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

Hi LaTara, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
There were many reasons/thought processes behind me starting my own business(es). It started with my desire to have flexibility and to be available for my family. My first business I owned a licensed childcare center so I could be with my own children while caring for others. This led to the vision for my non-profit. As I drove through the community picking up my childcare “after schoolers,” I noticed a population of children who needed something productive to do with their talent and time during the after school hours when mom and dad were still at work. From this need/vision, I founded N.I.A. Kids Center for the Performing Arts which is a performing arts program for youth and teens. The thought process for N.I.A. Kids came from identifying a need in the community and my desire to give youth/teens something productive to do during their free time. N.I.A. Kids has evolved over the past 17 years and continues to provide programming for youth and teens. We are currently preparing for our annual Summer Theater program. www.niakids.org

As I served the community through my businesses, I had the privilege of meeting so many mothers, grandmothers, aunts, young ladies, and girls. I love to see the resilience and perseverance of the female. This led to me starting Soldier Girl LLC which is an empowering apparel brand for females. www.soldiergrilbrand.com

I have enjoyed my journey as an entrepreneur. I use my experiences and knowledge to help others entering this world of entrepreneurship. It’s not an easy road but it’s a great journey. My advice to a new entrepreneur would be to allow yourself to grow through the process. Your thoughts become your vision and your vision leads to your purpose. Don’t let anything stop you. Do it afraid.

For consulting services and more information visit www.latarathompkins.com

What should our readers know about your business?
N.I.A. Kids is a 501(c)(3) youth service organization that empowers youth and teens to realize their full potential through the performing arts. We provide performing arts programs for youth and teens throughout the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex and beyond. In addition to performing arts training and opportunities for young people, our programs enhance their life skills through encouraging perseverance, accountability, and creativity. N.I.A. Kids programs have exposed hundreds of youth and teens to many facets of performance and the performing arts industry. Since our inception in 2005, N.I.A. Kids has produced a myriad of professional theatrical productions, programs and community events that provide platforms and opportunities for youth and teens to develop artistically, mentally, and socially as they work to share their gifts with the world!

Soldier Girl Brand is an empowerment brand that celebrates the strength and resilience of the female. This brand creates apparel to adorn females who continue to face obstacles head on as they journey through life as sister’s, friend’s, mother’s, CEO’s, entrepreneurs, and the like. The common thread is the strength of the female.

I am most proud of how these businesses impact and empower. Through the years, we have gotten countless testimonies as to the difference N.I.A, Kids made in the lives of children and families. When I started Soldier Girl Brand I did not realize the depth of the impact the brand would make by empowering women to “wear it like they mean it.” It has been very rewarding for me to be used in this way.

Getting to this point business wise, for me, started with my MBA which provided me with business and marketing knowledge. However, you learn a lot as you go.

Situations and business environments change constantly so you have to be innovative and constantly study your industry to be able to move when “it” moves. Sometimes it may mean doing things a little differently. but change is going to come and you have to persevere and figure out the best direction to go in for your business. Challenges are constant for an entrepreneur. You may overcome one, but another one is coming. Prayer, faith, tenacity, and creativity is how I overcome obstacles. I’ve learned many lessons, but one of the most important lessons I learned was how to value the input and ideas of those on your team.

I want the world to know that N.I.A. Kids exists to give our youth and teens the same opportunities others have and that children can excel and shine when provided with a platform that embraces their uniqueness, empowers them, and enhances their creativity.

Through Soldier Girl Brand, I want the world to know that we are here to support, uphold, and celebrate the strength and resilience of the female!


The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my mother, Winifred Harrison. She has always been an incredible force in my journey. Her constant support and encouragement throughout my life and endeavors, has always made me feel like I can do anything. Thank you, moma, for being the wind beneath my wings.

Website: www.niakids.org; www.soldiergirlbrand.com; www.latarathompkins.com

Instagram: @nia_kids_talent; @soldiergirlbrand; @lthompkinsconsulting

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.