Jean LaToya Jacobs is the heart in which “Watch Me Shine” was written. She was born and raised in Rich Square, N.C. LaToya, has chosen the pen name Toy J. This is taken from her nickname (Toy) and from the first initial of her last name. She’s a 1994 graduate of NCHS-East. She has an Early Childhood Associate and Special Education Degree from Roanoke Chowan Community College. LaToya (Toy J), is known to her family and friends as being very talkative and humorous. She presently writes most of her work and resides in her hometown, Rich Square, N.C.