Latoya Donaldson (CERTA)

For 26 years, Latoya Donaldson has proven herself to be an ambitious, out-going and strong woman. From mother, student and manager to writer and editor in chief to her own magazine, she embodies what it truly means to be a go-getter. Donaldson was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Queens, New York. At the tender age of 12, she began to write and explore the likes of fashion. After moving to Jacksonville Florida at the age of 16 with her mom, she realized that her dream was to become a writer for her own magazine one day. Growing up wasn’t always easy for Donaldson. She became a single mom at a young age and decided that no matter what comes her way she will always see it as a blessing in disguise. Her writing became an escape and when her father died at the age of 49 and never got to see 50, she told herself that she would put her goals and ambitions first and never give up. She went to college and got her Degree in Criminal Justice and began to explore her true passion in writing. At the age of 23 she started a blog called Certa Thinking, which became great for young women to read and become inspired. As the years went by, Certa Thinking grew into Certa Magazine that Donaldson launched in April 2012. The magazine gives a closer perspective to young men and women on lifestyle living and keeps them up to date on the newest and hottest trends. From overcoming different obstacles and raising a beautiful daughter to being a businesswoman and building a brand, Donaldson embodies the true meaning of powerful and doesn’t plan to stop any time soon. Certa Magazine can be picked up in many different local areas in Jacksonville including, Cami Cake and select Starbucks.