CEO OF LET’S WRITE LIFE | Journaling and Wellness Educator, Mental Health Specialist, Women Empowerment Advocate

LATONIA FRANCOIS is the Trailblazing Owner of Let’s Write Life; a personal development journaling company started in 2015 that empowers women to reach their goals and reclaim their life. Let’s Write Life partners with self-development organizations and mental health professionals to incorporate journaling into their programs as an inspiring form of personal development and life change. Latonia is the author of, “The Best of Me” Journal and Program, which is used by well-established self-development programs that are leading women and young ladies to discover who they are, gain acknowledgment their self-worth, and build inner confidence to see beyond adversity and rewrite their lives with dignity.

Recently featured by Essence.com for her expertise in journaling, Latonia is highly sought after as a well-rounded entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, and consultant having been invited to speak at remarkable events such as PeaceLove Storytellers, which advocates for building awareness of mental health. Latonia has led programs by highly respected organizations such as the Ascentria Care Alliance: Ruth House of Brockton, The Well: A Center for Hope & Healing, Bentley University, The Boys & Girls Club, EForALL South Coast, and more. Her one-of-a-kind journaling art piece called, “I AM ANYA; Woman of Hope”, has been selected as a highlighted art piece by Janssen and Johnson & Johnson 2018 Campaign for the Champions of Science: The Art of Ending Stigma project. In 2019, Latonia opened the doors to The Anya House; A dedicated faith-based self-care retreat space for women.

Latonia has received awards and recognition from organizations such as EFORALL, Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board, HarborOne U, Boston Center for Women and Enterprise, and The MetroSouth Chamber of Commerce for her outstanding passion to contribute to her community and build confidence in the personal and professional development of others. Latonia has graduated from Bentley University where she received her degree in Business Management and Information Design and Corporate Communications.

Latonia is married to Herkins Francois, her high school sweetheart and is the proud mother of three awesome children. Latonia resides in South Shore, MA. Driven by the lives she touches, Latonia leads Let’s Write Life with an affirmation of self-love as a gentle reminder that builds self-esteem and confidence for all women to never give up on themselves – or their dreams with these words: “You’re Worth Writing For. You always were. You always will be.” Let’s Write Life.

1. I’ll lead with this….in 2020, I gave birth to my son in the backseat of my car in a Home Depot parking lot. Yes, I am one of those moms, lol. The story made headlines everywhere until the pandemic hit the week later. I learned firsthand WOMAN can do ANYTHING! It’s been my passion to support new and multiple birth moms.
2. I homeschooled all my kids for one year.
3. I have a motorcycle license, own a motorcycle, but have not driven a motorcycle in over 10 years, lol. My bike is mostly a garage antique decoration now. I traded my biker life – temporarily – for my mom life.
4. My first business was braiding hair to make money in college for $10 per style.
5. I studied abroad in South Africa my senior year of college on a scholarship that was created from a brave moment that led me to ask for studied abroad scholarships that are now available for all students.
6. I’ve always loved interior design and real estate. I was a designer for Ethan Allen where I grew my passion for interior design and in 2022 I became a DIY General Contractor and renovated my multi-family house with my husband (by ourselves) for a full year.
7. I have been married to my high-school hubby for over 22 years. We actually started a marriage ministry at our church to help other couples strengthen, connect, and have more fun in their relationships. Supporting couples is still something we enjoy doing till this day. #blacklovematters Check out our work here: https://www.instagram.com/letswritelovemarriages/.
8. I have written, designed, published seven journals that reflect meaningful and significant chapters of my life.
9. I have a personal collection of over 150+ journals that I have either used or never even touched, lol.
10. I travel every year, but have never been to the west coast.
11. I designed an Art Piece named, “I AM ANYA; WOMEN OF HOPE” to shed light on my mental health story and it became part of a national campaign for Janssen and Johnson & Johnson. Check it out here: http://www.artofendingstigma.com/.