By d-mars.com News Provider
La’Torria Lemon is a familiar and well-respected name in the media world, as owner of Lemon-Lime Light Media, an award-winning full service PR, branding, consulting, marketing and event activation enterprise based in Houston and Atlanta. She has managed global publicity projects for OWN and celebrities like Tyler Perry. Lemon-Lime Light Media was also the driving force managing publicity and media for George Floyd’s funeral in Houston that brought in celebrities such as Jamie Foxx and Channing Tatum, raising awareness on police brutality and systemic racism. But though you see her brand attached to celebrities, trust that the foundation of her life and favor is due to her being centered on Christ.
Her continued walk in prayer and purpose has now birthed Praying Apparel, tees that inspire the spirit and soul. This past year and a half has definitely brought its share of challenges, but as founder and CEO of Praying Apparel, La’Torria is spreading the message of prayer and purpose with tees that are specialized because of the style and most importantly, the scripture behind it.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
“I started working on Praying Apparel in late 2020. Oftentimes I would find myself praying through many situations within my career, so initially, I wanted to just create a personal t-shirt that said “I’m a Praying Publicist,” but I realized that many of us have to pray our way through our careers and industries. I wanted to ultimately have a tee that could inspire professionals in various industries to keep going and pray through challenging circumstances that can arise in their careers,” said La’Torria. The scripture verse aligned with the brand and incorporated on each t-shirt’s message is Jeremiah 29:11, one of La’Torria’s favorite scriptures that prompts her to implement her faith in all situations. She said, “I don’t always know what God is doing, but I trust that He has equipped me to be obedient, patient, humble, and press my way through.”
The d-mars.com team had a chance to chat with La’Torria about Praying Apparel.
Q&A with La’Torria Lemon:
You could have started a t-shirt line that just motivated people, but in a world where even some Christians are afraid to talk about God for fear of losing business or clients, talk about why it is especially important for God to be at the center of the messages with each tee. I work in an industry that can be dark at times. For me, I don’t hide my faith or my love for God. I have prayed with some of the biggest gangsters, non-believers, and those who have shifted away from God. I accept the assignments that I know God gives me. Though I am far from perfect, I know whose I am. I could never imagine hiding my beliefs just to appeal to a certain industry, client, or anyone else. I am who I am because of God, and He deserves the glory.
How has your prayer life been the foundation for your successful publicity company, Lemon-Lime Light Media? I truly believe prayer has brought me through in so many ways. Being a publicist can be a tough job, especially operating in multiple cities within multiple industries (entertainment, faith-based, nonprofit, fashion, etc.), and being a business owner could be just as tough. The two together can be a big task for anyone. There are days when I’m more than just a publicist to my clients. I’m often their go-to for MANY things in their professional and personal life. I pray with my clients very often and I often seek prayer from my prayer circle. My staff and I pray frequently with each other, for each other, and for our company. I know that prayer is essential. In April, I tragically lost one of my youngest clients, JaeRene to a drunk driver. It broke my heart and hurt me and my team so badly. We are still dealing with her loss as she was like family. Since her passing, we have released music from her upcoming project and I have had moments where I could barely hold it together. I pray so much for her, her family, her supporters, and all of the families involved. I loved Jae like a little sister and it is a situation where I’m open to say that I’m praying my way through it.
With a publicity and event company that has a proven track record and now with Praying Apparel, what advice do you have for those who want to start a business and have success as an entrepreneur? I would suggest to anyone who is seeking to start a business and be a successful entrepreneur to be grounded, find balance, and keep a good circle around you. I will be celebrating 10 years in business this August for Lemon-Lime Light Media. I started this company at the age of 22 and I’m open to let people know that I made mistakes along the way just from lack of knowledge. So, I would advise people to do research and build a foundation that will allow them to flourish. Also, know that it’s essential for you to plant seeds along your journey. When things get tough, please pray, but also don’t hesitate to have a therapist to express yourself along the way.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers? I am so thankful for the support! I would love for your readers to know that it is possible to achieve your goals. It may not be easy at all times, but you must write out your plan and make it happen. Lastly, when a door opens for you, hold it open for someone else who you know and believe will hold it open for the next person.
An innovator and successful business woman, La’Torria has many short and long-term goals for Praying Apparel. Expect pop-ups, product placement, storefronts, and some other surprises.
For more information on product updates and new inventory releases, please visit www.prayingapparel.com.