Meet Latoya Shelby | Owner of Purrrfect Eyes Boutique & Event Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Latoya Shelby and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Latoya, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
My end goal is to become the owner of Purrrfect_Eyes Event Center.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally? Please tell us more about your career.

I am an At-Risk Coordinator. I’ve always had a passion to work with children. I’ve been in the school system for 5 years now.

We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others?

My drive sets me apart from others. I’m initially from Yazoo City, Mississippi where your success depended upon who you know or who you are, which made it harder for those who weren’t known. As a child I was taught to work for whatever I wanted or needed. I was only 14 years old when I landed my first job.  I was on a softball team, but our coach Herman Leach also taught us nothing will be given to you for free, not even our uniforms. We paid for everything. Having those things to be instilled in me as a child helps me today knowing that nothing will be handed to me. My passion for my business also sets me aside from others.  I’m very passionate about my business, so when things don’t go as planned, I’m always ready to activate my Plan B.

What you are most proud of or excited about?

I am proud of the person I’ve become over the years. My children watch everything I do, and it pushes them to work very hard. They are all business owners at the ages of 14, 8, & 7. So, when mommy leaves the house on the weekend to go host or participate in events, my children do as well.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy?

Dedication, hard work, and not giving up when things get  difficult, helps me get to where I am today. None of it was easy. Having a business is very stressful, especially until you reach your end goal. Some weeks I don’t sell anything, but I had to learn that it’s okay, just go harder the next week.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is to continue to be YOU. People respect you more when you’re being who you genuinely are. I’ve also learned everyone will not be happy for you. It does not matter how good you are doing, society will find reason to discredit you.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I want the world to know, I am just a girl from Yazoo City Mississippi, who grew up in what some may say the worst neighborhood in the city (Shady Lane). I was determined to be something in life and not become a product of my environment. I want you guys to know that no matter where you come from in life, it will not determine your future. Never in a million years would I’ve ever thought, I would be who I am today. I still have a lot of things to work on, but I will not give up. I manage being a Wife, Mother, Full-time employee, and business owner. I’m just a girl from a small town that didn’t give up on her dreams, goals, and aspirations.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I would take her to the following:

Spa Castle – Carrollton TX
Perris Steak House – Dallas TX
Top Golf – The Colony
Cafe 214- Addison TX
Red Crab – Addison TX
Dallas Museum of Arts – Dallas
Reunion Tower – Dallas TX
Escape Room – Dallas TX

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out to my entire family. I’m scared to call names because I may forget someone, my supportive husband and children, and my entire hometown (Yazoo City, MS). My friends are a huge inspiration because they will not allow me to give up on accomplishing my goals.

Website: Purrrfecteyes.com

Instagram: Purrrfect_Eyes

Facebook: Purrrfect_Eyes