Jodi Latson

It’s okay to change. Whatever product you have, whatever idea you have; I think there’s always time to change and to make it better. If it doesn’t get better, you can always redo it. It’s never too late to start over.

 

Jodi Latson grew up in Denver, Colorado. In 1985, she moved down to Texas to attend Texas Southern University. Later, she received her real estate licence and learned to work in every capacity of real estate. While working for Royce Homes, she was the top salesperson in her office.

Latson has a knack for marketing. She’s done marketing for various companies and subcontracts. Eventually, she got into water and alkaline water about four years ago. While attending meetings for a different product, Latson began hearing success stories and testimonials from people about drinking alkaline water and how it helped heal their ailments. Then, when Latson herself became ill four years ago, she began drinking alkaline water and immediately saw the difference in how she felt and her energy levels.

Now, Latson has private-label water called You Water, and her line of water will be out soon. Latson believes that everyone should have access to clean water, and one of her goals is to help with the Flint, Michigan, water problem.

Where did the idea for You Water come from?

The parent company that I worked with was selling the concept of water stores where people go and buy their water. I wanted to do something a little different. I came up with the concept of a two-in-one where the individual and the small business could order alkaline water and have access to it for their customers and companies. Small businesses to medium-sized businesses could have access to a brand of water or the opportunity to brand their name with the water. So that’s where the name You Water comes from.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

My typical day starts at 6 a.m. I spent thirty minutes to an hour for prayer and quiet time for myself and I take out my two dogs. I take care of my mother so I try to keep her active and getting her situated. I try to take calls anywhere between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. of just answering questions and checking on production. From there go to my office and start on office work. Right now, I have two or three small accounts, and we’re just doing some different types of projects with them on the CBD water and the alkaline water.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I’m a visual person. I try to think about what would be the easiest way for me and what would be the most convenient way. So I’m always looking at it. I’ll have an idea or somebody will have an idea, and I think of myself as being the person who could take it to another level. I’m a problem solver because I believe solving problems is the way to make your money. So that’s something that I always look for. One of the projects that I have that is also a goal of mine is the Flint, Michigan problem. A goal of mine is to get them clean water.

What’s one trend that excites you?

One trend that excites me is motivational speaking and mentoring. Motivational speaking is kind of a trend right now. That excites me because I believe that if we started coaching children at a younger age, it would make a big difference for their future.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I’m always talking to all different kinds of people. I stay connected with a wide range of people every single day. I come in contact with a wide range of people. It might be a homeless person or someone who’s a millionaire, or even be a neighbor. I think that’s what keeps me productive as an entrepreneur.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self that it’s okay to be you. It’s okay to be different. It’s okay to accept all of your quirky habits. I spent so much time hiding or changing or looking to be accepted that all of that time could have been time spent on being a better me.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

It’s true that anything is possible. Anything you can think of. Most people don’t agree. Most people agree that there’s a limit. But I believe that anything is possible. Absolutely anything. Anything you can think of can be done.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

It’s okay to change. Whatever product you have, whatever idea you have; I think there’s always time to change and to make it better. If it doesn’t get better, you can always redo it. It’s never too late to start over.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

I would say that one strategy that has helped me to grow is listening. Listening to people and the world. Its helped to grow my business because it helps to find a solution to problems and stay ahead of the trends.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

One failure that I have and that I’m still working on is not taking care of me. Not taking any downtime or resting more often. I would recommend taking advantage of the time you have off. Don’t try to get back up immediately.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Pet watering stations. Many people walk their dogs, and in the hot summer, there’s no place for the dogs to get a drink of water.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

Cupcakes. I went into a store, and I couldn’t make up my mind on which cupcakes to get. I ended up getting so many that I just started handing them out as I went down the street to anyone that I came across.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Being able to connect my phone to my car because I can take calls safely while I’m driving.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

I recommend that people read the Bible. Every single day I read a couple of scriptures, and I know that, even if it’s just a little bit of reading like a couple of scriptures a day, it helps you stay focused. The Bible is what keeps me grounded and focused, calms me down, heals me, and keeps me together.

What is your favorite quote?

“I can, I will, I must.” – Eric Thomas

Key Learnings:

● Listen to people.
● Know that anything is possible, anything you can think of can be done.
● It’s never too late to start over.