NOW is the time to upstart your passions! At some point in our lives, we all make decisions based on outside expectations, or we simply just hinder ourselves. Our dreams take a back seat to practicality or just plain good ole' fear. For me that time was in 2009, while a sophomore in college. I hoped to become a published writer and literary professor. However, I was told I would never get published because it was just too competitive. Somewhere along the way, I abandoned that dream to self- doubt and the criticism of others, while never really getting my passion back. It took me until now to realize that my passions were taking a severe beating I mainly participated in. Time wasted and fears consoled because I simply felt I wasn't good enough...BUT it's amazing how the universe works. How it often pushes you in the direction you seek. Just when I started to get my goings, I happened to stumble upon a blog about one woman's adventures between Memphis and Nashville, TN, on Forty West. Little did I know, we shared similar doubts with a kindred goal to optimize on our passions. So, I hopped in my car and drove along I-40 West to meet this woman. We toured Downtown Nashville as we aquatinted ourselves, linking creative visions through the lens. I walked away confirmed and renewed that whatever you believe in should never take a back seat. Every woman, every Goddess is capable of turning the most minimal idea into the most grandest scheme. All you need is a getaway, a tank full of determination, and a destination in mind. Meet LaToya Nash as she shows us Life on Forty West.
What is your profession?
I've been a licensed to practice law since 2010.
What is your passion?
I have always have a passion for creativity and expressing my self through artistic means such as writing and fashion.
What is your dream?
Right now, my goal is to develop a brand. I would like for my Forty West brand to include a lifestyle blog, photography and management of musicians and fashion designers, model, etc.
What is the concept of Forty West?
Through this blog, I'll share with you the makings of my Southern lifestyle: family, friends, good music, delicious eats (my life mostly revolves around food, by the way), chic interior decor and a wardrobe that reflects my understated, yet ever-changing style.
What made you want to start a Life of Forty West?
When I was in high school, I wanted to be a journalist. My plan was to move to NYC and write for a major music magazine. I got discouraged shortly before I started college and decided to pursue a career in something I felt would be more lucrative and would provide me with financial stability. I decided to attend law school, but while I was there, I was very unhappy, as my heart wasn't in it and I felt that I belonged in the arts. Years later, when Instagram was created, I discovered a new way to express myself throughout photography. So many people admired my images and encouraged me to start a blog, which I figured would be a great way to bring it all together.
Would you say exploring your passions had anything to do with a particular phase in your life? If so how would you describe that phase?
I always knew what I was passionate about, I just lost my way somewhere between the end of high school and my first year of law school. It was during law school that I realized I was pursuing law for the wrong reasons and I needed to find my way back to the journalism aspirations I once had.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I'd like for my legacy to be based in music, fashion, writing and photography. I always visualize myself having a child who has an interest in all thing artistic as well, so that I can encourage them and steer them in the right direction like I wish I had been. Even if my child has an interest in something completely different, I plan on being the type of parent that encourages their child to follow his or her passion no matter what.
Any current business ventures or projects you're working on?
Currently, I am working on the blog as well as focusing on honing my photography skills. I recently became a manager/publicist for a Memphis-based female DJ, a role that has allowed me to intertwine my love of the arts and my legal skills.