Today we’d like to introduce you to Latoya Thomas.
Latoya, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. I’ve always wanted to model but I never knew how to begin. After high school, I didn’t go to college right away like most high school graduates do. I didn’t have the means to, so I found a job as a receptionist. While working as a receptionist, I was an active member of the Jamaica National Under-21 Netball squad. Netball is a sport quite similar to basketball with slightly different rules. While on the Netball squad, my aim was to make the final team that would compete in the World Youth Netball Championships in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
In early 2006, I made the team to represent my country in the netball championships. Through this exposure, I was seen by an American basketball scout who reached out to my coach and offered me a basketball scholarship to attend college in the United States. This was an exciting opportunity for me! Although I really wanted to model, at that time, I wanted to go to college more! I accepted this opportunity which took me first to Pensacola Junior College for two years where I learned basketball and took classes towards an associate degree. Then, I was offered another scholarship to play basketball at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi for another two years to complete my bachelor’s degree. This was a dream come true! I got to attend college without worrying about the cost while playing a sport I’ve grown to love! After graduating college, I thought about modeling again, but it wasn’t a burning desire like it once was. So, I went back to work again for a few months, then I was offered another opportunity to gain a Master’s degree through a graduate assistantship position at my former college. Who knew that netball would bring me so much opportunity!
In 2013, after graduate school, I moved to Houston with the hope of finding a job in my field of study which is Marketing and Communications. I eventually found a job at an amazing advertising agency where I’ve grown and learned a lot! Although I have a great job in my field, I still had that desire to try modeling even after all this time. But something within me was holding me back then I realized I held back because I wasn’t confident in myself to take the first step. I felt like I might be too old or I wouldn’t have the time since I’m working a full-time job. One day, I was scrolling through Instagram and I saw a model casting call for a fashion show and signed up in the spur of the moment. When I went, I was so nervous, I almost didn’t go in. But, I went in and received great feedback and recommendations which were like a fuel that reignited this passion within me. Since then, I’ve gone on several casting calls and was selected for most of the gigs. However, it’s been a great learning experience. I’m learning that you will put your time and effort into a lot of these modeling jobs and not get much out of it but experience.
Now, I’m on a trek to find a lucrative deal that pays for my efforts. I also want to find my niche, since at 6’2” tall with woman curves I’ve been told by some that I’m too tall and not thin enough for certain jobs. My goal is to land a deal that reaches women like me who can see themselves when they see me in a magazine or on the runway and that you don’t have to be scantily clad to be a model either. I’ve always been skeptical about agencies here in Houston because most of them don’t seem to get much work for their models. After great consideration, I’ve decided to take a chance with a modeling agency here in Houston called Nu Images Modeling agency. Hopefully, this group will assist me in reaching my goals as a model.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s definitely not a smooth road. Every adventure you take on in life will bring challenges. Without the challenges, there is no growing and learning. One challenge I’ve experienced in the fashion industry is not meeting the requirements of every designer or producer. I’ve been too tall or too big, But, you will not fit the standard for all. So, you shouldn’t take it to heart when people turn you down for the way you look. There is always a designer or job that requires your look, you just have to seek them out and find them. Be confident in your unique look, study, practice, train and take care of your body.
Please tell us about Fashion Model.
I am a fashion model who is the face of the Imaka Company, a beautiful African inspired satin-lined head wrap company here in Houston. I specialize in print and runway (editorial work, catalog, runway shows, fashion shows, fit modeling, hair magazine work, hair shows, etc.). I’m most proud of the fact that despite all odds I’m taking a chance on something I’ve always wanted to do, and there’s no time than the present to do it!
I think what sets me apart from others is that I try to bring light to everyone I meet in the industry through my goofy personality and most of all, through my relationship with Jesus.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I think the biggest barriers to female leadership today is the hangups on gender roles and higher standards being placed on women than men. Women have to do more to prove themselves we are often seen as weak because we are more emotional than men.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 850-346-3433
- Email: Lattythomas@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/llcooljamaican/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AyotalNnaYcatsSamoht
Image Credit:
Michael Brantley, Imaka.co
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