Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Wooten.
Taylor, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was exposed to the fashion world and popular designers from the beginning of my early childhood, as a result of my mother being a shoe fanatic. She introduced me to Christian Louboutin, Steve Madden, Giuseppe, BeBe, and many other of my favorite designers today. During school it was a challenge for me to wear a regular uniform because I couldn’t resist to add accessories, or any spice to complete “my outfit”. Most didn’t understand it or thought I was simply being rebellious, when in fact fashion was just my God-given talent. I grew up in South Oakcliff, and I’m the youngest of five children. I come from very humble beginnings, so being able to afford most clothing was a challenge let alone pursue a career in fashion.
Throughout the years, I began to research and learn more about the fashion industry. More and more girls my age were branding and building their businesses, so I finally decided to take a leap of faith and start mine. Resentment and doubt flooded my mind but I knew if you never try, you will never succeed. There are too many resources available now for excuses such as “I don’t have enough money”, “I’m too young”, or “I’m not smart enough to run my own business”. In 2018 my mother was diagnosed with a rare cancer called multiple myeloma. I was by her side every day of chemo, and I realized life is too short. She reassured me that I should pursue my dreams, so I did. Along with being a full-time undergrad nursing student, I worked multiple part-time jobs to put money aside for my online boutique. I learned how to register your business name, get a tax id number, set up a separate banking account for your business, create a budget (calculate profit margins and gross income), make a website, contact website graphic designers and photographers.
All which are just the first building blocks of a small online boutique. With my Instagram page and a pending website I’ve been able to make more sales than I expected. I’ve received support from other young women with businesses and I’m grateful to have such supportive friends because networking and collaborating with other people opens so many doors in the fashion industry. I thank God for the courage and opportunity to start something like this at the age of 21. I am still building, branding, and learning as I go but I want to encourage other young women to educate themselves and live their dreams.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Finding a legit vendor has been struggle for me lately. It could be that I’m so new to this industry and I’m not looking in the right places or Dallas really doesn’t have a lot to offer in wholesale clothing. I’ve made the decision to make a business to trip to California and New York to buy merchandise along with a good online vendor.
Please tell us about TailorsbyTaylor.
The primary goal is of course to have affordable low prices for all of my merchandise. Tailorsbytaylor will have the top trending outfits that fit curvaceous women of all ages.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I could start over, I would’ve bought all of my merchandise from the same place instead of hopping from different places. This makes budgeting easier and saves a lot of time.
Contact Info:
- Website: Tailorsbytaylor.com
- Email: Tnicolewoo@gmail.com
- Instagram: Tailorsbytaylor_
Image Credit:
Sean Wooten
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