We had the good fortune of connecting with La’Tia Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi La’Tia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I didn’t want to start a business at first. I was too afraid. It all started with me wanting to make a Thanksgiving skirt for myself. I took home ec in middle school but never really learned how to sew. The drive to make a skirt fueled me. In 2017, My stepmom and a great sister gifted me a machine and serger because they knew that I liked fashion. It sat for 2 years. In October 2019 I began making “Lappies’ (Lap scarfs) for the women at church and in walks the pandemic. That forced me to learn how to make masks. To date, MadeByTLT has made over 3000 masks. The will and drive to make my own beautiful clothes pushed me to start the business in September 2020.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It was not easy at all. I am the first business owner in my family and I didn’t think that I could do this because no one else did. I had had so many failures in my life that I was afraid of being successful and that’s only because I didn’t know what success would look like for me. I am grateful for the person that MadeBTLT has pushed me to be. I learned to sew through divine inspiration from God, prayer, and watching Youtube. SEWING SAVED MY LIFE! In 2020, my son Caron, then 23-year old son had a massive stroke resulting in a brain bleed. Dr’s did not expect him to live through the night. It was at that moment that I left my life, job, and work of the church to focus on my home and my children. From day to day, my life was changing and all I could do was trust in the one true God that I serve. It was my Faith that fueled me to be resilient in caring for him and my 17yr old senior in HS. Most of my days were spent at the hospital and when I came home, my nights were spent branding, sewing, and coming up with patterns and ideas of things to make as giveaways or simply learning something new. Mentally, I was trying to process this new life, a very ill son, a senior in high school, and no job. But I had sewing, It was my therapy. Once I was officially fired, I turned my focus inward to MadeByTLT because I eventually realized that I was sitting on something that could work for me and not me work for it. I had already put the work in and it was already established and my name was out there. People started sowing and giving and God provided resources every month. As the owner, I couldn’t have made it without MadeByTLT, the prayers, and the support of ALL our supporters

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I don’t get out much. but when I do. I love Downtown Detroit. We could take in a Tigers, Lions, or Pistons game depending on the season. We would go to all of the museums, The GM Renaissance Center, the Riverwalk, and shop the many shops on Woodward. We could go to Downtown Royal Oak, beginning with the Detroit Zoo. and hanging out on Main Street. We could go to the Ford museum and eat at Ford Garage. I would love to go to Soundboard because I love to sing. We would also see a show at the Fox theater due to my love of acting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
WHoo! There are many…lol!

From MadeByTLT’s conception, we have had many major supporters. If I start saying names, I’m sure to forget someone. We have had people donate sewing tables, fabric, cutting tables, machines, prayers and, support by sharing through social media. Many thanks to my amazing sons, CaRon and Damarr for their support. Thanks to My Core Four, DLS Management, and C.J. Industries for pushing me to start the business. Thanks to Pastor Jermaine for his obedience. Thanks to Tenita Johnson for recognizing me and pushing me beyond what I see and feel to know that I CAN do this.

Website: https://latiascripts.wixsite.com/madebytlt

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

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

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