From Crafty Mom to Business Owner—Latasha’s story with OMTech

Latasha’s story began in 2022, just a year after she welcomed her daughter. As a military spouse and full-time worker living with Lupus, life was not easy. As a mother, she is excited, but something still feels missing. She wanted something that was just for her.

“I wanted something that was mine,” Latasha says. “Being a mom made me happy, but I need something more—something that shows who I am.”

Because she loves doing everything by herself, she decided to turn that passion into a business. That’s how A Taste of Sparkles was born. At first, she made custom T-shirts, tumblers, and doormats. Soon, she became curious about laser engraving. After doing lots of research, she chose the OMTech Polar 50W Desktop as her first laser machine.

Because her family moves often, Latasha needed something small, light, and easy to carry. The Polar was perfect—it fit her lifestyle and her budget.

Overcoming Fear and Getting Started

When Latasha's laser machine finally arrived, she was both excited and terrified. "I was nervous," she says. "I'd been watching tutorial videos. I'd joined the OMTech Facebook group and read all the posts. But even after all that, I still felt unprepared. I kept thinking, 'What if I break it? What if I break it?'"

Eventually, she realised waiting wasn't going to cut it. So one afternoon, she decided to get started. She unboxed the machine, plugged it in, and prepared to start her first project. Her first project was small—a simple keychain engraved with her daughter's name. But the moment she saw the first engraving, a spark ignited in her.

"That little project gave me so much confidence," she says. "It convinced me that I could really do it."

Latasha's creative drive didn't stop there. She began testing more designs, experimenting with different materials, and learning as she went. Before long, her shop was filled with new personalized gifts—like custom tumblers, home signs, and keychains for every occasion.

"Since I started using the OMTech laser machine, my business has really taken off," she says. "It opened up so many new ideas and products I never thought I could create. Every time I started a new project, I went from nervous to excited."

Today, Latasha looks back with a smile on her journey. She's proud of her courage in taking that first step. "The hardest part was just getting started," she admits. "Once I got going, everything else started to fall into place."

A Piece of Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For anyone thinking about starting their own business, Latasha’s advice is simple and honest: “Just do it,” she says. “I know it sounds basic, but it’s the truth. Don’t wait until you feel ready, because you’ll never feel 100% ready. Start scared, start unsure, start small—just start.”

She believes that every beginner goes through fear and doubt, but that’s part of the journey. “You’ll make mistakes. You’ll have days when things don’t go right. But that’s how you learn,” she says. “A year from now, you’ll look back and be so proud of what you’ve built, the lessons you’ve learned, and how much you’ve grown.”

Latasha’s story proves that with determination, creativity, and a little courage, you can turn a single spark of inspiration into something truly amazing.

The Future is Bright with OMTech

Latasha’s success with OMTech has only just begun. Since adding a laser to her business, her sales have grown. Now, she’s waiting for her new 60W CO₂ laser, which will let her take on bigger and more detailed projects.

Even with the challenges of living with Lupus, Latasha keeps going strong. Her story shows how determination, creativity, and the right tools can turn a small idea into something amazing.

Ready to Start Your Own Journey?

If you’re thinking about starting your own journey, take Latasha’s advice and just start. The first step might be scary, but with support and the right tools—like OMTech—you can turn your passion into something real, just like Latasha did with A Taste of Sparkles.