Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Thompson.
Hi Taylor, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Taylor Thompson. I am a sophomore at the University of Alabama. This past fall I started a jewelry company, Link and Love! I’ve always been driven by ambition and the belief that I don’t have to choose just one path. From a young age, I knew I wanted to build something of my own while also pursuing my personal passions.
This year, in the middle of college, I launched my jewelry company, Link & Love along side my awesome co-owner Penny Smith. Balancing school while building a business has taught me discipline, creativity, and how to turn ideas into something real. What started as a vision quickly became a brand rooted in connection, meaning, and proof that you can persue any passions you have no matter your age.
Alongside entrepreneurship, I am also a signed model in Atlanta and a full-time college student. Managing all three has pushed me to grow, stay focused, and trust my ability to create opportunities rather than wait for them!! My journey so far has been about embracing ambition, staying consistent, and proving to myself that it’s possible to build multiple dreams at once.
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?
The road to creating a functional business has been challenging. Starting a business while in college came with a lot of behind-the-scenes work that people don’t always see. I myself didnt realise the load that it can bring. I had to learn how to properly register the business, obtain the necessary licenses, and make sure everything was legally set up, which was both time-consuming and challenging as a first-time entrepreneur.
Building clientele was another hurdle. Creating trust, getting my brand in front of the right audience, and growing organically required consistency, patience, and a lot of self-motivation. Penny and I quickly realized our clientele is young college girls!
On top of that, balancing school, modeling, and running a business has tested my time management skills daily. There were moments where it felt overwhelming, but those challenges pushed me to become more organized, disciplined, and confident in my ability to handle multiple responsibilities. Each obstacle has been a learning experience and has played a major role in shaping who I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Link & Love is a quickly growing handmade jewelry brand focused on creating pieces that are both colorful and vibrant to dainty and wearable for everyday . We specialize in dangle chain duster earrings and handmade beaded wrap necklaces. These designs that are meant to stand out while still feeling effortless and timeless.
What sets us apart is our fresh perspective as a young, emerging brand paired with strong, intentional branding, especially on Instagram. Our online presence allows us to connect authentically with our audience and showcase the creativity behind each piece.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of securing wholesale orders just months after launching in August. That early support confirmed that our designs resonate beyond direct-to-consumer sales and that there is real demand for what we create.
I want readers to know that Link & Love offers affordable, high-quality jewelry suitable for all ages. Our collections range from colorful, playful statement pieces to the most dainty gold essentials, making it easy for anyone to find something that fits their style. You can explore our brand and latest designs on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/linkandlove_jewelry/
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Pricing:
- Gold Chain Dusters – $13.20
- Wrap Necklaces -$33
- Heart Dusters- $20
- Circle Chain Earrings- $13.20
- Duo Drop Earrings- $20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvtPucURF3VqJROwifADwIiNqd_g0KuSLIGFx0X_1qkZUPPQ/viewform?usp=send_form
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linkandlove_jewelry?igsh=MWpwa25reXNweTVodg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorrhodesthompson/
