Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Hubbard
Taylor, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The beginning of 2020 started great; I received a new job offer in another city, quit my job and moved for a new and exciting beginning that was an unexpected dream! Almost two months in, COVID19 hit and everything fell apart quicker than it came together. I don’t think I ever cried as much or felt as lost as I have this year ever before. After weeks and months of hoping and trying to figure things out, the pandemic was not really letting up and I realized I couldn’t continue to avoid reality or find things to keep me busy. Having a purpose is what makes a person feel human, and I explored that. I am the type of person who acts on impulse, so I just run with it once I have an idea. It’s a blessing and a curse. So I started two small businesses; a press-on nail service and a catering business. The nail salons were still closed and I noticed press-on nails were becoming popular again. I taught myself how to do nails years ago when I couldn’t afford to go to the salon every two weeks, so I figured press-ons wouldn’t be that difficult. Doing nails is definitely an art, and it takes patience and practice. I did my research, asked around and gathered info, and within a week or so, I had a logo made by my little cousin, filed a DBA, purchased supplies, made a few sample sets and just waited for my first order. How I came to start catering was a different story. I had been blogging my travels and food for almost three years now and decided I wanted to start selling plates of food that I was already cooking and getting requests for recipes. Most people had been eating out alot, tired of cooking at home, but I know I love a homecooked meal, so who wouldn’t want a good meal from a good home chef that you didn’t have to cook? So I started offering to cook individual meals for friends and family. Shortly after I started, a friend wanted to have a COVID friendly brunch picnic, catered, outside for her birthday. As I assisted her with planning, we decided on a brunch menu and asked if I would like to make the food, which turned into my first catering event! It was very exciting and a little stressful. But I had fun, it turned out great and everyone loved my food!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As far as cooking/catering, it has been pretty good overall. The demand is high. I have loyal customers and cooking makes me happy. I love it when everything comes out great and my customers compliment my food. It takes time looking for good deals on bulk food, figuring out what dishes will sell and continue to keep people interested. I have had to take a break due to personal circumstances and things that life throws at you, but I hope to start back up again very soon, and maybe it will continue to grow with all of the support I have received. My press-on nail business has been a little slow, which is to be expected. I am new to the business, and many people are loyal to their nail techs or certain styles, so it can be difficult to gain new customers. It can be time-consuming and not always as exciting as the bustle of being in the kitchen, but we’ll see where it goes. It’s definitely a cool idea for a start-up, and hey, at least I have another skill that I can add to my vitae.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Pre-COVID, I worked as a nursing assistant at MD Anderson for five years. I graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and searched for a position in that field. I stumbled upon a new, unexpected career path that I started earlier this year and unfortunately, the industry suffered because of the pandemic, so I have been unemployed and it has been hard, but I wouldn’t know what to do without the support of my family.
As you can tell, I am not one to be complacent and settle in this fate. Other than starting two businesses, I also enrolled in graduate school and am earning my Master’s of Public Health. I feel like I am proud of myself for constantly moving, learning, growing, exploring and not giving up on myself. I have my ups and downs, a lot of downs lately, but I continue to endure. I don’t talk a lot about my achievements or personal goals, but I believe I am set apart by my diverse background of skills and interests. I am always willing to try new things and can do anything I put my mind to. From fishing, boxing, scuba diving, learning Spanish and French, to studying wine, singing, volunteering, doing nails and more, I love to explore new things and many people don’t expect that when they first see or meet me.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I have learned that you can not take anything in this life for granted. Sometimes we say that, but I don’t think I realized the value of that statement until this year. I feel like I lost just about everything. But with me always trying to make the best out of nothing, I had to look at it as a blessing in disguise, trusting God. I continue to not want or need anything and to be able to start two businesses and go to school amongst other privileges, is a blessing. Also, a strong support system and positivity is very important when dealing with a crisis. It can make the cloudy days seem like there is a little sunshine.
Contact Info:
- Email: tastytaystable@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.taystastytravels.com/tasty-catering
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tastytaystable/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tasty-Tays-Table-103362888149819/
- Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/polishdandpressd/
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/Polishd-Pressd-108245407582857/
