Today we’d like to introduce you to Essie Faye Taylor.
Hi Essie Faye, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Englewood: a community that is a food desert; it was gang-invested and one of the roughest neighborhoods in the city. I’m one of 14 children and an identical twin. My parents are advocates of education and Christian values. They kept us busy in city programs and church activities. They kept us safe. I started with faith, family, and solid values. This is my foundation and it is the motivation behind all that I do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My road has not been smooth; it has been full of challenges–by the grace of God, I overcame them. Some struggles that I had in the past included fear and doubt. As I stepped out of my comfort zone in life–going to college (I am a first-generation college grad), studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain (at 20 I had never been out of the country & I was just learning Spanish); becoming an actor & artist (my particular faith discouraged this at the time); launching into ministry as a young person (my peers were out partying and “enjoying” life); starting my online business, and becoming an author–I was afraid. Each area was unchartered territory for me at the time. Yet I decided that I would do it in the face of fear. I would do it afraid and uncertain; I would do it with no clue what I was doing. I would take a chance on me and learn as I went. Turns out, it worked out in the end. It’s important to acknowledge our fears and act accordingly. But I am determined not to allow fear to paralyze me as I create the life that I desire and deserve.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a teacher by training & profession. I’m also a teacher by gifting and calling. In every aspect of life, teaching is at its core. I am a recording artist. I released my debut album, “Believe Again,” in 2017. My hope was to motivate listeners to believe in themselves and to believe in others again. I wanted to communicate a message to stir hearts and minds to turn to faith. I am an improviser with “Well Versed Comedy Troupe” Www.wellversedcomedy.com in the Chicago Land area. We aim to teach people to laugh, in hopes that they have a moment to step away from life’s challenges and truly see the light and love of Christ through laughter. I am an author who aims to teach women specifically how to rediscover themselves and heal themselves by partnering with God to harness their authority to create the life that they desire and deserve. I am an entrepreneur and CEO of KenMar Press and The Essie Faye Collection; I am a woman of prayer that is passionate about sharing a message of inspiration that is transformative for others.
I am also a podcaster; “Heart to Heart with Essie Faye–the podcast” is a platform that allows me to share my heart with listeners and connect with them. Presently we are completing a series titled, “Separation & Divorce in Faith Communities.” In this series, I hope to create a healing space for those who are experiencing the pain, loss, and grief of separation and divorce. I also want to shatter the silence around this issue in faith communities so that men and women can begin to heal and know that they are yet accepted by God. There is life after divorce and there is hope and healing after grief and loss. I am most proud of my books: “Finding The Love You Deserve: 30 Lessons in Self Love and Acceptance.” I published it in April of 2022. My forthcoming title, “Finding The Love You Deserve: A 60 Day Healing Journal For Women of Faith,” will be available for purchase in August of 2022. These works are a labor of love and a dream come true for me. I am an avid reader, so to become an author of a transformative piece of work has been an amazing journey.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Books: The Bible–Psalms & Proverbs specifically; My favorite Gospel is John
These books were game-changers for Me at pivotal times in my life:
“Successful women Speak Differently” By Valorie Burton
“Kiss that Frog” By Brian Tracy
“Boundaries in Dating” by Henry Cloud & John Townsend
“The power of Patience” by MJ Ryan
“Who Moved My Cheese” by Dr. Spencer Johnson
“How to get a Date worth Keeping” by Dr. Henry Cloud
“Changes That Heal” by Dr. Henry Cloud
Pricing:
- Book: $15.99
- Journal: $9.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.essiefayetaylor.com
- Instagram: the_essie_faye
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esther.tate.39
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-316647745
Image Credits
Photos: Donald Taylor II (TaylorMade Productions, Inc.)
