Meet Latoya Daye | Tax preparation , Model and Actress

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

Hi Latoya, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I am a medically retired Marine Corps veteran who lives with chronic pain, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, and the list goes on. When I started working a 9-5 job, I realized that the demands of my medical conditions were too much for me. I would get worn out during the day and need to nap; I would get nauseous or get a migraine and need to go home. The regular 9-5 was no match for my health. I needed to make a change. A friend of mine, Leroy Stevens, also thought that I needed the change and introduced me to tax preparation and owning my own business, and that was quite intriguing, as this would give me the freedom I need to make money but most importantly, take care of my health as well. For six years, I have owned my own tax preparation business with my husband. For my family and me, it has been a dream come true.
Becoming an entrepreneur is the best decision you can make for your life. 

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.
My art primarily involves modeling, focusing on runway brands, ambassadorships, and print work. Runaway has given me so much joy—the joy I never knew I needed in my life—and the freedom I didn’t know I needed to live my dreams as a model. It has fulfilled me in an unexplainable way. I’ve done a lot in my life, but this has just shown me a different side of myself, whom I absolutely love. It is just absolutely amazing how you can use your skills to bring joy to not only yourself but to others and to showcase so many techniques while showcasing someone’s garments and fulfilling their dreams. Modeling is a gift to so many, and it’s absolutely one of my greatest gifts, and I’m happy I’m able to share it with the world. 

What distinguishes me from others is my real-world experience from the military, gained through communication with civilians. The drive and passion that I embody when it comes to modeling is remarkable. I take immense pride in being professional, punctual, diverse, confident, comfortable to talk to, energetic, and simple to work with. I follow directions well, I’m comfortable in front of the camera, and I strive to do an excellent job regardless of the situation or the client.

I believe my ability to compartmentalize effectively enables me to portray myself as a valuable asset for a specific role in my life. Therefore, in my role as a tax preparer, I always present myself as a professional; during that time, I don’t show up to work as a model because I am there as a tax professional. Depending on the requirements of the job, determine which hat I wear to accomplish the job.  I love that about myself. That is one of my strengths.

What are you most proud of or excited about? 
I am excited for the amazing person I am today. I am immensely proud of my journey as a human and the various hats I’ve worn, all of which I’ve managed to make look good. I love how my life has changed and what decisions I have made over the years, good and bad. Each day on this journey God has given me is a blessing and a chance to grow as an individual. I am proud of our little family and how we support each other’s dreams. My belief in each other is almost supernatural. I love us and all of our experiences together. I love the life we have created for ourselves. 

I have reached my current position thanks to the assistance of numerous individuals, including Zoe John Casablanca, a model coach at Tishamarie Modeling, Xavie Austin, Adina Pinnocky, Zelda Polk, Nakia Taylor, and Tabresha Chandler. Over the years, my family, friends on Facebook, Instagram, and other models have provided me with invaluable guidance. God has provided me with the strength and guidance to navigate my path, which I joyfully pursue despite experiencing pain and uncertainty. All of these people and more have contributed to where I am today, but most of all, I am a hugely self-motivated person who motivates herself to be consistent and persevere, regardless of the pain that I am in, being nauseous, the headaches that I may be enduring, or the anxiety of the unknown. I push myself through the anxiety of the unknown and motivate myself to be here today to achieve the goals I have achieved, knowing that I am worthy of having the self-love and self-confidence to depend on myself and the skills that God has given me and coaches who have sharpened them. It all feels like a dream sometimes. Coming from poverty to where I am today is a complete blessing.
Thank you, Lord!! 

Being a model is not easy. It was never easy. It’s a process and a lifestyle . You have to persevere. You have to be open to change every day. You must maintain vigilance, maintain a professional demeanor, and, to become a chameleon, remain adaptable and ready to adapt to specific situations and jobs. It takes a lot of research and a lot of practice to excel in this industry. It’s a continuous way of living. It’s a lifestyle that focuses on maintaining a presentable appearance. You’re working out, you’re eating right, and your mental health is intact. You maintain control over everything around you and everyone in your presence. It takes a lot of effort to accomplish all of that, and to be a model overall.

I overcome challenges by motivating myself, speaking life into myself, knowing my worth, and knowing that my confidence will take me where I need to be. I practice my skills on a daily basis, critiquing myself as though I were critiquing someone else, loving myself, giving myself grace when needed, and celebrating every achievement and every failure because failure teaches us lessons to achieve our goals. I usually learn something or try to learn something from my failures. Knowing yourself as you search for your future self is a beautiful thing. You need to set boundaries, and I encourage you to do so. When you set your boundaries, enforce them and ensure that everyone around you adheres to them as well; it doesn’t matter who they are—friends or family, your supporters. Your boundaries serve as a safe haven, ensuring that you are leading a healthy lifestyle that suits your needs. Live the lifestyle you want, not the one others want. You must know what you want, be able to see it when you close your eyes, and have a picture of what it should look like in the future.

lessons I’ve learned along the way. I have learned patience. I’ve learned that I must do the work, but sit and wait for it to pay off. Wait for the opportunity in which the patient work will open doors. I’ve learned to question everything; don’t just take people at their word; conduct your own research and ensure that the situation is right for you. The person beside you may be fine with it, but are you? I learned that I am capable of so much, and when you put the work in, the results are beautiful. I learned that my confidence in myself and my abilities to learn and change is my greatest strength, and I have needed to tap into that confidence so many times before I go out onto the runway during my earlier days, as anxiety would’ve crippled me on that stage and I would not have made it down to the runway. I’ve literally had to hold my legs and almost put one leg in front of the other to get down the runway once or twice. I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge, and I’ve relied on my colleagues, particularly those who have been in the industry for a long time, for guidance and education on the ins and outs of the industry, all while conducting my own due diligence to ensure the accuracy of the information and its alignment with my current needs and goals.

I overcame challenges by learning from the
obstacles at hand, and in every situation where I have failed, I have strived to learn something that I can use to achieve my goals. I can go so far as to say that failure gives me the tools I need to achieve my goals and win in life.

What I want the world to know about me is that I am human. I will never live up to anyone’s expectations because I need room to fail, grow, and become the person I’m supposed to be. I can’t do that if I can’t fail and be my unapologetic self as I’m learning in this industry. I need the space to grow, and I truly believe that anything is possible in life. You just need to believe in yourself and put in the necessary effort. The universe and God will take care of the rest. You deserve it all, regardless of the lifestyle you promise yourself. Work towards it. Do not let anyone steal your shine. You are greater and more powerful than you can imagine, and it’s never too late to live your dream. Don’t allow others to demean you; reclaim your authority and lead the life you desire—the life that fulfills your destiny. Be that phenomenal individual who contributes to the world by living your dreams. 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have had the opportunity to meet numerous individuals in this industry, including stars like Flavor Flav. We had a fascinating conversation during which he recommended that I check out a singer named Just Ice, who had previously performed a song with Latoya. As a result, we had a wonderful conversation. He was an interesting person, to say the least, and an exciting person to be around.  I have visited so many intriguing and exciting places. I’ve been to Iraq , fought in the battle for Iraqi freedom. I’ve been to Qatar for RNR. I’ve been to Puerto Rico. I grew up and lived in Jamaica. I visited the US Virgin Islands. I have traveled to various destinations such as the Dominican Republic, Mexico, the Bahamas, and other islands that I am currently unable to recall. I walked in New York Fashion Week numerous times; however, this year I was able to walk for Runway 7 for an amazing designer, Sim Allure Kouture Collection, and I also walked for Small Boutique Fashion Week.  Two exceptional fashion shows and company. It has been a goal of mine to walk on runway 7, and I am glad that I saw it through. It’s a memory I will never forget. 
I’ve had a life filled with pain, discomfort, joy, sadness, happiness, adventures and, genuine love .
As a Sagittarius, I am constantly seeking enjoyable activities. I have a passion for learning about different cultures, and reading books provides me with valuable insights into other people. I tried to never miss an opportunity to learn something new. 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family, Husband Jevaughn Daye, my daughter Betje-Vaughn Daye, my sister-in-law Sharadae Huie, my mom Linnette Hutchinson , Dad Stanford Dacres, my father-in-law Charles day, my mother-in-law, Carrol Huie, the modeling groups I am a part of, T tishamariemodeling, and Thebrand. 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nocole876?igsh=MWNlZzJwcTI0cmVvZw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Latoyadacresdaye

Image Credits
xavier Austin -posebypxphotography

brionpricephotography

@mibphotography_Jovani Cubano