Q: So, first off—tell us about you and the businesses you run!
Starla: Oh wow, where do I start? I’m Starla Kay Mathis, an Indy native, married to my college sweetheart, Reggie Mathis (Ball State…Chirp Chirp). We have two amazing kids and co-own Mathis Media, a full-service media and marketing agency. We launched Mathis Media Studio, specializing in Portrait, Family, Milestone, Seniors, Newborn, Weddings, and “In The Box” Photography. I also co-founded Create. Connect. Collab. (CCC) with my incredible partner, Lateva—a hybrid community for women business owners where we provide professional development, accountability, and connection. I’m a public speaker, plus-size model, and published photographer. As a community-driven leader, and creator of safe space I’m passionate about helping women establish their brands and create a life they love!
Lateva: I’m Lateva Woolfork, and like Starla, I’m a proud wife to Curtis Woolfork—we’ve been together since we were 17 and 19! I’m also the busy mom of six beautiful girls (yes, six—laughs)! I like to call myself the Detroit girl living in an Indianapolis world. In addition to my role as a mom and wife, I run Socially Coordinated Consulting (SoCo PR), where I focus on communications and brand strategy. I’m also a small business coach, speaker, and hostess with the mostest, all while balancing my work at Create. Connect. Collab. (CCC). It’s definitely a lot to juggle, but when you’re passionate about empowering women and helping them thrive, it makes everything worth it!
Q: Balancing businesses, babies, and husbands—how do you manage it all?
Starla: Honestly, time management is everything. It’s about setting clear priorities, staying organized, and knowing when to ask for help. I’ve learned to schedule time for both my business and my family, so I’m present when I need to be, whether that’s leading a strategy session at work or having a heart-to-heart with my kids. The key is being intentional with my time.
Lateva: Yes, I agree. Time management and setting clear boundaries are crucial. When you’re running businesses and taking care of your family, you have to know where your energy is best spent. I also rely on a solid support system—whether it’s family or team members—so I’m not burning out. There’s a lot of multitasking, but boundaries and flexibility go hand-in-hand.
Q: Speaking of boundaries, what boundaries have you had to set in both your personal and business lives?
Starla: One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that it’s okay to say no. I used to overextend myself, trying to be everything to everyone. But I’ve learned that setting boundaries in my personal life—like “family time” or “personal time”—helps me recharge, and in turn, it makes me better at running my businesses. You have to protect your peace!
Lateva: For me, it’s about saying no to things that don’t align with my priorities. Whether it’s a client or a social event, if it doesn’t support my vision for my business or my family, I respectfully decline. Being clear about my availability, especially with my family responsibilities, has been a game changer. And I’ve learned to be okay with that!
Q: Let’s talk about your partnership! What makes your collaboration so successful?
Starla: We complement each other really well. Lateva is the big picture thinker, while I’m the detailed strategist. Together, we balance out the creative vision and the tactical execution. We’re able to push each other and hold each other accountable, which is why CCC is growing so fast. We’re not just co-founders—she’s literally my business wife and CCC is our marriage!
Lateva: I agree! Our strengths and weaknesses balance out perfectly, but beyond that, there’s a genuine respect and trust. We also have a shared mission to empower women, so that gives us a solid foundation to build from. The way we support each other through challenges, big wins, and everything in between is what makes us Unstoppable!
Q: What’s next for Create. Connect. Collab. (CCC)? What’s on the horizon for the community?
Starla: Big things are happening! We’re focusing on scaling our national reach and creating even more opportunities for women to connect and learn. We will continue offering MasterClasses, MasterMinds, and Mastering The Work sessions where those “ah-ha” moments happen and members become the subject matter experts they are. Plus, we’re expanding our mentorship program and introducing new resources to help women scale their businesses faster!
Lateva: Absolutely! We’re also focusing on bringing more value to our members with tailored programs and partnerships that align with our mission. The Unstoppable conference is evolving, and we’re looking forward to increasing accessibility for women entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. And we’ve got exciting plans for our Create. Connect. Collab. Foundation, to support underserved women entrepreneurs!
Q: You mentioned your community. What does the CCC community mean to you?
Starla: Oh, our community is EVERYTHING! It’s a group of bold, resilient women who refuse to let anything hold them back. It’s not just a network—it’s a sisterhood. It’s where vulnerability meets support, and everyone’s striving toward growth. That’s why our mantra is so powerful: “I’m a movement by myself, I’m a force when we’re together, but I’m Unstoppable with the CCC community!”
Lateva: That’s exactly it! The CCC community is about coming together, supporting each other, and lifting each other up. It’s not about competition—it’s about collaboration. When we work together, we’re truly Unstoppable. It’s amazing to see women connect, share resources, and help each other build businesses that will impact the world.
Q: Lastly, vulnerability seems to be a big theme for CCC. Why is vulnerability so important in your business and community?
Starla: As a wife, mom, and business owner, vulnerability is key for me. It means being open about my challenges, mistakes, and wins, and showing up authentically in all areas of my life. Vulnerability helps us connect on a deeper level, and that’s where real growth happens. As founders, we lead by example, encouraging members to embrace their journey and remain Unstoppable along the way!
Lateva: Yes, vulnerability is everything. It’s hard to be a woman in business sometimes, and it’s okay to admit that. But when you share your story, you inspire others to do the same. That’s when the magic happens. It creates trust, and trust leads to collaboration, which is the foundation of everything we do at CCC.
Takeaways:
- Time Management: Setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks is key to balancing business and personal life.
- Vulnerability: Embracing authenticity and sharing struggles helps build deeper connections and trust.
- Collaboration Over Competition: The CCC community is built on the foundation of collaboration, which empowers women to grow together.
- What’s Next: We’re expanding CCC’s reach and resources, making it easier for women entrepreneurs to scale and succeed.
We’re excited for the future of Create. Connect. Collab. and can’t wait to continue building this Unstoppable Movement with You!
Photo credit: Tanisha Pinex
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