Meet Nyoka Ward | Model / Actress / Social Media & marketing consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nyoka Ward and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nyoka, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I worked a day job from the time I was 17 until I was 22. The 60 plus hour work weeks and barely making ends meet. Working in a male dominant workplace exhausting myself to climb up the food chain for a liveable wage. It never felt worth it, I had to sacrifice my peace and relaxation and free time just to be able to afford my own car and home and to feed myself. Those are necessities in a lot of people’s every day lives. I got out of retail work and into vehicle sales. There, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the world of marketing. I was immediately intrigued and couldn’t learn enough. I began working with photoshop and filming promotional event videos for the company; meeting customers and learning about their experience with our team. After leaving the company, I worked with a self made billionaire as his personal assistant. I was a sponge to his story. I absorbed as much from him as I could. When he unfortunately passed, I went back into vehicle sales, had no control over my own time, money was still tight, and I didnt feel fulfilled with my life. That was when COVID wiped out the better half of the sales industry and I was a victim. A blessing in disguise because that’s what launched Nyoka Latte LLC!! I now specialize in social media marketing and advertising, helping small businesses everywhere reach a larger audience of customers. I love knowing I’m helping people that had been throuhgh my same struggle of trying to find something that motivated me to get out of bed and set my soul alive. Being an entrepreneur has been an amazing experience and I’ve met so many creative individuals that are now some of my closest friends!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have wanted to model for as long as i can remember. I was always making my own outfits, running my own photoshoots, wearing the most insane outfits. The older I got the more it seemed impossible to do it professionally. I graduated highschool and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, I didn’t go to college, I figured I was going to be working a dead end job forever. But I pulled my head out of my butt and recognized I have the potential to be whomever I want. I took initiative and I started modeling professionally, acting professionally, working with small businesses and amazing creative minds. I am now working toward creating a creative safe space for artists to come and work without being taken advantage of. More than anything I want people to have a safe space to chase their dreams. I want to continue to help people light that passion in their heart and be the most successful they’ve ever been!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I honestly am a homebody. I don’t go out too often. To show them the best time ever, I would start in the home. A safe space to wind down and eat awsesome snacks with some wine is step one! If we did want to go out and about I would probably head to Brewdog Columbus first. This bar/reasuraunt/brewery has beer and food options for meat and veggie lovers. From Elvis Juice to Cauliflower Wings. Not to mentions the beautiful rooftop view. If we still aren’t satisfied after that we can to go pins mechanical for a night of games and giggles. Making memories with my good friends is always my favorite pastime.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would be nowhere without my amazing team! 3DM Photography was one of the first photographers I ever worked with! I have been modeling over over a decade and he has watched me grow into a strong model and business owner. I have made so many new connections through him! Mx.Gay Photography, Hoffmann Photographs, KissedByBo (an amazing designer), and many MUAs all over ohio to name a few that have healped me rise to success. I also want to give a shout out to my nail tech, Shyanne Myers aka prettynailsbyshyy. I am constantly booking shoots, shows, events, and business meetings, without a team to lead me in the right direction and assist my growth and experience, I would never be the woman I am today without them. Support your local artists, we’re out here doing amazing things!

Website: https://www.voyageohio.com/interview/meet-nyoka-ward-of-columbus/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyoka.latte_llc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyoka.michelle.ward

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@comodelatte

Image Credits
3DM Photography / Mx.Gay Photography / Hoffmann Photos / Youphoriaphotos / Shyanne Myers (Nail Tech) / Precious Moments Photography / Ira Pope Sage (Hairstylist) / KissedByBo (designer)