Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanaevia (Shay) Taylor.
Hi Shanaevia (Shay), can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Of course! Wow. I actually think about this topic often. Actually , at least once a week lol. Reflection is so important to me especially when looking back at my journey. It keeps me grounded but motivated all at the same time!
I started out as a little girl born in South Carolina but raised in Atl , with such BIG dreams. I’ve always had a creative streak! But I too had this underlying strong passion for business! My family lineage was very strong on business pursuits and ownership! So I always knew I wanted to incorporate the two some how.
That underlying spark for business grew even louder in highschool. Shouts out to Langston Hughes HighSchool by the way! However , I was taking a business class , it was an elective. And I just fell in love with the course ! Everything I was learning just came natural. You know there can be some subjects you choose to study a little extra just to make sure you are obtaining and actually learning the material. But , I noticed the material that was being taught was just sticking without having to study as much . I felt true excitement every time I would go into that class room lol. I know it may seem extra lol but it was – what it was! So I knew then that when I graduated highschool I had to find a way to incorporate business and creativity together! Which was very reassuring to my dreams as a kid .
So I graduated high school , and attended THE illustrious Alabama A&M University! Shout out to all of the fellow bulldogs and HBCU grads. So beautiful ! I received my bachelors degree in Business Administration / Concentration in International Business. My experience obtaining my degree at Alabama A&M University was unforgettable in the best way. I’ve danced on the bball dance team, joined a dance organization (HA2) , committed to numerous hours of community service , studied business, worked on countless projects , etc. I’m so grateful for that chapter of my life . I will never forget it ! However, I was approaching graduation for my bachelors degree and I was already thinking of the next steps to take. Do I want to incorporate creativity now while working full time in business? Do I want to go back to school . All of those questions graduates think about when stepping into the “real world” after graduating. So , I decided to focus on working full time using my degree after graduating and later on I collaborated with my sister and we birthed a clothing brand together! SashaeXDesigns. Bringing it back to our family legacy being instilled in ownership. It felt not only right but aligned! Ownership but with that creative freedom of expression, in style! So we decided to add on to the family business legacy. Our immediate household growing up was always lit up with talks about new fashion trends , music , global events, future business forecasts , & etc . A very diverse upbringing ! So this new venture was not foreign at all!
After the launch of our clothing line , the pandemic started and during that time for me personally it ignited a lot of self reflection! Where there was nothing but time to reflect , especially in quarantine! It was a very heavy time for the world! However , I started to reflect during that time and thought why not dream even bigger! I’ve always had people I was close with tell me “you really need to start a YouTube Channel”. So I finally embarked on that journey and started my channel! (Lyfe of Shay Monae). At that time this was after the pandemic ended . So we now have the brand SashaeXDesigns and a new YouTube channel! I made a few videos , and then later on I started reviewing and sharing my love for perfume . And then next thing I know my very first perfume review video hit almost 20k views on YouTube . I was so confused, shocked , and inspired all at the same time . I remember my father going with me to Best Buy when I bought my first camera! or when my brother gifted me my first adapter and iPad for my uploads! Those precious moments are ones you can not forget ! I’ve seen so many people lives change on YouTube just by them being themselves and sharing their favorite products . And that’s when I knew this is obtainable and REAL! And it CAN be done! It’s not impossible nor unrealistic. And I try to inspire people and let them know that you just never know. You can be sitting on a billion dollar idea right now at this moment! And don’t ever think it’s impossible or unattainable because it can be done! I know it can be scary to some , especially when it comes to being perceived by others on the internet and how your art will be perceived and interpreted as well. But , you have this life , right here and right now and it’s meant to be lived , unapologetically! And that’s how my up and coming idea for my third business venture/beauty brand Glammed by Monae was born. That creative little girl who was born in South Carolina but raised in Atlanta that use to love practicing makeup looks in her mothers makeup from ULTA , the girl who had colorful dreams and aspirations finally decided to live unapologetically and trailblaze to manifesting all of her biggest dreams while inspiring others to do the same! Nothing is impossible. I give all the thanks to GOD, my family/support system , my experiences both difficult and jovial. It’s all apart of my master piece!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say the pandemic was a very tough time .. really for almost everyone! But you know , there were definitely times along the way in my journey where things weren’t smooth , and obstacles were present! However , looking back and reflecting I find it’s those tough moments that keep me grounded and most importantly humble. It’s those very moments where that “tunnel vision” becomes activated for me and it ignites that unshakable willpower to achieve my goals and dreams. I believe all things are connected and tailored specifically to your journey for a reason.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I do work full time! However , in my spare time aside from work I also find time to pour into my other businesses such as: content creation with my YouTube channel “Lyfe of Shay Monae” , Beauty brand “Glammed by Monae” , and soon to come relaunch for my sister and I collab clothing brand “SashaeXDesigns.”
I feel as though what sets me apart from most is my uniqueness! I still honor my growth and evolution as a woman but I really try to keep my authenticity sacred as well and to never lose sight of that.
I’m most proud of my accomplishments that I really worked hard for ! But, I’m really proud and most excited about my evolution as a person and most importantly a WOMAN!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Actually , I do recommend having a mentor, attending networking events, or joining organizations that you truly connect with. I think that being able to connect with a person or group that has similar goals and aspirations as you do can be a positive force and catalyst to so many doors and opportunities.
Even if that means becoming that mentoring force. You never know who’s watching or inspired by you.
However , I find what works for me is taking that chance just last year to really ignite that tunnel vision and attend as many networking events I could to really connect with others and put myself out there.
It’s something about putting yourself out there and meeting new people who have similar passions and aspirations as you do.
It’s something very inspiring by being around people who just get you and can dream big too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sashaexdesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaymonae?igsh=eW9mb29zODBzbjZ4&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lyfeofshaymonae?si=-adUogpp0vYNy5uZ
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shaymonae16?_t=ZM-8zN9GFvu0VK&_r=1
Image Credits
Jada Maull
