Today we’d like to introduce you to LaTonya Watkins.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a Fashion major from the University Of North Texas and I have a background in business as I’m a graduate of Business Careers High School. When I figured out that corporate life wasn’t for me I started venturing into entrepreneurship deciding to use my mix of skills from college and high school.
Republic Of Party is formerly known as “Create It Girl”. I started out designing handbags and jewelry but I have a passion for entertaining. When I became a mother I started designing the decorations for my kid’s parties and soon it grew to include designing custom party decorations for people around the world. I love it!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, not at all! There were a lot of hurdles and I still have certain struggles til this day. It’s hard being a mom of three kids under the age of 7, a wife and trying to run a business all at the same. I started Republic Of Party and took on a partner in the beginning but it did not work out so I continued alone. There have been personal struggles and location changes so it’s been a roller coaster.
With everything, I would have to say that my biggest struggle has been the accounting/bookkeeping/taxes side of things. It’s the biggest pain but its part of the journey. Being in business for yourself is not a 9-5 job it’s long hours and days sometimes. You definitely need to have a lot of drive and self-motivation. It’s all a learning process but every year is better than the next.
Republic Of Party – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Republic Of Party designs custom party, gift and home decor for all occasions. We consider ourselves “Party Snobs” because we looooooove (did we say LOVE?) a well thought out party. Party snobs care about the quality of their party decorations, they obsess over every single party detail from how they are made and what they are made from to guest lists, party food & favors. We take it one step further as we like things we can recycle and use later in our home or that is made out of recycled products.
Our slogan Party.Paper.Sparkle comes from the 3 things we are obsessed with….. PARTIES (we love a good party) PAPER (we work with a lot of good quality sustainable paper) and SPARKLE (everything looks better with glitter)
RECYCLE REUSE RE-PURPOSE:
is one of our daily mantras at Republic Of Party. We are committed to helping the environment so we reuse packaging supplies whenever possible. If it can be reused in our office it will be given a second life.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally believe success is when I’m able to truly live the life I want instead of the life one sometimes settles for. I love myself, my family and friends, I love what I do and how I do it so for me I am halfway to the road of success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.RepublicOfParty.com and www.PartySnobs.com
- Email: Hello@Republicofparty.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Republicofparty
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Republicofparty
- Twitter: Twitter.com/RepublicOfParty
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