In the bustling entrepreneurship landscape, there are trailblazers who not only navigate the terrain but also transform it. Latasha Brooks stands as a beacon in this realm with her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to empowerment.

The story begins 15 years ago when Latasha planted the seeds of innovation by founding the first co- working space in Fredericksburg, VA. This endeavor wasn’t just about providing physical workspace; it was about creating a collaborative environment that fueled the dreams of entrepreneurs. It marked the inception of her journey as a dynamic business consultant.
As the visionary force behind Coach Brooks Business Consulting, Latasha’s expertise became a guiding light for businesses seeking excellence. Her strategic insights and hands-on approach have propelled numerous ventures to success, earning her accolades like the Best Boss Business Coach Award 2023 in Jacksonville and the Iconic Woman Award in Virginia.

But Latasha’s story continues further. A dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion, she crafted the Minority GovCon Business Summit. This initiative is more than an event; it’s a movement to bridge the gap in minority government contracting opportunities, providing a stage for all minority business owners to flourish. Awards and recognition became a natural part of Latasha’s journey, with honors such as the I AM SHE Award in North Carolina and a spotlight at the Pretty In Pink event in Florida. Farbe Magazine crowned her the 2020 Business Coach Of The Year, further solidifying her position as a leader in her field. Latasha’s narrative extends beyond physical stages to the digital realm, where she has been featured in Connected Woman Magazine, Bold Journey Magazine, Enspire Magazine, Kivo Daily, Times Square Chronicles, and more. Her voice resonates in podcasts and radio shows, including Fox40, Yahoo Finance, and iHeart Radio.

Latasha shares her insights on government contracting, leadership, and success on stages worldwide. Notable speaking engagements include the Black & Diverse Business Showcase, where she served as the keynote speaker, and workshops on government contracting.

Today, Latasha’s journey continues as she leads the charge in championing diversity, offering business consulting services, and empowering entrepreneurs through coaching and mentorship programs. Her story, woven with resilience, innovation, and a commitment to fostering success, inspires Pretty Women Hustle readers to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams with vigor and purpose. In every twist and turn of her journey, Latasha Brooks exemplifies not just a business consultant but a transformative force creating ripples of empowerment in the entrepreneurial world.

 Can you take us back to the beginning, 15 years ago, when you founded the first co-working space in Fredericksburg, VA? What inspired you to create not just a physical workspace but a collaborative environment for entrepreneurs?

The co-working and venue hall in Fredericksburg is a new addition to our business in 2023. A blend of aspiration and necessity drove the journey. Back in the day, I was navigating the challenges of wearing many hats, trying to juggle it all, often thinking, “I wish.” This longing wasn’t just for a physical space but a community, a support network of fellow entrepreneurs who understood the hurdles and triumphs of running a business.

The core idea was to build a workspace and a collaborative environment. I can recall the times I wished for guidance from peers, a consistent, welcoming space for networking with like-minded individuals, and a supportive community. These ‘wishes’ echoed a need that I realized many entrepreneurs shared.
So, the co-working and venue space we introduced in 2023 was born out of these experiences. It’s more than just a place for events; it’s a sanctuary for ideas, collaboration, and growth. It’s fulfilling to see that what started as a personal wish list has now transformed into a reality that supports and nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit in others. This space is a testament to turning challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.

As the visionary force behind Coach Brooks Business Consulting, what principles guide your approach to helping businesses achieve excellence?

As the visionary at the helm of Coach Brooks Business Consulting, my approach to guiding businesses toward excellence is deeply rooted in a set of core principles:

1. Strategic Tailoring: Understanding that each business is unique, I emphasize the importance of customized strategies. This involves a thorough analysis of each business’s specific context, challenges, and goals, ensuring that our solutions are not one-size-fits-all but tailored to each client’s individual needs and aspirations.
2. Empowerment through Knowledge: Believing in the power of knowledge, I strive to equip businesses with the tools and understanding they need to make informed decisions. This means providing advice and educating our clients on the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of various strategies and processes.
3. Collaborative Partnership: The ethos of collaboration is at the core of our services. Our relationship with clients is a partnership where we work hand-in-hand with them, leveraging their insights and our expertise to co-create solutions that drive growth and success.
4. Integrity and Respect: These values are non-negotiable in all our interactions. We maintain the highest standards of honesty and transparency in our dealings and treat every client with the utmost respect and dignity, recognizing the inherent worth of their ideas and contributions.
5. Focus on Sustainable Growth and Long-term Success: Our goal is to lay the groundwork for sustainable growth and long-term success. This involves looking beyond immediate gains and building resilience, efficiency, and a solid foundation to weather market fluctuations and other challenges.

Your accolades include the Best Boss Business Coach Award 2023 in Jacksonville and the Iconic Woman Award in Virginia. How do these recognitions reflect the impact of your consulting services on businesses?

These recognitions, the Best Boss Business Coach Award in 2023 from Jacksonville and the Iconic Woman Award in Virginia, are personal milestones that mirror the positive impact of my consulting services. Winning the Best Boss Business Coach Award highlights my effectiveness in empowering business leaders with impactful strategies and leadership skills. Meanwhile, the Iconic Woman Award underscores my commitment to elevating women in the business world, championing diversity, and fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial environment. These awards reflect individual achievements and the transformation and growth of the businesses and communities I’ve had the privilege to work with. They motivate me to continually innovate and enhance my services, reaffirming my commitment to excellence in business consulting.

 As a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion, can you share the inspiration behind crafting the Minority GovCon Business Summit? How does it bridge the gap in minority government contracting opportunities?

The inspiration for creating the Minority GovCon Business Summit stemmed from my own experiences navigating the complex landscape of government contracting. Despite attending numerous trainings offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), local resources, and SBA’s third-party partners, I often needed help to grasp the information thoroughly. The real challenge lay in the post-event hours, where I tirelessly tried to piece together the knowledge I had gathered. There was a noticeable gap in these events; they were promoted for minority businesses but often failed to address our unique needs and challenges inclusively.

This realization sparked the idea for the Minority GovCon Business Summit. My goal was to create a platform that provided information and truly included and represented minority contractors. Unlike other events, the summit is designed to be more than just an information session. It is an interactive, empowering experience involving participants in learning and networking opportunities.
At the heart of the summit is the commitment to sharing resources and opening new doors for minority contractors. Drawing from my journey, I make it a point to demystify government contracting processes, offering clear, actionable guidance. The summit serves as a bridge, connecting minority businesses with vital opportunities in government contracting, which they might otherwise miss due to the complexity and lack of tailored support in traditional programs.
Focusing on inclusivity and practical learning, the Minority GovCon Business Summit addresses the critical need for accessible, relevant, and empathetic training in government contracting. It’s not just about teaching classes; it’s about fostering a supportive community where minority contractors can thrive, learn from each other, and gain access to opportunities that propel their businesses forward. This summit reflects my dedication to breaking down barriers in government contracting and ensuring that minority businesses have the knowledge, resources, and support they need to succeed.

What role do initiatives like the Summit play in providing a stage for all minority business owners to flourish, and how has it contributed to the empowerment of entrepreneurs?

The Minority GovCon Business Summit is a crucial platform for minority business owners, offering them a unique opportunity to thrive in government contracting. By demystifying complex processes and tailoring knowledge to the challenges faced by minority entrepreneurs, the summit empowers attendees with specialized expertise and resources. It facilitates invaluable networking opportunities, creating a community for collaboration and mentorship. Notably, the summit acts as an advocacy stage, raising awareness of the specific needs of minority business owners and inspiring action. Through this, it educates and empowers entrepreneurs, contributing significantly to their growth and success in the competitive business landscape.

In what ways has sharing your insights on government contracting, leadership, and success on global stages impacted your mission to empower entrepreneurs?

Sharing my insights on government contracting, leadership, and success on global stages has significantly enhanced my mission to empower entrepreneurs in numerous ways. Speaking on global platforms has broadened my reach, connecting with a diverse, international audience and spreading successful entrepreneurial principles and government contracting practices beyond local confines. This global exposure has also bolstered my credibility, building trust among entrepreneurs and making them more receptive to my strategies and advice. Engaging with audiences worldwide has provided valuable cross-cultural insights, enabling me to refine my approach and develop inclusive, adaptable strategies suitable for entrepreneurs from various backgrounds. Additionally, these global interactions have opened doors to collaborations with other experts and organizations, expanding the resources and networks available to entrepreneurs and providing them with more tools for success. Interacting with a global audience has also been a rich source of feedback and continuous learning, keeping me updated on the latest trends and challenges in entrepreneurship. My presence on these stages is a source of inspiration, demonstrating the potential of hard work and strategic thinking and motivating entrepreneurs to pursue their goals with renewed enthusiasm. Overall, my global speaking engagements have extended the reach of my mission and significantly enriched its impact, allowing me to empower entrepreneurs with more nuanced, effective, and globally informed strategies and insights.

How do you balance your roles in championing diversity, offering business consulting services, and empowering entrepreneurs through coaching and mentorship programs?

Balancing my roles in championing diversity, offering business consulting, and empowering entrepreneurs through coaching and mentorship, I adopt a multifaceted approach. Effective prioritization and time management are essential, allowing me to dedicate focused attention to each aspect of my work. I integrate these roles for greater synergy, ensuring that diversity and inclusion principles enrich my business consulting and mentorship programs. Relying on a team aligned with my vision, I delegate responsibilities, enabling me to concentrate on strategic and high-impact activities. Staying informed about the latest trends and continually adapting my strategies keep my approach effective. Personal development is also crucial, involving self-care, professional growth, and maintaining supportive connections. Regular feedback and reflection help me fine-tune my methods.

For aspiring women entrepreneurs, my advice is to embrace your unique vision and continuously seek knowledge and mentorship. Building a supportive network is vital, as is balancing passion with pragmatism. Resilience and adaptability are key in navigating the entrepreneurial journey. Remember, entrepreneurship is a personal and professional journey; focus on your goals, practice self-compassion, and celebrate your achievements.

What advice do you have for women looking to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams with purpose?

For women pursuing entrepreneurial dreams with purpose, embracing your unique vision is crucial. Your individuality and passion are invaluable, guiding your journey and setting your business apart. Continuously seek knowledge and mentorship to accelerate growth and navigate challenges. Building a solid network of supportive peers, including other entrepreneurs and advisors, opens doors to new opportunities and offers diverse perspectives. Cultivate resilience and adaptability to face entrepreneurship’s inevitable ups and downs, viewing setbacks as learning opportunities. Balance your passion with pragmatism, making data-driven decisions and setting realistic goals for sustainable growth. Prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance, as your well-being is essential to your business’s success. Celebrate every achievement, big or small, and be open to feedback for continuous improvement and innovation. You can effectively navigate the entrepreneurial landscape and achieve your business goals by combining passion, resilience, continuous learning, and practical strategies.

What is your definition of a Pretty Woman Who Hustles?

To me, a Pretty Woman Who Hustles is someone like me, a woman who understands her assignment and lives it in every aspect of her life. I am a woman who embraces my innate strength and resilience, recognizing that my ability to achieve is an inherent part of who I am.
I don’t wait for opportunities; I create them. I’m aware of the power of my presence and the impact of my actions. I hustle with purpose, passion, and a deep sense of responsibility, not just for my success but for the well-being and upliftment of those around me. I understand that my strength grows when I support others, creating a wave of empowerment. I am a mentor, a role model, and a beacon of hope, demonstrating that it’s possible to rise above any challenge. A Pretty Woman Who Hustles is a woman who ‘gets it.’ My resilience and resourcefulness make me not just a pretty woman who hustles but a powerful force of change and inspiration.