A Conversation on Healing, Growth, and Making a Difference

LaToy Fowler is a force to be reckoned with. A mother, entrepreneur, community leader, and eldest daughter, her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. From overcoming childhood trauma to building a thriving business empire, LaToy’s story is one of hope, inspiration, and unwavering determination.

The Sawyer Club recently sat down with LaToy to discuss her life and career. Let’s dive into her inspiring story.

A Challenging Childhood

Thank you so much for joining us today, LaToy. I’m really excited to hear your story.

“Thank you for having me. I’m excited to share my journey.”

To start, could you tell us a bit about your childhood and the challenges you faced growing up?

My childhood was chaotic. My parents’ relationship was intense. At one point, my mom moved away from my father, and we spent some time in a shelter before we eventually returned home.

My father wasn’t abusive to my mother or anything like that, and eventually, my mother ended up going back to him. Although I wish she had just stayed away because I might still have my father today.

Unfortunately, my mom’s mental health struggles led to my dad’s tragic death and her subsequent incarceration. As a result, I was shuffled between family members and ultimately ended up being adopted by my aunt. It was a very difficult time for me as I dealt with the pain of loss, instability, and my feelings of being abandoned by my brothers, who ran away to live with other family members.

As a teenager, I faced further challenges. I navigated a difficult home environment and struggled with personal issues, including sexual assault. Despite these hardships, I found solace in sports like cheerleading, basketball, and track. I was a part of different school committees. I poured my energy into these activities, using them as an escape from the chaos. I spent some time in therapy during that time, but it wasn’t nearly enough if you ask me.

During my senior year of high school, I made the impulsive decision to move to Atlanta, drawn by the allure of the modeling industry and the desire to find a community of people with whom I resonated. While I found a sense of community there pretty quickly, tragedy struck when a close friend passed away in a car accident. I returned home to Ohio, and after a series of other attempts to change my environment and find my community, I soon found myself pregnant and navigating the complexities of motherhood and family.

In 2006, my mother was released from prison, adding another layer of complexity to my life. Juggling motherhood, caring for my mom, who struggled with mental health issues, and navigating a tumultuous relationship was also a significant challenge.

It was stressful and scary trying to care for my mother and manage her mental health while being a new parent myself and trying to raise my daughter. During this time, I was scared, angry, resentful, guarded, and I felt alone; left to carry these heavy burdens on my own. I had friends and family, but no one I really felt could help lead me in the direction that I wanted my life to go. This led to me making decisions about my life that didn’t align with the life I wanted to live.”

The Path to Healing

“The turning point for me came after I had my second child. I was in a toxic relationship with my child’s father, who was controlling and violent. I tried to escape, but unfortunately, circumstances forced me back into that harmful situation.
One night, I reached a breaking point. I realized that I couldn’t continue living in fear and that I had to prioritize the safety and well-being of my children. That was the moment I knew I had to leave, no matter the cost. It was a terrifying decision, but it was the right one.

Recognizing the need for change, LaToy embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing. She sought therapy and leaned on the support of loved ones to break free from the cycle of toxic relationships.

Once I left, I went through a period of major self-discovery. I had to learn to set some
serious boundaries and let go of toxic relationships, even with family members. This was tough, but it helped me realize what I truly wanted in life.
I went back to school a couple of times, trying to figure out my path. I dabbled in cosmetology, broadcasting and even real estate. But I had a habit of starting things and not finishing. I was still figuring myself out, trying to understand my triggers and what I wanted for my future.

It wasn’t until I focused on myself and my kids that things started to fall into place. I learned to prioritize my needs and set healthy boundaries. It was a slow process, but it was worth it. Now, I’m on a better path, and I’m excited to see where life takes me.”

Empowering the Next Generation

LaToy’s personal experiences have ignited a passion for helping others, particularly young people who have faced similar challenges. She has dedicated herself to various nonprofit organizations, providing resources and support to those in need.

How has your personal experience with growing up with an incarcerated parent, trauma, domestic violence, and being an eldest daughter influenced your work with nonprofit organizations? What organizations are you in partnership with?

“I work with Reading RAMM Academy and Making a Difference Consulting. It’s really rewarding to be part of these programs because I know firsthand how much they can help.

I grew up in similar programs – after-school programs, summer camps, and programs for kids with incarcerated parents, as well as programs that filled in the gaps for families and children in need of additional support.

It’s incredibly fulfilling to give back to the community and support these kids. I have a girl in my program who’s adopted, and another who’s being raised by her sister because their mom lost custody. It brings me so much joy to be there for them, to let them know they’re not alone. Even if they don’t have the support they need at home, they know they have someone who cares.”

What are your long term goals in working with Reading RAMM Academy and Making a Difference Consulting?

I’m really passionate about developing a program that helps kids unlock their creative potential. I believe that creativity is key to problem-solving and innovation. My background in the arts, including acting and music, has given me a unique perspective on the power of creativity.

I want to create a program that encourages kids to think outside the box and explore their imaginations. By fostering creativity, we can help them develop critical thinking skills and a broader worldview. Ultimately, I hope to inspire the next generation of artists, thinkers, and leaders.

Beyond her philanthropic work, LaToy is a successful entrepreneur. Her ventures, including Beyond the Toy Box and her balloon store, are thriving. She credits her resilience and determination for her entrepreneurial success.

Beyond the Toy Box:

Entrepreneurial Ventures

What led you to starting an event planning business?

“Event planning has always been a passion of mine. I’ve been involved in creative projects since high school, and I find them incredibly fulfilling. It’s a great way to express myself and bring my ideas to life.

I started experimenting with event planning by decorating for my daughter’s birthday parties. I created custom backdrops, treat tables, and balloon arrangements. After sharing photos online, I was surprised by the positive response. People started asking me to do events for them!

At first, I focused on smaller-scale events, like bridal showers and birthday parties. But as I gained more experience, I realized the potential for bigger and better things. I started exploring balloon decor and other creative elements, and my business began to grow.

It’s been an incredible journey. I never imagined that a hobby would turn into a full-fledged business. I’m grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and the support of my clients. It just goes to show that with passion and hard work, anything is possible.”

What are your long-term goals for Beyond the Toy Box?

“I started the balloon store as an extension of my event planning business, Beyond the Toy Box. We use high-quality, professional-grade balloons and supplies that aren’t readily available in Northeast Ohio. So, I decided to open a store to provide these products to other event planners and balloon enthusiasts.

My long-term goal is to become the premier balloon distributor in the region. I want to build a strong team to handle the day-to-day operations of the store, allowing me to focus on event planning.

It’s important to me that people understand the unique value we offer. Many of the products we carry aren’t available anywhere else locally. By providing these high-quality supplies, we’re helping other event planners elevate their work.”

How do you balance the demands of running a business with being a wife, mother, and community leader?

“It’s crazy to think about how I juggled a 9-to-5 job with my side hustle. I don’t know how I did it!

I’m a big believer in planning. I schedule my days in advance, balancing work, family, and personal time. This helps me stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed. It’s all about finding a system that works for you.

To stay balanced, I prioritize self-care. Even on a tight budget, I make time for quiet moments, meditation, and listening to audiobooks. When I feel overwhelmed, I sometimes need to isolate myself to avoid saying something I might regret.”

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are juggling multiple responsibilities?

“One of the most important things I’ve learned is to prioritize self-care. As entrepreneurs, we often get caught up in the hustle and forget to take care of ourselves. It’s essential to get enough sleep, eat healthy, and stay hydrated.

Another tip is to build a strong support network. Surround yourself with people who understand your journey and can offer encouragement and advice. Join online communities or attend networking events to connect with like-minded individuals.

Finally, don’t let negativity bring you down. It’s important to tune out the noise and focus on your goals. I remember when I was first getting started and I’d tell people about my business there was a lot of negativity and fear being projected onto me. And even now I still have people like, Oh, I’m gonna have to come check your little store out. So I’d tell people to believe in themselves and their vision, and don’t let anyone discourage you.”

What is your secret to staying resilient and persevering through your challenges? How do you maintain a positive mindset?

“A lot of it comes down to faith and perseverance. I believe in the power of prayer and meditation. Even if you don’t believe in a higher power, finding a way to center yourself and connect with something bigger than yourself can be incredibly helpful.

I’ve learned that sometimes the universe conspires in mysterious ways. I’ve been through some tough times, like losing my job and facing financial uncertainty. But I’ve always managed to come out stronger. I think it’s because I’ve learned to trust the process and believe in myself.

Manifestation is a big part of it too. I’ve visualized my goals and worked hard to achieve them. It’s about believing in yourself and taking action. Sometimes, it feels like I’m figuring things out as I go, but that’s part of the journey. It’s been a lot of self-discovery and personal growth.”

LaToy, thank you for sharing your journey and mission with me. Your story is incredibly inspiring, and your dedication to helping others is truly admirable. I’m grateful for your openness and honesty.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story.“

LaToy’s unwavering faith and perseverance have been crucial factors in overcoming adversity. She emphasizes trust in the process, believing in oneself, and actively working towards one’s goals. Her journey has been a continuous evolution, filled with self-discovery and personal growth.

LaToy Fowler’s story serves as a powerful reminder that even amidst immense challenges, we can find the strength to overcome adversity and create a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. Her dedication to helping others and her unwavering spirit are truly inspiring.

If you’re looking to bring your vision to life and create a truly memorable event, LaToy Fowler is the perfect person to help. With her expertise in event planning and her passion for creativity, she can transform your ideas into reality.

To learn more about LaToy’s services or to book your next event, please reach out to her @Beyondthetoybox on Instagram.