We had the good fortune of connecting with Chanelle Latu and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Chanelle, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Since I was young I never agreed with someone telling me how much I was going to make, and the fact that I had to get certain day approved off from work say if something came up. That’s just crazy to me! So even though leaving a 9-5 was a huge risk, the even bigger challenge is running a business nearly 24/7. It took me almost a year to get a good flow of my work process (had a serious illness then gave birth in the midst of it) but once I was able to find my work flow, it’s been such a game changer in my time management and as a business owner/mother/wife.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I feel the need to share the strength I didn’t know I had when my father died. He passed away in March of 2019 on a Tuesday in Utah, that Thursday my family and I drove to California to prepare for the funeral that same Saturday, then the next day on Sunday drove back home to Arizona to start my brand new job on Monday. 2 months later I ended up winning the training class award for “Most likely to cheer someone up” even though I was at my complete lowest……so I thought. And might I add that was the most stressful job I’ve had to date and hated every bit of it while I was there. Then 2020 came and hit us all hard. But my family and I in particular were hit extremely hard. Due to covid I ended up taking the leave from my job but then my husband was laid off. All of my weddings/events for my photography were postponed so I had to think of something that was my niche that I truly loved to make income. Then I stumbled upon clay earrings and it’s been such a huge hit that I’m grateful for! But right before that I got pregnant with our 4th child and I fell into a deep depression called “antepartum depression” aka depression while you’re pregnant. Then I was diagnosed with a severe case of valley fever disease and nearly died. But yet again our troops rallied around us and lifted our burdens in every way they could and my family and I got through it. To answer the question shortly, it was everything but easy. I learned to still remain true to myself even in the times I wanted to throw in the towel and never look back. It has cost me simply everything to be where I’m at both personally and professionally and I’m still growing and learning as I go!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh gosh I could go on forever but my husband is such a team player in my business/home life. He knows I’m in my zone when I’m working so he’ll usually take over with the kiddos while I’m trying to get some work done. Another thing I’m always grateful for is how good my children are and how understanding they are. They know when mommy is in the office I’m trying to get work done, wasn’t always that way but once again, figuring out that workflow balance is key. Another huge resource is my favorite book since high school, the Alchemist. My high school volleyball coach gifted all of us seniors one and I’m forever grateful for it. It’s helped me in more ways than one in both my personal and business life but I’ve grown forever as a person to keep things in perspective of what’s important and to never be afraid of change. I’ve read it so many times and still never get sick of it! The support that I have is always at the forefront of what I do. Truly couldn’t do this without my tribe.
Website: www.rootsandwingzphotos.com
Instagram: @rootsandwingz_
Image Credits
Rootsandwingz