Conversations with the Inspiring Taylor Boykin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Boykin.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m a 21-year-old senior at Clark Atlanta University. I grew up in Houston, Texas in a single-parent home, as the oldest of four. I never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up like other kids but my mom always being my biggest supporter, constantly encouraged me to reach for the stars. I’ve always been an artistic girl. I remember being younger and teaching myself how to sew and learning how to knit in the 6th grade. I would knit clothes for my family and sew clothes from old fabric around the house. I’ve always been interest in the arts —theatre, music, culinary, etc. Although I was never really sure what I wanted to be in life, I knew I wanted to do something interesting. When I graduated high school, I applied to only HBCUs and fell in love with Clark Atlanta. As a freshman, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to major in but I settled on criminal justice because it “sounded good”. Attending school in Atlanta and at CAU exposed me to a lot of things, but especially fashion. Every day was a runway at CAU. My first semester there, I was so influenced by the fashion that I had thoughts to change my major from Criminal Justice to Fashion Merchandising. I wasn’t 100% sure if changing my major was a good idea but I thought “Why not, just try it”. After battling with myself back and forth and praying about it, having my moms full support I went through with it. Since, I do believe it was the best decision I’ve ever made and I give all of the glory to God for guiding me. What I love most about fashion is expression. Fashion is art, & whether you are into it or not, everyone uses fashion to express who they are. It is EVERYWHERE. I love to create and work with other creatives. I don’t just have a passion for fashion, I aspire to inspire and change the game. I want to be a fashion director in the future. I do not design clothes but I enjoy working on fashion shows, merchandising, and styling & directing fashion photoshoots. I want to travel the world while living out my dream working with high fashion. I was beyond blessed to spend the summer of 2019 interning abroad. I traveled to Florence, Italy, one of the fashion capitals of the world, to intern with the Florence University of the Arts. This experience was unimaginable. A few things that my team and I did was merchandise analysis for brainstorming, design proposals, styling and photoshoots, fashion show production, and garment and accessory production. So far, this has been the most exciting experience of my journey. In September, I will be traveling to NYC to assist with my first NYFW show and photo shoot. My life is just beginning and I am proud of my accomplishments and always searching for bigger and better opportunities. I am continuing to grow and invest in my dreams every day, keeping God first and striving for success. 

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. With the industry I am interested in, there is no right or wrong path to go down. There is no guide that you follow to end up where you want to be. It is all about networking, experience and really chasing your dreams. There have been many times where I have felt I wasn’t good enough or that no one would give me a chance. Feeling unqualified for something is scary. I’ve been afraid to go after some things because I didn’t want to fail or hear the word “no”. I’ve cried and questioned myself on who I was and what my purpose in life was. I think I am often overlooked because I’m soft spoken and that’s my biggest downfall. I have really had to learn to be confident and step out of my comfort zone to be noticed. I ask myself what sets you apart from others?” You can’t expect for someone to just find you, you have to prove you are worth being discovered. Don’t give people the option the get you know you, make yourself known in a positive way. I also had to realize everything is a process and I have to go at my own pace. My mother instilled resilience and courage in me so that giving up is never an option. I continue pray to God for guidance and to open doors and opportunities for me. Support from my family and friends means the world to me. I can’t do it without them and so can’t let them down.  One day, I hope to share my testimony with others to show them that although the challenges I’ve faced weren’t easy, I’ve learned what it takes to be successful and how it starts with drive and faith. It’s all apart of the plan and I just trust the process and keep pushing.

Any advice for other women, particularly young women who are just starting their journey?
My advice for young women would be to walk on faith and just jump out there. The biggest risk is never trying at all. You have to sometimes start at the bottom. I myself haven’t made it even close to where I want to be but I am getting exposure and experience where ever I can. Also it is important to use your resources well and collaborate with others on the same level as you. Gain experience by volunteering, interning, being involved in organizations at school, and working hard on your craft. As a young black woman, you will ALWAYS be expected to bring more to the table. Have confidence in yourself and what you have to offer is the first step in getting to where you want to be. Speak positivity over your life and surround yourself with individuals who have the same goals as you and challenge you to be your best. Don’t allow your circumstances stop you from following your dreams and fighting your way to the top. I stand by and believe in my schools motto, you have to “find a way, or make one”. It won’t be easy but it WILL come to you. If it too was easy, would it really be worth it?

Contact Info:

• Phone: 7138169973
• Email: tayloramari585@gmail.com
• Instagram: taylor.amarii

Image Credit:
Christal Remy

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