The Stated Story
As told by La'Toni Cromes (Founder of Stated (& Nem), Llc.)
From the City of Rochester to Communities Nationwide​​
"For the '99 and the 2000s"
I was not only influenced by the ebb and flow of my hometown (Rochester, NY) but also by the creative range of media during the 90s and early 2000s. That era was filled with shows like Reading Rainbow, Arthur, Zoom, All That, The Basement, Teen Summit, and 106th and Park (BET), TRL (MTV), Pop Up Video (VH1). Fashion was simple yet edgy. Imagination and conversation (starters) were live and direct. We were outside building community and exploring the world with each other. We were our own muses. That’s what shaped me. Those elements are what continue to drive my mission and vision for Stated.
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Stated is Born (10/21)
"Ready or not, you can't hide"
Stated began as notes in the margins of my grad school notebooks, inspired by the phrases "stated" and “state my word” we used back home in New York. Plenty of daydreams made it to those pages. After graduating and working a "big girl" job, my spirit was unsettled because I felt there was programming missing from schools that could help youth stay engaged. Fueled by countless "wouldn't it be dope if..." conversations with my sister, I took the leap. I moved my ideas out of my head and put them into practice. I was creating and assisting with events that would benefit audiences beyond school walls. What started as classroom co-signs and daydreams evolved into a collection of phrases that eventually appeared on merchandise, prompting the official launch of Stated on my half birthday.​
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Building a Foundation
“Did you realize that you are a champion?”
By the literal roots of the word and meanings, stated is a promise to be clear and committed. As a business, Stated is its definition and a creative solutions firm for creative education. It is a movement and cultural preservation hub.
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Education Through Engagement
"How's it going down?"
My journey of living and learning led me to serve others through creative education while holding space for them, what they know, and what they love. Leaning into personal and practical literacy is one of my love languages. Inspiring others through organic relationships and engagement is the pulse of Stated.
Our Commitment
"State My Word"
Stated is committed to preserving the essence of those pivotal years and applying those timeless principles to today’s world. Whether through our workshops, community events, or creative consulting projects, our goal is to foster a sense of belonging, creativity, and mutual growth.
Explore our mission, vision, and values, and join us in creating a community where
everyone can be seen, heard, and inspired.
Our Mission, Vision, + Values
Our approach is rooted in unabashed passion, fueled by relentless curiosity, and guided by a commitment to education by any means.
Mission
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to serve, educate, and create alongside communities, fostering meaningful connections and inspiring positive change.
"This is how we do it"
Vision
Stated & nem envisions becoming the premier partner for community and educational collaborations, valued for our commitment to service, education, creativity, and synergy.
"Can't You See..."
Values
Service
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Education
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Creativity
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Synergy​
Let's talk about S.E.C.s.
How to Support
State Your Word:
Monetary | Communal | Service | Goods | Expertise
Stated currently serves a team of incredible collegiate students while closely engaging with our beloved inner-city communities. Your support aids us in continuing our mission of community engagement, literacy, and empowerment. There are many ways to get involved with our work and help make an impact!
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