Today we’d like to introduce you to Deidra Taylor.
Hi Deidra, 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?
I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Georgia and currently reside in Atlanta. At a young age, I learned the meaning of selfless service through volunteerism. I dedicated every Thursday of my childhood to Syl-View Nursing Home where I volunteered alongside my mother, Judith Taylor, and aunt, Edell Robinson. More times than not, our faces were the only faces that many residents saw. It brought joy to my heart knowing that I brought joy to their day. This act of volunteering led me to receive awards on local and state levels. But, I didn’t do it for the recognition. I did it because I actually cared.
My acts of selfless service would be tested at the highest level when my father fell ill. He faced many health challenges such as kidney failure, high blood pressure, 3rd-degree burns, and a damaged heart valve, which we lost him to immediately following surgery for replacement. My entire life, I lived in a home with a sick individual. I became a caretaker, a support system, a secret keeper. It is my hope that I was everything that my father could appreciate in his baby girl.
In my family, I was taught not to go to the doctor. There was always this stigma that if you go, they will tell you something is wrong and then you’ll die. And honestly, that’s exactly how it happened from my personal experience. But later, I learned it was because waiting until it’s too late doesn’t allow for prevention on any level. This is what led to me wanting to help my community through Integrative Medicine. Not being labeled as a medical doctor will be more welcoming to minority communities, aiding in preventative care and accountability.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I joined the Army at the tender age of 17. I literally spent my birthday at MEPS. I was desperate for a life outside of a small country town and this was the only way I saw an out. I joined as a 54B smoke tank operator, which was retired and transitioned to a 74D which is a chemical biological radiological nuclear explosives (CBRNE) Specialist. My tour lasted for eight years, with two of those years being in a medical battalion after sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which resulted in a seizure disorder, chronic migraines, vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and PTSD. These aren’t the only injuries sustained, but the ones that I want to highlight due to their indivisibility. When you see me, you don’t see what I’ve been through because my injuries are invisible to you. The challenges that I face because of this causes me to isolate, withdraw myself from the world, and live my life in peace. In today’s society, people are so quick to judge, so quick to label. Before judging, ask yourself what’s behind that pretty face? Be gentle, as we all don’t look like what we go through, what we’ve been through, and what we’re going through.
As a disabled Veteran, I’ve experienced the pill pushing. This strips you of your identity, takes away your creativity and leaves you to feel numb. The reason I do what I do as a holistic health coach is because through personal experience, I know there is a better way to treat, to heal.
I also faced the “small town” challenge. You don’t know what you don’t know. So, after leaving my hometown, Sylvania, GA, I wanted to experience everything! Because of this, it was hard to settle on a career. I hopped around from acting, modeling, being a masseuse, working for the federal government, returning to school and being a full-time student, traveling the world and becoming an ex-pat. I literally was all over the place. A jack of all trades and a master of none. Thankfully I’m staying in the Integrative field as it aligns with my original passion.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
TaylorMade Forme, LLC (TMF) is a client-focused organization that provides outstanding solutions to include Career, Consulting, and Health & Wellness Services. TMF was originally founded in 2014 and rebranded in 2020 and was established in response to the need for mental health support and to join the fight against obesity. As a major partner and provider in the healthcare arena, we provide one-on-one direct coaching sessions, group sessions, and webinars.
How do you define success?
Success looks different to every individual as we all have different challenges and different demons to face. Success for me, and for many others, is waking up each day and not giving up the night before. Telling yourself, I will and I can face tomorrow.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.taylormadeforme.com
- Instagram: @taylormadeformellc
- Twitter: @dejotay
- Other: www.imdb.me/deidrataylor
Image Credits
Deidra Taylor @followfreckles
