Help Latonia save her kids and start a small business.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I want to share an important update regarding our GoFundMe. When I first created this campaign, the primary goal was to help cover essential school-related expenses for Heavyn—such as school fees for lost or broken devices, lunch and snacks, picture day, and school events.

However, since sharing my videos online, I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response and the growing interest from many people. I’ve received numerous messages asking me to upcycle or create garments for them—clothing, uniforms, dresses, and more. While I truly want to accept these opportunities, I face several hurdles that prevent me from doing so at this time.

To expand my craft into a viable business, I need better equipment, such as a Juki sewing machine capable of handling denim, and an overlocking machine for professional finishing. Currently, I sew everything from my living room, which offers no space to store or work on large projects or accommodate potential customers. I’ve had to turn down countless requests because I simply don’t have the space or tools.

Many people have also reached out offering to send me items or requesting custom work, but I lack the storage to accept these donations. This ongoing situation has been incredibly frustrating, and I’ve had to decline opportunities almost daily since my first video went viral. I truly believe I have a viable business idea—one that can help support my family and serve my community—but I need the right resources to get started.

A little about me: My name is Latonia Watkins. I’m 50 years old and a mother of four wonderful children. Last year, my world changed forever when my oldest daughter, Den’nicia Rowe, was tragically taken from us by someone she met online. Since that devastating day, I’ve been struggling with overwhelming grief and depression—emotions that no professional support has yet been able to fully ease.

Losing my daughter has deeply affected my mental and emotional well-being, and I often feel like I’m not the same person I was before that tragic day. I carry the weight of grief while trying to be strong for my remaining children—Heavyn, Lachi, and Latay. Balancing this pain with the responsibilities of motherhood has been incredibly difficult, and I worry about not being able to provide the stability and support my family need