Meet LaTonya Carmouche | Author & Speaker

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

Hi LaTonya, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from Lynwood, Ca I was raised to be open to people. I was not conditioned to see color, age, gender, beliefs, etc. My background taught me to acknowledge everyone and treat them with respect. I was taught to learn a person, let them show me who they are and then make an informed decision on how and if a relationship should develop. My background taught me to keep God first, to be responsible, to complete any task assigned to me, to be willing to work, to be honest, to be sincere, to know how to survive with very little and to be appreciative with a lot. My background and upbringing helped develop who I am today by showing me how to utilize and exhaust all resources to reach success. If an opportunity does not present itself to you, make your own. Do not be afraid to start small, do not be afraid to fail, do not be afraid to ask for help, do not be afraid to just try. It has been embedded in me to know that I can overcome any challenge with work, wise decision making, and perseverance. This has made me unafraid of difficulties. I am well equipped with compassion to reach people and help achieve a goal. I have been blessed with opportunities unimaginable to a kid growing up in “The Wood”. I created my small Public Relations boutique, TCPR in 2010. This opened doors for me to work with Living Hollywood legends to up and coming child artist. I was taught to celebrate everyone and being a part of others success was very fulfilling. In 2017, I stopped taking on new clients for TCPR to focus on the next chapter of my life. In 2018 I became a first time author. Writing about my upbringing has reached people of all ages and backgrounds. I have been able to speak with people not only in the states but also in India, Africa, and the United Kingdom. People are pretty much the same at the core. Being a champion for people, being sincere, honest, working for the best outcome, having integrity, and having faith in God has developed me into someone I am very proud of.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
These days I dedicate most of my time to writing and speaking. I have been a freelance writer for years but in 2018 after writing my first book, “The Fat Genes Are Talking”, I began speaking to audiences and individuals about more personal things. This was quite liberating. I was able to showcase all of me and use my life experiences to help motivate and encourage others who may not desire to be in Hollywood. This was not a challenge for me because I am not ashamed of any of my life experiences. I believe God allowed every embarrassment, struggle, failure, mistake, success, breakthrough, accomplishment in my life to be so that I can relate to a greater audience and be an example to them. As a publicist, I was always behind the scenes. I purposely chose to be unseen because my job was to make the client shine and be seen. Being a publicist takes thick skin and a lot of dedication. There are a lot of “no’s” in Hollywood. There is a lot of prejudices, a lot of judging, a lot of cliques, and a lot of closed minds. Do not let that discourage you. I am always open to networking. This is one of the things that gave me great success. People that are in a position to help guide you or have the power to green light a project does not always come packaged in a $2,500 Brunello Cucunelli suit. Speak to everyone and be prepared to have something to offer. Being willing to accept the closed door and to keep moving forward, trusting an open door is on its way has helped maintain my longevity in the industry. Although I no longer accept new clients, my current clients know that I am always working for their success and along with me believe the yes is coming, or we have just began creating our own doors. (I can not wait to announce some of the incredible projects that we have coming out).
I have learned to be selective of what to represent. This does not mean that what others have to offer or what others represent is wrong, it simply means it may not be something that I can relate to, therefore would not be the best person to represent it. For example, I am not a huge fan of rap music after the 90’s. When I first started my PR business, I was accepting everyone, because I want everyone to succeed. I could not relate to the music, the message, or the lifestyle. I had no passion for it. Needless to say, that relationship did not last. I do not regret the time spent with the group because I learned the importance in believing what I represent and they learned to ask more questions when hiring a publicist. We ended on good terms. It is very important to understand and believe what you are working for , and never ever work with someone where your desire for them to succeed is greater than the desire they have for themselves. You will reach burnout real quick. Talk to people, get to know them, if your intuition says move forward do so, if not be grateful for the experience and move on.
My name is my brand, I am my brand. I am authentic, I am a dreamer (who wakes up and do the work), I am optimistic, I have integrity, I am a thinker, I am a creator. I am here to serve with wisdom.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, we would definitely visit a beautiful California beach, most likely in the Malibu area or Newport Beach area, the water just seems clearer. We would drive to Santa Barbara for the amazing botanical gardens. Prior to the pandemic I would have taken her to a stage play, to a musical concert, or to a sporting event. My best friend is like me when it comes to drinking, give us a nice glass or bottle of water and we are content. As far as food goes, I would bring her back to my house and allow my daughter (who happens to be a chef) cook for us. (check her out on Instagram @manjeaksouri). I would make sure the week was filled with plenty of laughter. My personal current mission to become healthier. I would take her on a hike with me and get a two for one. Exercising and laughter, because me and sweating is a sight to see. Although I am a California native, there is so much in California that I have not experienced myself. We would explore the state. In the past I was on a mission to see all 50 states before my 50th birthday, and I managed to see more out of California than in. Thanks to the pandemic, I don’t think I will reach my 50×50 goal, but I can begin my mission to see 50 new things in California before my 50th. Maybe I will invite my best friend down for a week and we can get going. Stay tuned..

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to Shoutout my daughter, Charity McCowan. She taught me unconditional love. Her existence forced me to live life with determination and no options to fail or give up. I’ve had plenty unsuccessful attempts however, knowing she was counting on me, rooting for me, believing in me made me get up and try again. Today I watch her with admiration, as I watch her conquer her dreams and overcome challenges fearlessly. We are 20+ years in and she still motivates me to greatness. My parents who instilled so much in me deserves a shoutout. My father for always being present, for always being a provider, for giving me his no nonsense demeanor and extraordinary work ethics. My mother for teaching me consistency, compassion and creative ways to make something out of nothing. Lastly, I want to shoutout the incredibly talented people I have had the privilege to represent in Hollywood. Each of you have played a tremendous role in my success.

Instagram: @CarmouchePR

Linkedin: LaTonya Carmouche

Twitter: @CarmouchePR

Youtube: Tonya Carmouche

Image Credits
Sir Jones Media