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

Hi Latorsha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Let me start with telling you I initially started my health coaching business with the idea of helping women get fit and feel fabulous. It was about helping women through coaching incorporate realistic exercise plans into their daily life. However, I started noticing a trend with the women, which was that they were getting distracted from their goals. The women were so busy and focused on doing ALL the things for everybody else that at the end of the day there was no time left for them. It was then I realized that something was going on that was WAY bigger than the number on the scale. The focus needed to be on prioritizing self care, in the way that she needed, so that she could move up on her own to do list. And it was important that she not give up parts of herself that she loves to live an overall healthier lifestyle. This is when my coaching and speaking business shifted to focus on doing the work to prioritize self care. Also, birthed from this has been my podcast Iced Coffee and Self Care® and my book that will be availalable soon!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Iced Coffee and Self Care® became my brand for self care as I spent many, many mornings enjoying my iced coffee and setting the tone for the day. For me it was more than a drink, it represents my “me” time and that this is my moment. And it has truly become a way of life, it is a vibe for me. Conversations stand out with me because I relate to women on a realistic level. I keep it easy and doable. I don’t make someone work to understand the information or its importance to their self care. I keep it understandable and help them apply the information to their life. It’s like morning coffee with your self care bestie. We are going to talk about all the things that we want more of for self care, we might laugh or even cry. But together we create a plan to do the work which ultimately will help upgrade their life in the ways needed. I most proud of knowing that I have helped someone make changes in their own life that will improve their quality of life that leaves them feeling more fulfilled. It was not easy at first and finding my “secret sauce” required me to go through some trial and errors, and doing more work in my own life for self care. The biggest lesson I have learned is to show up as myself and be authentic. I am not for everybody and that’s okay. Being consistent and showing up in only the way that I can is the best thing I can do for my brand. It all has been worth the journey. Challenges regarding the ends and outs of business has been a process, but doing the research and being committed to learning has helped. My degrees are in nursing so business logistics were not at the core of those programs. LOL When people hear my name or my brand I want them think that’s someone that has done the work to prioritize self and she is cheering on other women to do the work and create their own path to getting more of what they need.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, living near the beach in South Carolina we are first going to spend most of the time on the beach and listening to the ocean waves. Being near the water is so peaceful to me, so it’s a great opportunity to relax and just breathe. Of course, we will find a coffee shop, whether it is a local spot or a popular franchise I will have an iced coffee. Broadway at the Beach is a favorite because it’s outdoors and has shopping, places to eat, nearby entertainment. My favorite thing to do there is to find a place to hang out and watch life happen, it’s a tourist town so people are moving fast. But as a local I can take it in at a slow pace and enjoy the moments as I see fit. I also enjoy wine tasting, and Duplin winery is a nearby place that we would certainly include on the itinerary. Market Commons is a cute and growing area that has restaurants, shopping, and some symbols of history to enjoy. But I will say one of the things I enjoy to do there is go for a run. There is path that is great for running and scenery. Shopping at the nearby outlets are always a treat to find deals and walk around. I must tell you that most of my friends are busy women on the go so the opportunity for a week long trip to relax is definitely enjoyment!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A special thanks to my mother in law, she was instrumental in pushing me forward in continuing to go on in my business. She told me that I could do it and that if I wanted to help women take better care of themselves that I just had to do it. Now, she had no idea what “it” was but she believed in me enough to know that I could do whatever “it” was. I am forever grateful for her words, although I will never hear then again they live in my heart.

Website: icedcoffeeandselfcare.com

Instagram: @icedcoffeeandselfcare

Other: Iced Coffee and Self Care® podcast available most podcast platforms or listen at https://icedcoffeeandselfcare.libsyn.com/

Image Credits
Janeen Anderson

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