this time. A few years earlier, I was seeking a vendor to plan a lavish slumber party for my daughter’s 8th birthday, There were no businesses offering the services in Memphis. I was quoted, what I believed at the time, an outrageous amount for a vendor in Jackson, MS to come and set up the party. I decided that I would allow my creative juices to flow, and I would design the party myself. I had so much fun planning her party! A few friends asked me to set up parties for their kids, but I had never thought about doing it as a small business. However, in 2020, we I saw the success that my friends and I were having with the yard card business, I decided to step out on faith and see if I could get that business off the ground as well. Although it started slow, business began to pick up. It picked up so much, I had to make a difficult decision to part ways with my friends at Yard Glam to focus more time and attention on Slumber Squad. Today, I am proud to say that my small business is still thriving and bringing smiles to boys and girls all over our city!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Most small business owners can attest that the road is never smooth. There will always be obstacles and challenges that stand in the way. This year, we have had to navigate inflation and the rise in costs for materials and gas.
Families have had to cut back on non-essential expenses, which has affected our bottom line at Slumber Squad.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Slumber Squad & Yard Cards is a small business that provides lavish, customized, VIP slumber party experiences for girls, boys, and adults. In addition, we also provide yard card messages to put an additional touch on your celebrations. We are a one-stop shop!
One thing that sets us apart from other businesses that offer similar services is our affordability, yet high quality of work, you will not break the bank by booking with us! You can find samples of my work on both Instagram and Facebook @slumbersquadmidsouth. You may also book services at our website https://slumbersquad2go.wixsite.com/mysite
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people don’t know that in addition to running my small business, I work as a full-time advisor for Memphis-Shelby County Schools and as a part-time educational consultant for a non-profit organization that services districts across the country! I am also co-owner of ALAR, LLC, and Mane Stay AirBnB, LLC.
Pricing:
- Slumber Package (up to 10) $350
- Stag Package (up to 5) $200
- Yard Card Message $90
Contact Info:
- Website: https://slumbersquad2go.wixsite.com/mysite
- Instagram: @slumbersquadmidsouth
- Facebook: @slumbersquadmidsouth
Image Credits
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