Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Smith.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Taylor. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started Hallelujah Trends as a junior at Valdosta State University. From liberal East Atlanta to the harsh judgment of South Georgia, for the first time, I felt like my tattoos and edgy wardrobe had no place. As if, my exterior was not worthy of acceptance from everyone and it did not match my glistening soul inside. Fed up, I decided to make a statement. I thought, “If they’re already looking, why not give people more reason to stare?” Two things I was certain of: my faith and the love I have for myself. I printed ten tee-shirts, which I ultimately gave out for free, with the word “Hallelujah” printed across it. A word meaning the highest praise.
Here’s the thing, for me, something about this word and these shirt had to be different. People had to question. Cracking the font to the word “Hallelujah” did something for me. It freed me from opinion, judgment, and people’s estimations of me. Unsure of my brands intentions when it initially began, I started offering declarations of love to people when they wanted to know about the creation of these shirts and my beliefs. Unaware, that at 21, I had spearheaded this all-inclusive vessel for a movement towards peace.
Fast forward 4 years later, hearing testimonies from people all over the U.S, I can see now why I created this brand. To silence hatred and discrimination and to strengthen love and salvation. To unmute extraordinary people’s voices that have been restrained by societies “perception of beauty”. Hallelujah Trends is a brand for EVERYONE. Despite your race, gender identification, sexual preference, outward appearance, mental capability, social “class”, or religion, you matter. I’m continuously inspired by all the brave people being unapologetically themselves. Those are the teachers I genuinely believe we can learn so much from.
Has it been a smooth road?
Everyone knows the words of the great Edmond Mbiaka, “Nothing great comes easy, and nothing easy can ever equate to greatness.” Which is also easier said than done. With every bump in the road I hold a lump, like most, in my throat with the fear of potential failure. With time and many letdowns, I have trained myself to let go of the fear and hold on to the potential of greatness. With any business, there’s always tedious red tape, like money, taxes, employees and a plethora of reasons to quite. Not fun. Realistically, as a young, African American, female business owner, also comes with its own set of hurtles and bias. For me, the responses from people who tell me I’m inspiring their daughter’s, neighbors or them, makes every restless night of red-tape worth the growth.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hallelujah Trends – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am most proud of the outreach efforts behind Hallelujah Trends. We donate shirts to different charity events and we make a continuous stride to support our community. Feeding the homeless, speaking to schools, or spending time with ex-convicts. As a brand, we continuously push the motto that we are all one nation under the highest praise.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Aside from being born and raised in this great city. My favorite part about Atlanta the weather. Crazy right? How many places can you live and experience all seasons? There’s a booming potential for business, fashion and food. Which leads me to my least favorite thing. The traffic.
Contact Info:
- Website: halleluahtrends.com
- Email: hallelujah_trends@yahoo.com
- Instagram: hallelujahtrends
- Facebook: hallelujahtrends
- Twitter: hallelujahtrend
Image Credit:
Instagram @quatookit, Instagram @taylor.rosa.morrell
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