Editors Note: I met Latham Thomas about a year ago through mutual friends, and since then I have seen her grow on almost a daily basis.  It feels like every time I turn on the television, or read one of her energetic tweets, Latham is contributing to a hit television show or headed to an exciting event to spread her mission for a greener planet.  I am completely inspired by her answers for our Woman To Watch questions and I am confident you will be too! ~Nitika~

A graduate of Columbia University & The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Latham Thomas developed her keen interest in plant physiology and herbs while studying with a master herbalist at age 7. She is the founder of Tender Shoots Wellness, a boutique holistic lifestyle practice that serves women during the childbearing years, offering culinary services, nutritional counseling, yoga, and birth doula services. Latham has been featured on the Dr.Oz Show, ABC Eyewitness News, Inside Edition, NBC news as a nutrition correspondent, NY Daily News, NY Post, Vital Juice, Essence, Body + Soul and more. She is currently writing her first book on pregnancy and wellness, helping to green the planet one belly at a time.  You can find Latham on-line at http://www.tendershootswellness.com and follow her on Twitter @TenderShoots.

BL: What is your favorite COLOR?  Why?

LT: This is tough! My favorite color is turquoise, because it has a balancing quality. It reminds me of the sea and it compliments my skin tone well. It also corresponds to the 5^th Chakra, the throat, which holds space for communication and truth.

BL: How do you add COLOR to your world?

LT: I add color to my world by doing the things I love most: spending time with my amazing son, cooking, practicing yoga, training martial arts, being in the outdoors, spending time with friends, traveling, making collages, cuddling, dating!!!

BL: What was something difficult you had to deal with, and how did you get through it?

LT: I had a difficult time when separating from my son’s father. It was something that was a huge lesson for me and it was a necessary decision I had to make but I was afraid of the outcome- so I embraced the feelings of doubt and took the plunge and I’m so glad I did. I have flourished as a woman since that experience and I have grown on so many levels. I had lots of support from friends and family.

BL: What do you do to add COLOR to the world?

LT: I add color to the world through happiness and following my life’s calling. I support women along their journey towards optimal wellness- my company Tender Shoots Wellness offers culinary services, nutritional counseling, yoga, and birth doula services to meet the needs of busy women who need support.

I am also an HPC community Doula fellow- we offer labor support services for women in Hudson county to improve prenatal and birth outcomes for low income women. I teach a free yoga class for teens that is driven by female empowerment.

BL: What advice would you give someone going through a seemingly unbearably tough time?

LT: I would advise prayer and meditation. Prayer is when we speak to God or the universe and petition our requests, ask for guidance etc. Meditation is when we listen to God.

I would also suggest finding your sister circle: a group of friends who are your cheerleaders who will support you no matter what. Studies have shown that when women undergo stress, we tend to reach out for support from peers- make sure you have that network of folks you can trust.

Keep a gratitude journal: No matter how tough things get, there are always little beautiful blessings along the way. Write down every little miracle and soon you will see the world through a more positive lens.