Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Mays.
Hi Taylor, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I’m Taylor, founder of Imora Candle Co LLC. I opened Imora Candle Co on December 15th, 2020 but closed shop in March 2021. My love of art and learning new skills has always been the core of my passion. I reopened my shop on and off again until I finally found the spark to permanently open in October 2022.
I believe it’s very important to create a space where YOU feel comfortable, safe, and happy. Allowing yourself to revitalize and relax in a space that feels like a true expression of yourself. When I’m not creating candles, I’m enjoying time with friends and family, doing work in public relations, as well as creating art in other ways through paintings, music, photography, and poetry.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
During 2021, I’ve faced some of the toughest challenges ever in my life including the loss of my mother and my friends over the course of six months. They were some of my biggest supporters when it came to my art and they were all so very proud of me for taking the steps to create my business. Dedicated to them, I decided to reopen my shop exactly a year after its initial opening, December 15th, 2021.
In June 2022, I decided to close shop again and focus on my mental health. I’ve gone through a few setbacks on the road to self-discovery. Since going through the most difficult time of my life, I’ve decided to dedicate myself and my art to self-care and self-expression.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a creative, our art is a reflection of us and it may lead to learning to love yourself in a different way. Ultimately, if we truly set the intention to, we learn to that that risk and utilize the gifts and talents we have in totality despite the ills, outside opinions, or insecurities that affect our ability to accept our own work.
My goal for my art is to be able to showcase the beauty of the things we might not always appreciate. I want everyone to be able to find something that they can relate to through my art and my work. I want them to know that I put my all into it. That’s really all any artist can ask for.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My favorite book is called Self Care For Black Women by Oludara Adeeyo. It’s provided me with so much wisdom and insight on self-help when it comes to my personal journey. It has definitely aided me through some tough moments while working on my business. Another favorite book of mine is The Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success by Deepak Chopra. It has given me the knowledge and wisdom to be able to connect on a more spiritual level when it comes to my art.
On a more personal self-growth level, my favorite podcast lately has been Quality Queen Control by Asha Christina as well as self-care content creators on Youtube such as Haley Gamba. The advice and wisdom she provides have helped me so much when it comes to my own growth as a 20-Something trying to figure it all out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://imoracandleco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilekamays/
