Life and Work with Sydney Latoya

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Latoya.

Sydney, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Originally from Baltimore, MD where there is a lot of heart, passion, ambition, and soul pumping through the city – it was easy for me to fall in love with art. From a young child, I competed in beauty pageants, cheer, dance, and singing competitions – anything to put on a show!

As I grew up, I ventured into fashion shows and recording music in local studios with a lot of other amazing artists.

With growing up came other opinions and advice as to what my life should look like in years to come. I took that advice because it seemed practical and like most things in the beginning, just seems like you’re treading mud & the last thing I ever want to be is stagnant.

I moved away to attend college. Pennsylvania, NYC then ending my gypsy way of life in Los Angeles. I received my Bachelor’s degree in LA and went into the corporate PR world. My thought process was to appease both my art needs and practicality by living in these big cities with creative opportunities at my fingertips all while chugging along at that 9-5. I found out quickly that this would not work.

I was picked up by a modeling agency and was able to celebrate this accomplishment briefly. I was having a hard time juggling long hours at my PR Job with being available for gigs and print opportunities. Long story short, I went through a lot of trial and error until I found the right combination of work that suits my need to create and perform.

The PR firm where I had worked offered a wellness program. I took full advantage of it by cycling, doing yoga and working out with a private trainer. I began to develop a real passion for fitness. Health and wellness are so important for EVERYONE. No matter who you are, age, career, etc. I was intrigued. Another long story cut short, I fell into some amazing opportunities that allowed me to become a cycle instructor.

I signed with a small music label and began pumping out a few singles and features. I taught cycling, I booked gigs 2-3x per week and things were looking up! Another lesson awaited as I learned there’s no threshold you meet and you’re forever booked and busy. There will be lull periods. There will be plenty of times you’ll be rejected in this industry. Rejection is something you learn to deal with, often. But as a human being – when it’s constant, hard to see the light, things get inevitably dark.

I pulled myself out of another lesson. This time with a Pilates certification to boot! One thing was sure to me & that was teaching, bringing health and wellness to other people, kept me going. It keeps me grounded and aware of the bigger picture which is serving and building up each other.

I began feeling a little burned out on the over saturation of the Industry in LA. I felt tired of waiting for people to give me opportunities so I began thinking of ways to create my own. Wanting change in the worst way, an opportunity to move to Phoenix appeared. Here I am, six months in as a Phoenix resident.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Man…

Challenge is the name of the game. You are met with a challenge, you overcome obstacles then you receive rewards. Repeat, repeat, repeat.

I have too many struggles to name today but I am open to having one on one discussions with anyone who feels they can benefit from my story. Drop me a line anytime and I’ll reply.

My advice for anyone in the creative field would be to do things that constantly build up your confidence and stop comparing. This industry is built on competition. “Oh, you’re almost perfect for this but you could be an inch taller.” Then maybe you look at your beautiful opposition and she is an inch taller. So what! I’ve learned (more recently too) that my worth is not dependent on how many gigs I book and how awesome people tell me I am. Believe in your art, your creativity and what you have to offer the world. Then, FLY!

Please tell us about your work.
Being a multipotentialite, my work grows daily.

I am working as an independent model. My last two years in Los Angeles, I cut ties with my modeling agency and began booking myself for opportunities. I’m most proud of that because I’m doing exactly what I said I would and that’s creating opportunities for myself. Networking, keeping myself in the know and putting my marketing degree to use!

I’ve booked weekly gigs with designers like Jeffrey Campbell and music videos with artists as big as Tegan & Sara. I’m constantly grinding and working to build relationships so we can grow together!

Staying true to all my passions, I am also teaching Cycling and Pilates. You can catch me for classes at Flo Yoga & Cycle or Club Pilates Central Phoenix!

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I think the uproar in challenges facing women has brought upon a lot of awareness. I think that working together is going to be our biggest advantage. Building each other up, not looking at one another as competition but realizing all we can do together. The opportunities are endless as this mentality continues to spread amongst people everywhere.

Contact Info:

• Email: perry.sydneyl@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/SydneyLatoya
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/SydneyLatoya
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6pRKbpG9sy1uDjkzVn1S8U?si=zm0NTkFlQUy7xRLhTYZdIw

Image Credit:
Alexandria Bailey, Caitlin Ocegueda, David Privette, Kate Bussell, Lisa Van Leeuwen

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.