Today we’d like to introduce you to Douglas Taylor.
Hi Douglas, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born in Flint, Michigan moved to Atlanta at the age of six and has been here ever since. I attended grade school in Dekalb County, and graduated from Stephenson High School, played football with hopes of making it to the NFL, but that dream shortly ended. My senior year in high school, my mom passed away from Breast Cancer; a couple of months before graduation and my 18th birthday. It’s kind of been a rocky road for me since then. Fall of 2009, I traveled to Tennessee to attend Lane College an HBCU that I love and would recommend to anyone looking for a great school with great people from all over. While Pursuing my bachelor’s in Computer Science, I needed to focus because I wasn’t focused as I should’ve been. So I got a job in the local mall, at a cell phone repair store. This is where I found the love for repairing devices. Working in this store allowed me to focus on school a bit more and graduate.
Moved back to Atlanta, in 2015 a newly college grad, with no plans, no guidance, no place to stay, etc. I would crash with my grandmother sometime, I would crash at a friend’s house, just kind of feeling the pressure of being an adult, in a large city like Atlanta. I got transferred from the Cell Phone Repair store I was working for back to Atlanta, so that was cool, I didn’t have to find a new job, but the pay wasn’t enough to survive in Atl, lol. First couple of years back in Atlanta was rough, I got another job at a Non Profit Organization called “Future Foundation”, working with the youth. Loved working with the youth and the disabled (had many jobs, in this field). But on the side of all this, I fixed phones. I always treated it like a hustle vs. a business.
Started as a mobile service, riding from one side of Atlanta to the other, all day. Then lost my car so was riding a bicycle & catching the train all through the city, just to go fix phones. (This is when I was in the best shape of my adult years, lol). Fixing celebrities’ phones, known socialites, club owners, big promoters, etc.
I built a name and a foundation for myself. While always feeling like I wouldn’t amount to much. My life has always been rough since my mother passed, and even before at times. So when I opened my store in July of 2021, I finally felt accomplished. I finally felt like I was here to serve the community and do it professionally & all out of love. I want to make sure every customer feels the love & appreciation. It’s not just all about money for me, it’s more about the impact.
I want to leave an impact on Atlanta. I want to be known for helping others when they truly need it. Yes, I’m talking about cell phones / computers / iPads, lol these are the things that allow our lives to flow effortlessly now. If they become broke or malfunctioning, people literally lose their minds, lol. So that’s why I’m honored to be in the position I’m in. I have the knowledge and experience to run & control my own business, and I thank God for the amazing opportunity.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been smooth at all. While on this journey, I’ve been homeless, I have slept in my car, I have slept at the train stations, I have slept on couches. Money problems, health, etc. while on this journey life has thrown so many obstacles my way, and I deal with most of them with my music. Not only do I fix phones, but my escape is having the chance to be creative, and showcase at times. But yes, the journey has had many many challenges, and sure I will encounter many more. Which is all a part of life, what matters is how we respond and better ourselves after each obstacle or challenge.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
So I’m a Young Black Entrepreneur, as well as an aspiring artist. On the business side, I specialize in Repairs, (hardware & software), most technical devices I can repair. If I have never repaired it before, I’m always excited for a new challenge. I’m known for being a cool, fly, funny, down to earth type of guy. Never had any real enemies, never really been in any major trouble, I’ve always kind of been a good kid. I’m most proud of myself never giving up. As many times as I wanted too & tried too. From suicidal thoughts to deep depression, to mental illness, through it all. I still strive to be a great human being. What sets me apart from others is I’m not afraid to be myself. There’s only one of me and I know that. I never get caught up in who has more or less or anything for that matter. I’m me. You’re you. And this is what simply sets us apart from the rest. I never followed the crowd. Always have been a leader.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
To never quit. To always have faith and believe in yourself.
Another lesson I’ve learned is, sometimes the ones you love will hurt you.
Respond with love.
Another lesson, the work you put in is the outcome you will receive.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/CanyuPhixthisLLC
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC7oj7tku2fQwvq1P4lN8OIA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/canyuphixthis-atlanta-2
