Meet Latika Ross | Event Manager + Special Projects Manager

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

Hi Latika, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Most of my life I couldn’t find my niche, or so I thought. I didn’t realize that my life experiences would lead me to start a business. It was about finding something I felt passionate about and embracing it, researching it, and dedicating myself to it. It has always been my passion to see things in order, communicate effectively, see successful results and I’m a creative so I love creation! I was the president or secretary of every youth auxiliary in my church at some point. Around 14, I did graphics for my mother’s daycare center and traveled the country singing and connecting with people. Over time I worked for different companies and gained some amazing skills. As an example, I was a keyholder at Bath and Body Works where I managed the backroom and all floor-set changes of the store, in addition to duties on the sales floor. This gave me an eye for detail, taught me effective leadership and taught me how to simply talk to people; I was a shy child. Having served diligently in church for years, I learned how to embrace my individuality, overcome rejection, and stand up for what I believe. I have won some and lost some but now I am confident in my ability to learn quickly and think outside the box. I’m an organized problem solver with experience in multiple industries. I am a dedicated team player who wants to help others in any way I can. Connecting with people brings me happiness; helping others bring their visions to life is my purpose.

Since 2018, that is what I’ve been doing at LaRoss Administrative Services. We have provided administration, event management and graphic design to over 30 organizations and small businesses. In addition to owning my company, I am a special projects manager at Rocket Mortgage in Detroit, MI. I support a team that also allows me space to nurture my skills. I’m proud of the work I’m doing and excited to continue learning and growing.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
LaRoss Administrative Services curates services and experiences that enhance our clients’ operations, productivity, and overall success. Our team at LaRoss Administrative Services believes in the power of collaboration and tailoring solutions to meet each client’s specific needs. With our diverse range of expertise, we offer a comprehensive suite of administrative services that encompass various aspects of business operations. From administrative support, project management, event management and graphic design, we work closely with our clients to identify their goals and implement effective strategies. LaRoss Administrative Services understands your success is our success. We are dedicated to building strong partnerships, fostering open communication, and delivering exceptional results. Our values are –

Distinction – Because Being Different Makes Sense.
Collaboration – Doing It Alone Is No Fun.
Passion – We Make Dreams Come True.

As an entrepreneur, I’m most proud of my growth. I didn’t know what I was doing when I started; I just knew what I enjoyed doing. It took some “valley moments” to really shape me into who and where I am today. Some of my greatest lessons were learned in my most challenging moments. For instance, the pandemic stirred up my graphic design skills that had been dormant and I learned how to manage virtual and hybrid events. As I invest in myself, my business grows as well. I have recently completed a certification in project management at eSpelman University and am currently working toward a graphic design certification at Wilmington University. This will allow me to continue to offer unique services to my clients.

I’ve gotten to where I am through prayer, perseverance, and relationships. Prayer – with God, all things are possible. Even when I thought it was the end, he continues to write my story. Perseverance – you have to know when to pull up and when to pull back but you must keep moving! Even when this is difficult, your obedience to God will make it easier. Relationships – I am nothing without people. The right relationships can save you time and money. Peopling can be tough, but you learn people based on their actions and not just their words and govern yourself accordingly. Seasons in relationships change because we change. It’s all about who weathers the storms with you.

Here’s some lessons I learned–
• Understand who you are and when life reveals qualities of you that need to change, embrace the change. Blossom into the best you. That’ll help you handle anything in business because you are your business.
• You will make mistakes but don’t make the same mistake twice. It hurts more the second time.
• Invest in yourself and your business. That’s the only way you stay ahead.
• Learn what’s happening in the business world. The Hustle from HubSpot keeps me up to date with trends in entrepreneurs and innovators.
• Find a mentor who is more successful than you and learn from them.
• It’s okay if they say your prices are too high, they may not be your clients.
• Spend a few hours a week working on your business’s operational part. I know it sucks, especially if you are a creative. Streamline as much as you can so you can focus on the reason why you started in the first place.
• The most valuable gift an entrepreneur can give himself or herself is balance. Balance helps increase focus and boost productivity which creates fresh ideas and successful strategies. Schedule monthly unplugs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Saturday – If I’m picking my friend up from the DTW airport on the way home we would stop by Detroit 75 Kitchen in southwest Detroit and pick up 3rd Street cheesesteaks, hickory smoked wings and lemonades. Depending on the time of day, I’ll let my friend rest from traveling.

Sunday – Yep, we’re going to church – we would go to LAM Christian Church in Warren, MI at 10AM. We’ll enjoy some great worship and a strong word! After church we’ll head to Joe Louis Southern Kitchen in Detroit. The shrimp alfredo, cajun smoked turkey leg is bomb. When we leave there, we can walk around the Eastern Market in Detroit checking out some local vendors. After that we would head home for a nap. A nap is always in order on Sundays!

Monday – We’ll most likely sleep in and then I’ll make some breakfast – grits, bacon, eggs and fried biscuits with honey butter (yum). Today we will chill out and catch up. As her friend, I would want to know what’s going on in her world and what her goals are so I can see how I can help her achieve her them. We will mostly likely get some Portillo’s or Naked Burger, both in Clinton Township, MI. Naked Burger has a great fried chicken sandwich with garlic aioli, hand battered mozzarella sticks and daily specials.

Tuesday – I’m sure I’ll be up working in the morning but I’ll let my friend rest. I’ll make some breakfast once she’s up and we’ll chill for a bit. Since it’s Taco Tuesday I would cook tacos for dinner. I’m from Flint, Michigan and we love tacos. If I have ever cooked tacos for you, I must love you! I always purchase my taco shells from Vargas & Sons Tortillas in Saginaw, MI, they ship or I’ll have my friend Pinkie bring me some and freeze them. These are the best corn tortillas I’ve ever eaten. After that we would go catch a movie at Emagine Theater, it’s $5 Tuesdays and members get free popcorn.

Wednesday – I’ll let my friend sleep in again, knowing me, I’ll wake up early to work. We can grab some breakfast/lunch at Vinny’s Brunch in Clinton Township, MI, their food is delicious. The Aretha Franklin Amphitheater in Detroit, MI has concerts on Wednesday nights (in the summer), so hopefully some great artists are performing and we can vibe with that. Afterwards, we can get some wings from Sweetwater Tavern in downtown Detroit. Their wings are nothing to play with!

Thursday – We can chill during the day, again, I’m sure I’ll work in the morning (of course). In the afternoon, we’ll get our nails done by Shoni at Just Polish Me Pretty and we’ll go to our lash appointments with Shelby at Glow Beauty Bar, both businesses are owned by two amazing black women in Clinton Township, MI. We can play the rest of the day by ear, maybe go to Somerset Mall in Troy, MI or Great Lakes Crossing Mall in Auburn Hills, MI to do some shopping.

Friday – We’ll start the day with getting massages at Woodhouse Spa in Rochester Hills, MI, then after we will eat brunch at Rochester Brunch House in Rochester, MI. We’ll go home and relax and then meet some other friends at Petty Cash in Detroit for dinner. This black owned restaurant features a seasonal and eclectic menu with locally sourced ingredients. The food, drinks and vibes are all there! Very good!

Saturday – I would complain that the time felt short, not wanting her to leave while also being super grateful for her spending time with me. Before I drop her off at the airport, we would make one more stop at Le Detroit Macaron located in Hamtramck, MI. My friend Kim introduced me to this place a few years ago and I haven’t found a macaron that compares. I would buy her a few macarons for a snack on the plane ride home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
One person I want to shout out is my best friend and thee most outstanding business strategist/executive coach and creative force, Ebonie Gipson. She challenges me to look broader while thinking deeper, covering me on my road to self-discovery and guiding me to recognize my worth. I’ve seen her grow her own brands while being a six-figure business builder for other businesses and organizations. I am most grateful for our accountability and I truly admire her tenacity to take risks with what God gives her. There is nothing like having a friend in business to share the joys and pray through the pains with. Everyone needs an Ebonie Gipson. Thank you Eb!

Navigating through life without honest, loving people is lonely and empty, and can stagnate you. The trick is embracing self-awareness, being accountable, accepting change, and listening to people who love you! Oh, and you have to trust God in the process, bae-by! With that being said, I want to recognize my mother Kathy, my siblings (Nikki, Tasha, Dee, Kisha & Twaun) my mentor, Jenny and my village or my wall of fame (especially Sam, Darnell, Ambyr, Charla & Christian). Thank you for patiently allowing me to grow. You didn’t let disagreements or insecurities change our relationship. Thank you for believing in me, listening to me and most of all covering me. I am forever grateful to you. I couldn’t have done this life without you. You all have my eternal love and appreciation.

Website: www.larossadminservices.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamlaross/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latikaross/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latika.ross/

Image Credits
Tika – black and white butterfly shirt – image credit: KJ Glover Tika – shades of brown dress with two other women – image credit: KJ Glover