Today we’d like to introduce you to Latia Boggan.
Hi Latia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My business began after my time in the military. I served in the USMC for 8 years and once I was out, I knew I still wanted to make a difference. My last duty station was San Diego, CA. California is so beautiful from the beaches to the graffiti, and even the people there is just always something to look at to become inspired. I have always loved dressing nice but never really imagined myself as a fashion designer until I watched Pyer Moss’s second runway show. The feelings that I felt watching his clothing being shown off as well as the musical choices, the lighting just everything blew me away. After watching that show at least five times I began to study fashion and decided to start Helianthus Designs. I began by selling tie-dye socks which eventually led to t-shirts and now I have been able to include hand-painted jumpsuits to the collection.
It’s still a brand in the beginning stages since I officially launched my website in April 2020, but growth has been steady, and people are enjoying my designs and that’s what matters most to me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m sure any entrepreneur can tell you there is no such thing as a smooth ride, and I partially agree. I have had funding struggles since this all has come out of my own pocket to start. There are times when you don’t get a single sale or a single like on your social platforms and that all can be very discouraging. Especially when people tell you that they see your posts but they themselves don’t actually ever like the post. I have come to find that this is a part of business and growth and to not take it personally.
Once I really understood that and accepted not taking things personally my entrepreneurial journey got a lot smoother.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a fashion designing philanthropist. During my time in the Marines, I was sent on a humanitarian mission to the Philippines after a major typhoon. It was devasting to see the destruction of people’s lives as their homes were torn apart from the winds of the storm. Being able to give people in need my help, by giving them food and water, and by helping them evacuate I saw the hope it gave them. I knew from then on, I wanted to help people around the world. I decided on fashion because it’s so fun and there really are no rules on how to create something. My logo is a sunflower, and I chose the name for the company because helianthus is the scientific name for sunflower. Sunflowers represent happiness, loyalty, and are loved across the world. For these reasons, I felt it would be a good idea to include free sunflower seeds in each purchase along with care instructions. My thinking is if everyone plants them people all over will see sunflowers in places they hadn’t before and will be happy to see them.
It’s my way of giving everyone a smile every once in a while.
What matters most to you? Why?
Leaving the world a better place than what I found it. It’s important to help people that need help and to be happy. I feel like the media can make things seem so doom and gloom but being alive is amazing. There are so many beautiful places and people in the world, and I want to help people focus more on that than everything they don’t have. I guess what’s most important to me is spreading love and positivity because why not.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.helianthusdesigns.com
- Instagram: @helian.designs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designbyhelianthus
- Twitter: @helianthusdesi1
