Community Spotlight: JaVonica Latson
Community Spotlight: JaVonica Latson
Meet @blackmominboston otherwise known as JaVonica! Minni was lucky enough to partner with JaVonica recently by hosting a collaborative Community Drop-In event at our South End studio to celebrate creativity, diversity and community engagement. But we wanted to dive a little deeper into all that JaVonica does for community, why she started her Instagram account, what drives hers, and more!
Read on to find out!
Can you tell us a bit more about yourself and your journey
I was born in Boston, and became a mom to my beautiful, intelligent, and very witty daughter Iva in 2018. Since Iva was small, I have made it a priority to expose her to as many new experiences as possible.
In May 2022, I created and launched @blackmominboston on Instagram, with the goal being to expose other Black and Brown moms within the communities of Boston of what the city and beyond has to offer. I understand that access to activities and events are not always equitable for children of color, so I’ve made it my mission to be part of the change.
Since the launch of @blackmominboston, I’ve been able to provide my followers with knowledge and access to events, activities, dining experiences and more.
What made you want to collaborate with Minni?
In 2022, I first discovered Minni, a hidden gem that really impressed me. I decided to enroll Iva in one of their classes, and she absolutely loved it. We returned for more classes and even joined a Friday morning drop-in session. However, I couldn't help but notice that we were often the only attendees of color. It made me wonder why more people from my community weren't aware of such a wonderful place.
Although I grew up in Dorchester, in a predominantly Black neighborhood, I was fortunate to have access to various resources and activities due to participating in the METCO Program and later attending a private school. My mother also made a conscious effort to ensure my sister and I had well-rounded experiences. This privilege made me acutely aware that access to such opportunities is not always equitable in Black and Brown communities. Many families are often excluded from events and resources that could enhance their children's lives.
Minni became the inspiration behind the creation of @blackmominboston, with my goal being to inform and provide access to Black and Brown parents and their little ones by bridging the gap and making these experiences more accessible. Collaborating with Minni was important to me because I wanted people from my community to have the chance to experience creativity in a safe and exciting space. Simultaneously, I believe it would be beneficial for Minni to expand its network and reach other demographics, as the diverse city of Boston is composed of so many vibrant communities.
Through @blackmominboston, I strive to connect families, share information, and create a supportive community where everyone feels welcome. By highlighting valuable resources and experiences such as Minni, I hope to empower parents and their children, ensuring that they too can access the richness of art, creativity, and educational opportunities.
I hope the Blackmominboston X Minni collaboration will encourage a more inclusive and equitable space, where every child has the opportunity to explore their artistic potential and embrace the joy of creativity.
How do you stay creative, and how do you bring that into your daughter’s life?
I have always been a creative person at heart, and my journey of embracing that side of me began in 2012 when I started designing masquerade costumes for Boston's Annual Caribbean Carnival. The experience of working with textures, testing my limits, and being confident in my creations were truly empowering. It ultimately taught me the importance of freedom in creativity.
Creating @blackmominboston has opened up a whole new world of creativity for me. It's an ongoing learning process, but it allows me to express myself in unique ways with the bonus of spending quality time with my daughter and creating cherished memories that I hope she will look back on with joy. As a working mom and curating content for @blackmominboston, finding moments to decompress and relax is crucial. I have recently found that doing nails during my downtime keeps my creative juices flowing. It has become a wonderful outlet for me to stay connected to my artistic side while also proving to be quite therapeutic .
Iva also has a natural inclination towards using her hands to get creative. Whether it's painting, playing with slime, or painting her dolls' faces with "make-up," I let her freely express herself. I never limit her creativity; instead, I encourage her to do her best and pursue whatever brings her joy.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Nurturing. Aware. Thoughtful.
What has been a challenge in growing your business or community that you’ve overcome?
Overcoming self-doubt and the fear of failure has been a significant challenge in my journey with @blackmominboston. Despite appearing extroverted, I am actually quite the opposite. It has required a ton of effort to break free from my own thoughts and truly believe that my work with @blackmominboston is making a positive difference in my community. Navigating the world of social media can be tough in itself, as it often exposes us to the curated lives of others. So it's very easy to fall into the trap of comparison and self-doubt. However, I've come to understand the importance of staying true to myself and embracing my authenticity. I've learned that my unique voice and perspective are valuable contributions that cannot be replicated. I am learning daily to give myself grace!
What inspired you as a child? What inspires you in your daily life as an adult?
I had many inspirations as a child, and do even as an adult. Among the many, as an adult, motherhood and my community inspire me today.
Motherhood has been a transformative journey, awakening a deep sense of purpose within me. The love, joy, and challenges that come with raising Iva has inspired me to become the best version of myself. Through the ups and downs, the good days and the not so good ones, I am constantly learning that balancing the responsibilities and demands of parenting requires me to prioritize my well-being. I feel an immense amount of joy introducing Iva to new experiences, witnessing her excitement, and capturing the precious moments of all the incredible things we've been blessed to do together. Her happiness constantly fuels and inspires me to keep going and continue to create cherished memories that we'll forever hold close to our hearts.
Additionally, my community always inspires me. The beautiful people, its resilience, cultural richness, and collective achievements have instilled in me a profound sense of pride and determination. Witnessing the strength and contributions of my community throughout history drives my desire to make a positive impact, not just for myself but also for future generations. This is why I work to curate relatable content for Black and Brown moms, ensuring it is accessible, equitable, and something they will truly appreciate. By providing resources, information, and a supportive space, I aim to empower and uplift and celebrate the unique experiences that help to shape my community.
Both motherhood and my community collectively influence me to embrace my identity, advocate for equity and justice, and cultivate a nurturing environment where Black and Brown youth children can thrive.
What is your and your daughter’s favorite art activity?
Iva's independence shines through in her love for painting, and I am always there to celebrate her incredible artwork! Since she was a tiny tot, painting has been one of her favorite art activities.
We often find Iva painting jumbo coloring pages and canvases, which we proudly hang on the walls of our home. Paint brushes are definitely a staple in our household, scattered around as she explores her creativity. But it doesn't stop there—she even finds unconventional canvases like old boots and even her beloved slime to paint on.
One of the cutest things she does is painting her dolls' faces and calling it "makeup." It's a joy to witness her imaginative play and see her bring her dolls to life through her artistic expressions. As a proud mom, I am always there to encourage her and recognize her artistic achievements. I believe in nurturing her creative spirit and allowing her to freely express herself through art.
Which other Instagram accounts, bloggers or blogs do you admire?
@urbansuburbankids - a fantastic resource guide for the North Shore! I absolutely love this account. I enjoy sharing their content on my story, encouraging fellow mamas and parents to take full advantage of the wonderful opportunities available.
@southbostonmomsclub- another incredible resource for parents! With a Boston-based focus, they share valuable resources, host engaging activities, and works towards bringing Boston's diverse communities together. I also truly appreciate their support of blackmominboston, which has been nothing short of amazing.
@badmomsofboston- offers a fun and safe haven for moms. Although I recently started following their page, I love their mission! They too are moms of color, and they beautifully emphasize the importance of cherishing moments with our little ones while reassuring us that it's also okay to prioritize mommy time and relish in it. Additionally, they offer events, playdates, and events just for moms.
