Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. LaToya Abram-Payton.
Hi Dr. LaToya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey began in the classroom, where I spent over two decades helping children discover their voices and emotions through education. After witnessing firsthand how many students struggled to express themselves and stay engaged with reading, I decided to merge my love for teaching with technology—founding Payton Place LLC, a company dedicated to building emotional intelligence in children through augmented reality (AR) books, curriculum, and interactive products.
My innovative vision turned heads nationally when I sold 750 units of her Comfy Bath Kneeler in just 90 seconds on USA Network’s America’s Big Deal. From there, I expanded my brand to include Comfy Baby bag that converts to a bassinet, Colorful Furmotions AR storybooks, stress balls, journals, and educational materials that simplify emotional learning for families and schools alike.
Today, as a Doctor of Education, speaker, and founder of Accepting Prosperity Inc., I continue to inspire communities through my mission to “Simplify Your Life”—empowering parents, educators, and children to lead with empathy, purpose, and innovation.
Please check out my new venture: co-hosting the “Dr. and A Dude” podcast (available on all major streaming networks), where real-life stories meet teachable moments and a “Dr. Tip” for everyday growth.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road? Not at all—but every bump built my backbone. My journey has been filled with lessons that shaped both my faith and my focus. There were seasons when I was balancing motherhood, teaching full-time, pursuing my Doctorate, and building my business—all at once. I faced financial setbacks, product delays, and even moments of self-doubt when my vision felt too big for the resources I had.
One of my biggest challenges was recovering from a car accident that forced me to pause and truly reflect on my purpose. That moment reminded me that life is precious and that what I create must matter. It fueled my determination to bring emotional intelligence to children through innovation and heart.
So no—it hasn’t been smooth. But those struggles became my superpower. They taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and how to turn pain into purpose. Every obstacle was preparation for the platform I stand on today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Payton Place, LLC and Accepting Prosperity, Inc. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
About Payton Place LLC & Accepting Prosperity Inc.
At the heart of everything I do is one mission — to Simplify Life through innovation, education, and emotional intelligence.
Payton Place LLC is a family-inspired lifestyle and education brand that blends technology, comfort, and creativity to help families live smarter and feel better. We’re known for our groundbreaking “Colorful Furmotions” Augmented Reality (AR) children’s book series, which brings emotional learning to life through storytelling, animation, and interactive play. Each book teaches children how to recognize, name, and manage their feelings with the help of lovable characters — Merry (happy-yellow), Mr. Cross (mad-red), Blue (sad-blue), Amor (love-pink), Phoebe Phobia (afraid-gray), and Peace (calm-purple).
Beyond the books, Payton Place has expanded into a full product line designed to support both home and classroom learning, including:
Furmotions Stress Balls — tactile companions that mirror the emotions of each character and help children self-regulate.
Colorful Curriculum & Workbooks — research-based lessons that align with SEL standards for Pre-K through elementary learners.
Augmented Reality T-Shirts & Flashcards — interactive tools that extend the learning experience beyond the page.
The Comfy Bath Kneeler — a parent favorite that went viral after selling 750 units in just 90 seconds on USA Network’s America’s Big Deal. This best-selling kneeler helps parents stay comfortable during bath time while keeping safety and style in mind.
The Comfy Baby Bag/Bassinet — a multifunctional travel essential that converts from diaper bag to portable bassinet, giving parents convenience and peace of mind wherever they go.
What sets Payton Place apart is our ability to merge education, technology, and heart. Every product is created with purpose, rooted in 24 years of classroom experience, and designed to nurture emotional intelligence in both children and parents. I’m most proud that our brand consistently delivers quality, creativity, and connection — proving that learning can be both fun and transformative.
Accepting Prosperity Inc. is the nonprofit extension of that same heartbeat. We exist to uplift families and communities through emotional wellness, empowerment, and essentials. Our signature initiative, the “Underneath It All” Undergarment Kit Program, provides hygiene undergarment kits to children, teens, and families in need — restoring dignity one package at a time. We also offer various resources, family workshops, youth mentoring, college prep resources, and entrepreneurship training to help individuals build confidence and long-term success.
Together, Payton Place LLC and Accepting Prosperity Inc. form a complete ecosystem of care — blending innovation, education, and compassion. Whether it’s through a book, a bath kneeler, or a community program, our mission remains the same: to empower hearts, minds, and homes everywhere.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Who deserves credit? My journey wouldn’t be possible without my incredible support system. My husband has been my rock, business sounding board, and biggest cheerleader from the very beginning. He reminds me daily that no dream is too big and no obstacle too heavy when you have faith, focus, and family by your side.
My children are my “Why”! They’re the reason I push past fear and fatigue. Watching them grow into confident, emotionally intelligent young leaders fuels my purpose to help other families do the same.
Beyond my family, I’m grateful for my team: Juanita, our CFO with 20+ years of financial expertise; Tierra, our CMO who shapes the vision; and Tavares, our brand manager/photographer who brings our storytelling to life. And to every parent, educator, and child who has believed in Payton Place or benefited from Accepting Prosperity — you’re all part of this journey.
This isn’t just my success story — it’s our story.
Pricing:
- AR Children’s Books$30 each or $145 for the full 6-book set (includes QR-coded augmented reality features)
- Furmotions Stress Balls: $8 each or $40 for the full 6-character set (Merry, Mr. Cross, Blue, Amor, Phoebe Phobia, Peace)
- The Comfy Bath Kneeler: $39.99 — as seen on USA Network’s America’s Big Deal, where 750 units sold in just 90 seconds! This soft, supportive kneeler transforms bath time comfort for parents nationwide.
- The Comfy Baby Bag / Bassinet: $44.99 — a multifunctional diaper bag that converts into a portable bassinet for on-the-go parents, merging style, safety, and convenience.
- Workshops & Speaking Engagements: Custom pricing based on audience size and focus (emotional intelligence, family empowerment, or entrepreneurship)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paytonplacellc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paytonplacellc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latoya.abrampayton/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlatoyaabrampayton/
- Twitter: https://x.com/AbramPayton
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@latoyaabram8802
