Meet Michael Latona II | CEO of Latona Lifestyle

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Latona II and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
“No risk, no reward”, is what my Grandmother used to say in the Latona household.

For almost 3 decades, I would talk about my aspirations with my Grandma. However, I couldn’t ever find the right time to commit and take action. During 2020, when the coronavirus made it’s way through the United Status and I saw the impact that it made on our economy. It really opened my eyes on focusing on my future and building generational wealth.

One should never let doubt prevent them from pursuing their goals and dreams! No matter how tough things get or bad things may seem in the world or your everyday life, you should push forward and make your dreams a reality. This all hit me the hardest when my Grandmother become very ill. It reminded me how precious life can be and how creating an impact is important in building your legacy! I promised her before she passed that I would make it my life’s mission to complete my list of goals, no matter what!

Shortly after I was lucky enough to meet my girlfriend, Gabriella, and now the greatest business partner I could have asked for. She has been able to help guide me in the dark to the light at the end of the tunnel. While balancing each other’s strengths and weaknesses created Latona Lifestyle Brand.

I’ll never forget how we came up with our brand. We were away on vacation just joking about ideas and one of those ideas was the spark that started Latona Lifestyle. A brand that’s mission is to help show others to stay true to one’s self. While also inspire others to believe in their dreams no matter how dark things may seem in the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What separates myself from others is my ability to adapt to any situation, strategize solutions for any problem and a drive to always reach my goals. One of the most amazing experiences I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying and utilizing all of these skills was right after graduating from Rutgers University. My best friend Paul and I were working as security guards and one night started talking about moving to Australia. We heard how well you could be paid and thought, “let’s do this”. We decided to do as much research as possible before we graduated.

We bought our one way ticket and had $3,000 dollars to hold us off while searching for work. It’s took us three days of none stop calling but we finally got our first job. We had to take a bus ride for 3 days and walked 20 miles with all of our belongings until we finally reached a farm town named, Ari. It was a lot of hard work but it was a great experience! There were people from all around the world trying to make a life for themselves in Australia like Paul and I.

After 3 months of working on the farm, we made our way to Maggie Island. There we camped out at an animal sanctuary for 2 weeks. We made many calls to hostels waiting for a chance to get a night manager position. The reason being, so we can work and sleep at the hostel for free.

When we got to Cairns, we walked into every business there and were denied because we were Americans and they would rather give employment to a fellow Australian. We almost ran out of money with only $100 left to our name! It took us two whole months just to get hired somewhere.

I started as a dishwasher at a restaurant. Until I was able to prove myself to the head chef to become his sous chef. Those 8 months in Cairns were amazing! We developed such a bond with other travelers in the hostel as well as those living in the town. We still keep in touch through social media.

Sadly, My Australian adventure had to come to an end. I needed a surgery that could have only been performed in America. Due to my recovery, I decided to plant roots back in the states for good. I started my life back up again in New Jersey while looking for what I wanted to do as a career.

My brother in law always felt I had a talent when it came to talking to people. He asked me to join him in a sales career. The job would entail me meeting new people and getting outside of my Comfort zone. Little did he realize the struggles I endured in Australia, have turned me into a professional in networking! I exceled in this new sales career. Now, each year I continuously outshined myself from previous years. I am known in the office as “The Closer” a title I worked very hard for!

I truly believe my experience overseas made my determination greater than it ever was and helped me to always push myself no matter how hard things got. Struggling taught me that I needed to always ensure I had multiple avenues of income. With my sales career, portfolio of real estate ventures and my apparel brand, Latona Lifestyle I am always busy. Nothing is easy in life, so you can either sit there doing the same thing and complain or you can take the initiative and build your very own empire!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite things about living in New Jersey, is being so close to Philadelphia. There is so much history in that city! I would recommend they stay at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco. It’s in the heart of the historical section of Philly and is in walking distance from all the must see spots like the Liberty Bell, Benjamin Franklin Museum to name a few. The hotel also has an incredible rooftop lounge called Stratus. They have delicious drinks and tasty appetizers. There is also a modern tavern called Red Owl! They have the best hearty breakfast and laid back dinner! I would recommend visiting during the Fall and or Winter because Tinsel is an absolute must stop! This bar is Halloween themed in the Fall and Christmas themed in the Winter! It is completely worth it! Every cocktail goes along with the theme for the perfect Instagramable experience. Before heading out of Philly, they would have to visit McGillins Olde Ale House. They are the oldest continuously operating tavern in town and have the most incredible French onion soup.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The two people that deserve credit for helping me to aspire to the man I am becoming while climbing the ladder of success would be my late grandmother and my girlfriend/ business partner. My grandmother was and always will be my rock. I know she is watching me from above while I enter new chapters of life that bring me more joy. She is cheering me on for not only keeping my promise to her but pushing myself to reach the heights that she also knew were obtainable for her grandson.

Then there is my girlfriend and business partner, Gabriella, who has become the light in my life! She has a drive that is so contagious that it helped awaken motivation in me that I only dreamt of. Together I know we can weather any storm.

Website: https://latonalifestylebrand.myspreadshop.com/

Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/mlatona88

Image Credits
Gabriella mantilla