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

Hi LaTezja, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As a child, my mother was always creating things by having three kids. She would have to be creative in the kitchen and with our extracurricular activities. When we were on little league teams for homecoming my mom would make mums for us and other kids on the team. I was a cheerleader so she would always take over making posters, buckets, or whatever else she wanted us to have. In the kitchen we never just had hamburger helper, she was always doing what we call making a “concoction” to jazz up the flavors!! This inspired me when I started considering what can I do as a single mother at the time, that I would enjoy and that comes naturally. I considered making shirts, but then quickly realized everyone is into that business. My mother believed in different, so what can I do differently to stand out in my community. From that thought, I tried tumblers!! I researched for months before trying my first tumbler. Once I started, I couldn’t stop!!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud of the word-of-mouth referrals and how our business has grown. When your business is tagged in a post or people reach out to you because someone else recommended you, that is a great feeling! That means my craft is good enough for others to share. We have grown from 2-3 cupstomers (that’s what I call my clients) a month, to 2-3 every week and sometimes more. That does not include the expos we attend and now we receive invites to expos!! I know some may think they are just cups, but to me, they are something personalized from the heart. Some orders are customized to represent a person’s personality. We have also made tumblers with loved ones that people desire to carry around with memories of them. Company and brand tumblers have been made so that another entrepreneur can represent or advertise while on the go. So, they aren’t just cups, sometimes they serve a purpose!! The challenge I still sometimes struggle with is being able to focus on my craft full time. Just like others that have a passion for their business I want to be able to focus on my company solely. My faith is strong that one day that will happen!! Just know that we will be more than just a tumbler business…

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am always ready for a girls’ trip or day out in the town. One of my favorite places to eat is Velvet Taco!! The tots, drinks, and the red velvet cake is so worth the stop! It is right in the heart of a few shopping stores on 7th street in the Montgomery Ward Plaza. Fort Worth is also known for the Stockyards, and you cannot come here without seeing a few animals hanging around. Eat at Riscky’s and shop at some of the boutiques in the area, on the weekends we could a ticket to see the rodeo. Downtown Fort Worth is also a must-see and I can’t go down there without eating at Texas DeBrazil, then walking around town reading from the historical plaques discreetly placed throughout the area.

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?
My company is most importantly dedicated to my mother, who encouraged my creative mindset. This is why her name is incorporated in the business name “Shawn”. Next would be my husband! I had little to no support system to start this business. My husband came in and from day one encouraged and invested in my vision! Lastly would be my son, my assistant!! He paints tumblers, seals them, and goes with me to almost every expo.

Website: www.ltzkreashawnz.com

Instagram: ltkreashawnz

Facebook: LT’z KreaShawnz

Other: TikTok: ltzkreashawnz

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.