Meet Dr. LaToya Thomas | Non-profit Founder | Author | Healthcare Executive

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. LaToya Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. LaToya, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always been driven by being my own boss, because I have always had an entrepreneurship mindset. Even at a young age, I wanted to own a car wash! I can remember I was about 12 years of age and that’s the answer I would always give when people would ask me what I wanted to do when I grew up. I’m sure you’re probably wondering, “Why a carwash?” And the answer is…I have no clue! Lol! At a young age, I prioritized value by the smaller. yet simpler things to obtain. In my adolescent mind, it seemed easier to me to make money by collecting coins from a car wash, than trying to sell a product. The need is constant without much work. I have no idea where this theory came from, but I think it still stands true for me today!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Professionally, my career in healthcare has been rewarding. I love it! It has made me who I am today. However, in 2020 I became stagnant and unfulfilled; I lost my sense of purpose. Shortly after coming to this realization, a traumatic incident with my daughter inspired me to re-visit a childhood love….writing! I turned a traumatic experience into a children’s book. It was never something I imagined I’d be doing; but here I am. My first book titled, If You Ever Ate a Rainbow! is available on Amazon for purchase. My second book is currently being finalized and copyrighted by my illustrator and will be headed to print soon for a 2023 release. My third book just finished it’s final phase of illustration and we’re about to start the review and edit process. Nothing about my journey has been easy. When I’m mentoring young adults, I often state a phrase my father used to tell me when I was younger, “If it were easy, everybody would be doing it!” This is tried and true and I remind myself of this statement often when things get challenging. This statement is my reminder that I will be fine and I will get through any obstacle just as I have done with all the others. Self-reflection refuels me; I do it daily. It was during a moment of self-reflection, I created my own publishing company, Sunray Books. I wanted to publish under my own name and brand without my creative vision being altered. What makes my brand different (or similar) from other children’s books is that I am intentional about my illustrations being black characters. There is a deficit of black children’s books in libraries and in schools. I write books based on incidents that occurred with my children that I feel would resonate with parents, teachers, guardians, etc., when reading to their little ones and/or scholars. However, the most important aspect is that my books show young black children they too can read a book with characters that look like them; my goal is to provide hope and inspiration through cultivating imaginations that could potentially become their reality. Add in a little sprinkle of social and emotional learning (SEL) and you have a book curated by Sunray Books. LLC.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Me hosting a Day/Week hanging out with my girls would look a little something like the following:

1. First stop would be brunch at The Common Table. The DJ will definitely get your day started on a good note and will surely set the tone for me and my girls to enjoy a day of self-care, love, and laughter.

2. Next up is to go snag us a good read from The Dock Bookshop. A good book, no matter the genre, is a much needed tool that gives one permission to escape and be selfish; if only for a moment in time.

3. What’s a girls’ outing without a little retail therapy? We’ll hit Nordstrom Rack for a cute outfit of the day (OOTD).

4. So now that we have our outfits, we have to show them off with lunch at RH Rooftop. The atmosphere screams all things girl talk and laughs.

5. Time to catch a chic flick at the Angelika Film Center at Mockingbird Station.

6. So we’ve cried our eyes out from the movie selection, now it’s time to recharge our batteries with drinks and dessert at XOXO Dining Room. If you haven’t been, you need to go!

7. Women don’t need a reason for a mani/pedi; it’s always a “just because” expense. We’ll drop in at the Pink Toes Nail Bar.

8. What’s a day with your girls without people watching and soaking up some sun on the patio? Cue in The Boardwalk at Granite Park for this scene.

9. Last stop is a nice dinner in a dope environment to remind us all that we deserve time like this often. I’ll lead the way as we make our final stop at The French Quarter.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, God is my biggest flex! From every high mountain triumph to my low valley losses, I give Him all the glory! I have accomplished some amazing things in such a short period of time and I owe it all to Him. My special shoutout goes to a few people: (1) My grandmother- Barbara A. Miles (my heavenly angel) for seeing something in me and nurturing my love for all things creative as a child!; (2) My husband- Richard C. Thomas, II for having my back, front, and both sides. He is the epitome of support! He believes in me unconditionally and supports my visions even when they don’t make sense and seem sketchy. He’s the first and last one in my corner to help me fight until I have given it my all!; (3) My sister circle- (they know who they are!) for the constant texts/calls, ideas, encouragement, laughter, tears, and support, and lastly; (4) My Dallas TRHT Black Women in Nonprofit Leadership cohort (#2) sisters. In February 2022, I began a journey of what I thought would be professional development. WRONG! What I gained has been so much more! The sisterhood, the love, the resources, the mentorship, etc., it’s an intangible experience no words can describe. I have met some amazing women that uplift me in ways that are unmatched. Thank you Errika Flood-Moultrie for your vision!

Website: sunraybooksllc.com

Instagram: instagram.com/sunraybooks.by.l

Other: Please support my non-profit organization, S.E. Charities by visiting our website and social media to learn more about our mission of helping senior citizens in southwest Dallas County areas. We’d love your support in the form of a donation, sharing our information within your networks, and/or joining our mailing list! Website: bit.ly/secharities IG: www.instagram.com/se_charities

Image Credits
Tavia Whitlowe Shane Kirkpatrick