Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Franks.
Taylor, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My entire life I have always wondered why there was rarely bi-racial women represented in fashion, as owners or models. I always wanted to purse a career in fashion but I never knew the right niche for me. At one point, I thought being an Instagram blogger/model would be a great way to showcase my sense of style, as I was getting started building my Instagram following, I would look at major fashion retailers like FashionNova, Misguided, etc. social media pages and still no bi-racial women were being photographed on their sites that I could identify with! Fashion Instagram brands are totally missing the growing bi-racial community in America. I knew if I felt a lack of representation, other young girls and women did as well. That is when I realized, why help make another man rich when I can create my own brand. I can now add representation that was missing and be my own boss. Thus, Shop Taylor Boutique was created.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey starting my business has not been the easiest. I am currently an educator and I found that while teaching young children to follow their dreams, I was not living my own dream. I soon fell into a depression. I spent time and money in college to be an educator but I was not happy. I felt completely lost because I wanted to show my students what it actually looks like to be your authentic self and accomplish a goal. I realized in order to be an example, I must go forward with my business. My advice to any young woman who is facing challenges is to just GO FOR IT. On the other side of fear, is everything you could ever imagine and more!
Please tell us about Shop Taylor Boutique.
I am the owner of Shop Taylor Boutique. I select all my clothing for my site, style my pieces, and model for my brand. What I take pride in, is the fact my clothing options are perfect for a young working woman who still likes to enjoy her nightlife. What stands us apart is we focus solely on a young woman who wants the perfect mix of feminine and sexy outfits. We are certainly not a fast fashion brand, instead, I add pieces that can make my customers feel exclusive. I want women to feel confident and strong no matter if they are going to work, out for the night, or any occasion where you want to just feel cute!
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Growing up in a small town in Georgia, I was always an outsider because I am half black and white. I couldn’t fit in with white children because my skin tone was darker and couldn’t fit in with black children because I ‘acted’ white. I was always on the fence. I always had to ‘choose’ a race to feel accepted at school. I never could be both, never could be me. From a very early age, I knew that I had to make my own path and not allow other people’s opinions of me dictate how to run my life. That is why I am a business owner today, to shop young girls that fitting in is overrated!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shoptaylorboutique.com
- Email: shoptaylorboutique@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoptaylorboutique
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shoptaylorboutique
Image Credit:
Taylor Franks
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
