Hollywood Makeup Artist Gives Back to Community Through Nonprofit Triumphant Transitions

Triumphant Transitions Inc. was was founded by Gary, Indiana, native and Ball State University graduate LaTrice L. Edwards. It is a true revelation of purpose for the celebrity makeup artist and entrepreneur.

The impact of the organization’s service has resulted in client testimonials of increased self-esteem, job readiness, and improved relationships. Triumphant Transitions has also partnered in various community service efforts including: back to school rallies, spa days for Hurricane Katrina survivors, and wig drive sponsorships supporting the American Cancer Society.

It has served several hundred clients directly and indirectly, with grassroots efforts for 15 years. Clients have experienced its unique community and empowerment services in Gary-Northwest and Indianapolis, as well as Chicago. Triumphant Transitions has also supported African missions in Abuja, Nigeria, and the United Republic of Tanzania.

What made you start your nonprofit?

Triumphant Transitions Inc. is actually a God-given idea I wrote on a Post-it note one night 16 years ago. So it started from obedience to answer the call to serve my community. I want to encourage and empower those in need by putting God’s love in action through serving.

Why is it so important for you to give back?

I am really doing what I grew up watching my parents do. I always saw my parents serving in ministry, teaching, giving back to the community, helping our family and people in need. So, I guess you can say it’s in my blood, it’s in my DNA to serve and it’s important to keep their legacy going.  I also base the importance of serving on one of my favorite quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which states, “Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

This quote is 1,000% true! It really doesn’t take much to serve. You can do it by volunteering, donating to a good cause, getting groceries or running errands for the elderly during this pandemic. When it comes to serving, a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love really are the best tools to start with.

What are some of the highlights of your organization in the last 15 years that you want people to know about?

Wow, there are so many wonderful memories through the years, from pampering women overcoming domestic violence, to empowerment workshops to aid those recovering from substance abuse, to being a triage organization during Hurricane Katrina in Illinois and Indiana, plus our community health events. As well as merging my career in film/TV with my youth empowerment program to supporting African missions and seeing girls in Tanzania in my empowerment shirts. However, I think my most favorite highlight is when a woman, who was a part of my very first program in February 14, 2005 and a client of the women’s shelter we served, noticed my mother and I at an event. I will never forget her excitement when she saw us. She reminded me of who she was and that she had been through my program a few years prior. After sharing her triumphant progress with us, she then hugged my mother and thanked her for having me. She said it was because of my mother that I am here to help women like her.

What are you doing to stay afloat during COVID-19?

I am actually doing what I always do … serve. Triumphant Transitions Inc. has operated on a volunteer/donation base over the last 15 years. Donations solely support our mission and projects, so COVID-19 really has not had a negative impact on the organization. If anything, it’s revealed and motivated me to address greater needs in the community and to expand my service projects beyond the Midwest region. In April, I started a COVID-19 relief initiative by feeding ER, maintenance, and security staff that worked the night shift in the Gary/Northwest Indiana region. In May, I did a community giveaway where we gave out diapers, wipes, masks, and sanitation products. It was during this event God revealed a greater need to me. The diaper giveaway was totally a “God idea.” I didn’t realize how scare diapers were in my community during this time. The residents were so appreciative. We will have our next diaper giveaway Aug 29. This time we are including household goods as well as partnering with other organizations.  I will do more as God leads me to do them.

Dr. Jessica Mosley is a serial entrepreneur who loves teaching fellow CEO women how to show up in their truth and power. As steward owner of MizCEO Entrepreneurial Media Brand, Sovereign Care Home Care, Sovereign Care Medical Training Center, and Deborah’s Place for Battered Women, Jessica is busy making moves that impact her community and those connected to her.