Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Goss.
Hi Taylor, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Ever since I can remember, I have always dreamed of being a world-known supermodel. I could picture myself in all the top magazines, commercials and walking for the most popular designers. When I spent the night at Grammy’s, we would watch America’s Next Top Model and also Victoria’s Secret Runway Shows. We both knew I could do it. The models were just like me. Tired of struggling, wanting to help out at home by dedicating their life to working hard and doing what they love most. Traveling and creating art, all while meeting the coolest designers and models all around the world. The only thing that was obviously different from me and the models was me being a super shy introvert. I figured I’d give myself time to learn how to face this problem and get over it.
I remember the day Barbizon visited my middle school class. They were searching for young talent. So of course, I signed my name, age, and phone number. Just hoping they’d eventually call me. After several weeks of waiting, I got the call. There were so many other kids there, but I knew I had a chance to stand out. They started to call the kids up on the catwalk. The more kids that went ahead of me the more nervous I would get. It was finally my turn. I took a breath, and then I opened my eyes. After I took my first step, the shyness went away. It was the most confidence I had ever had. I felt so happy walking in front of my mom, older brother and this room full of strangers. When I opened my eyes, somehow they all magically disappeared. For the first time in my life, I felt as if I had superpowers. I had the power to slow time down and make people disappear. I was truly at my happiest. When it was time to have a meeting with the recruiters, unfortunately, it didn’t go as well as I had hoped. We didn’t have the money they requested. I left so heartbroken. Never have I ever felt the way I did on that Runway. I just had to do it again.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My path to success has not been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges would have to be when I ended up chopping all of my hair off in 2017. I never thought about how much my hair could impact my life. I ended up losing All of the little confidence I had. I didn’t know how to dress anymore. It just seemed as if I needed a complete wardrobe change. I didn’t have the money for all of that so what was I going to do? I started to think to myself, this is going to hinder me wanting to be a model. I kept looking through magazines and videos online. Nothing changed. They still reminded me of me. So maybe it’s not my hair. It’s my confidence!! So you know what, after chopping my hair, I started modeling.
From that point on, I’ve actually created some great content for my portfolio. I was continuously finding casting calls and going to fashion shows. I didn’t get chosen for all of them, but I never lost sight of my dreams. Since I started this freelance modeling, I’ve gained a lot. So much experience and knowledge. So many tricks of the trade. From every event I’ve gone to, I try to learn something new. May it be a new shade of makeup that makes my skin pop, maybe a new way to walk, pose whatever. But as long as I take something from it. I’ve also been shown the industry is based on symbiotic relationships. Which brings me to another challenge. I’ve had to experience some but not all people have my best interest. Some ads/websites/agencies can be a scam. A scam for money or whatever else, that just does not benefit me in any way. There are a few who actually love what they do and don’t really care about the money. So collaborating on a photoshoot would benefit both, hopefully, both parties can bring their diverse skills together to create a masterpiece. Then there are some who are just plain ole too expensive for no reason.
When covid began, like others, I too had a lot to deal with. When it came to mental, emotional, and of course, financial problems, I just couldn’t handle it all. I was broken. I ended up moving back home and starting over. I’ve been pretty successful ever since. My main goal was to swap my bad habits for new passions. I love to roller skate, and surprisingly I love driving big semi trucks! Just like my dad. I hope to gain a company where I can hire more drivers. This will take money and experience. Currently, I will be working on gaining my experience to get this company that I now dream of. Sooner or later, I will be able to have more time at home. More time to focus on being the supermodel I’ve always dreamed of becoming.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What sets me apart from others, I’m an upcoming model who has a CDL. I’m proud of myself for being an independent woman who never gives up on my dreams no matter what life throws at me. I plan on being a well-known supermodel, while also having people work under my trucking LLC. I finally love what I do and I’m happy with the route that I’m taking. Hopefully, I can inspire other people, especially woman of all ages that they are tougher than they think. They can accomplish just about anything they put their mind to. The secret is, keep fighting and don’t give up.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
This is truly an honor. Thank you VoyageATL for giving my work a spotlight. I’ve been working so hard and for you to reach out to me in the midst of me getting my ish together is indeed rewarding. It’s definitely a push of motivation. 💛
Contact Info:
- Instagram: gosstaylor25
- Facebook: Taylor Goss
- Other: I.G. @brakecheck.tay
Image Credits:
@leightondphoto @tdvisualarts