Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Higgins.
Hi Taylor, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been creative for as long as I can remember, finding joy in expressing myself through various artistic endeavors. Growing up in Dayton, OH, I developed a love for the arts that eventually led me to pursue a BFA in Fine Arts from the University of Cincinnati, graduating in 2013. However, it took me some time to realize that my true passion lies in building a career around my creative pursuits. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of a transformative journey.
After completing my education, I embarked on a journey that led me through various roles, ranging from teaching art to exploring the world of kitchen and bath design. Life, however, had a different plan, steering me towards a full-time career in creative work – a decision that brings me immense happiness today. In 2016, my life took a beautiful turn with the arrival of my daughter, who became my greatest inspiration and a driving force behind my creative pursuits. Embracing the roles of a mother, educator, creator, and lover of all things artistic, I found joy in the challenges and joys that parenthood brought. Balancing the demands of motherhood with my passion for the arts became a significant learning experience, shaping my perspective on life and work. The turning point in my career arrived after years of feeling stressed and undervalued in a corporate setting. Recognizing that true career happiness meant venturing into the realm of entrepreneurship, I took control of my destiny. This decision marked the beginning of crafting my life around my creative passions and embracing the challenges and triumphs that came with it.
In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, a challenging time for many, I made a bold move – I quit my full-time job to pursue my creative endeavors. In 2020, I even took the courageous step of opening a studio despite the uncertainties of the times. While the studio experience had its challenges and ultimately closed, the journey taught me valuable lessons about resilience and adaptability.
Fast forward to the present, and my business is not just surviving but thriving. The risks and sacrifices I made during the pandemic are paying off. I attribute this success not only to my determination but also to the unwavering support of my friends, family, and mentors who believed in my vision. My clientele primarily consists of minority, small business owners who rely on my expertise to meet the ever-growing demand for content.
As I continue to navigate the dynamic landscape of creative entrepreneurship, my goal remains consistent – to be a one-stop creative hub, providing resources and education for underserved communities. My mission is not just to provide services but to cultivate an experience that empowers my clients, making them feel confident and comfortable in the content we create together. I firmly believe that showing up for oneself is a powerful act, and I am dedicated to taking the stress and guesswork out of the creative process for my clients. I want to inspire potential clients by showing them that taking the first step is the hardest part, and I am here to guide them through the journey, especially when creativity is involved.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey hasn’t been a smooth road, but the challenges I’ve faced have been instrumental in shaping who I am today. One significant struggle was the realization of feeling undervalued and stressed in a corporate setting. This prompted a pivotal decision to transition into entrepreneurship, a move that involved quitting my full-time job during the uncertainties of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Opening a studio in 2020 was another ambitious step, and while it had its challenges and good moments, it ultimately closed. The experience taught me valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability. Balancing the demands of motherhood with my creative pursuits continues to present its own set of challenges, but it became a profound learning experience that enriched both my personal and professional life.
Another formidable challenge was overcoming imposter syndrome. Wrestling with the belief that I had to prove myself as an expert in my field while still navigating uncertainties was a daunting internal struggle. It took time and self-reflection to realize that I had the answers and the capability to be an authority in my domain.
Additionally, defining the direction of my company posed a significant hurdle. As an “everythingist,” a person with diverse talents and the desire to “do it all,” finding a cohesive direction for my business required careful consideration. It involved understanding my strengths, honing in on what truly mattered to me, and making strategic decisions to shape the trajectory of my company.
Throughout the journey, there were moments of self-doubt and the unknown, but each obstacle served as an opportunity for growth. Overcoming these challenges has been a testament to my determination, and the support of my friends, family, and mentors played a crucial role in navigating through rough patches. While the road may not have been smooth, the struggles have been integral to my success and have made the achievements even more rewarding.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a versatile creative professional specializing in photography, graphic design, small business branding, website design, content creation, and education. My creative journey has recently led me back to my interior design roots, where I am involved in planning restaurant concepts and managing the creative aspects of projects, including layout, scheme, branding, marketing, and even food photography.
Photography and branding have been the cornerstones of my career, serving as my bread and butter and integral components of how I express creative content. These aspects are not just my skills; they are a significant part of my identity and how I connect with the world.
One of my proudest achievements is the continued work I do in supporting minority businesses to thrive and gain confidence. Much of my work involves becoming the face of their brands or transforming them in ways that instill pride in the work and services they provide. Being able to contribute to the success of these businesses is deeply fulfilling.
What sets me apart in the creative landscape is the genuine care I provide to my clients. Operating as a one-stop creative shop, I offer a comprehensive range of services that allows clients to fulfill their creative needs in a single place. Trust is paramount in creative collaborations, and I strive to create a safe space for clients where they feel heard, understood, and cared for. I take pride in being straightforward with my clients, avoiding sugar-coating to ensure that we can address the core of their needs and create impactful solutions.
Ultimately, my goal is to be more than just a service provider; I aim to be a trusted partner in my clients’ creative journeys, offering not only expertise but also a genuine understanding of their vision and objectives. This approach, coupled with my diverse skill set and commitment to the success of minority businesses, sets me apart as a creative professional who goes beyond the surface to create meaningful and impactful experiences for my clients.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I learned quite a few lessons from the pandemic! One big lesson is how crucial it is to be adaptable. Things were changing a lot, and I had to be flexible to keep my business going and help my clients. Even when things got really tough, I didn’t give up. I found strength in myself to face the challenges and stay committed to serving my clients well. Staying connected both personally and professionally became really important, and I learned that having strong relationships is powerful. Additionally, losing several people that were significant to me during the pandemic made me realize that life isn’t promised, and it pushed me even harder to go after what I wanted. The lessons go beyond just surviving – they’re about thriving by being adaptable, determined, and proactive.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tayloreddesignco.com
- Instagram: @tayloreddesign.co
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/tayloreddesigncompany
Image Credits
Vivid Line Images
Lawrence Cain
Keith Turner
Alexis Williams
