

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shante Johnson.
Shante, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
TAE.l.o.r. M.A.D.E. as a brand started when I decided that I was done living for everyone around me and started living for myself. I had gone to college, graduated, moved across the country from Atlanta, GA to Phoenix, Az and was working in corporate America and I thought that was what I was supposed to be doing! I wasn’t happy, I fell into a terrible depression and I could no longer just go through the motions. I had always had a passion for hair and knew I could make a good living in the field so took a chance and got my cosmetology license. I realized that not only was I pretty good, but I loved it and wanted to know all I could about growing, styling and maintaining healthy hair! I always had an entrepreneurial spirit and dreamed of owning a salon but now it could be a reality or so I thought. Shortly after getting my license, I left Ga again. In the time I was gone, I learned how to do make up visual merchandising and an array of other skills that would aid me in the success of my own business someday. I’ve always been a firm believer that everything happens for a reason so with every obstacle I found lessons that would aid me in my journey.
When I returned to GA, I opened a salon loft and got to work. I began to build my clientele and began working on my handmade natural and organic beauty and wellness products. I wanted to educate my clients on having healthy hair and what better way than to use products I created and formulated myself! TAE.l.o.r. M.A.D.E. birthed a natural line and it took on a life of its own. I had stylists and clients alike asking if I sold my products, but I didn’t. I used these products solely for clients, however, I couldn’t keep this to myself and began formulating natural products that not only for hair but for overall wellness. TAE.l.o.r. M.A.D.E. Naturals started me on a journey that opened my eyes to a whole new realm of beauty and wellness. I created products that helped my family and friends, my products aided in reducing pain, calming or boosting energy and so much more! I wanted my products to be different I infused the oils myself, and found vendors that we’re organic, natural and took the holistic approach as I did. I wanted to make products that would help with overall body wellness and because I have suffered from depression and anxiety products that could supplement practices to alleviate everyday stresses that can affect any and everyone. I am always experimenting with new formulas and soon I will be giving birth which has me working on natural organic products for mom and baby! This is only the beginning for the TAE.l.o.r. M.A.D.E. brand!!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been far from smooth! There have been many obstacles from depression anxiety, lack of support mentally and financially. I’ve had people that claim to be excited and interested but never support. I’ve had to be self-motivated and a self-starter! I would suggest that women young and old alike do what makes you happy. No matter what others think or say you have to believe in yourself. Write down your goals and go for it. There will never be a perfect time to start so you just have to take that leap of faith and go for it! Take chances, risks and follow your heart, remember no dream is too big! Everything happens for a reason to learn from it whether good or bad and keep fighting for what you want! No matter how small progress is progress!!!! Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Please tell us about TAE.l.o.r. M.A.D.E.
Currently, I am a licensed cosmetologist and I hand- make natural and organic beauty and wellness products! I specialize in the growth, health, and maintenance of natural hair specifically for black women but service all races and ethnicities as these benefits are not just limited to one hair type. My beauty and wellness line includes handcrafted body butters, pain relief balms, multi-use oils, and tea. I also do personal consultations to create products specific for each client and their needs. I am most proud that my brand is always growing and shaping me as opportunities present themselves. My brand is geared towards overall wellness and I strive to make my products all natural and organic so that they are of the highest quality. I think what sets me apart from others is that I personally formulated my products and I have a passion for overall well being. I use my products myself and I am always looking for new and innovative ways to improve. My clients are my priority and if there is something I have to question I research until I can find the answer.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I think that women are particularly positioned for all opportunities! We live in a male-dominated society and we can do all the things that men do, however, we are still looked at as less than. We make less money and we are usually given roles that fit a stereotype. I know that women can do anything men can do and more than likely do it better. Given any opportunity, we can excel and be rockstars we just have to want it bad enough! Women work, take care of families and sacrifice, in the words of Beyonce, “we run the world!”
Pricing:
- E- Glow and Serenity Body Butter starts at $8
- Amani and Tulia Pain Relief Balm starts at $15
- Spark and Tranquility Oil starts at $22
- Personal Consultations start at $25
Contact Info:
- Website: alldaytaelor.com
- Email: alldaytaelor@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taelorslays/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taelormadeltdco/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/taelor_mademedoit/
Image Credit:
Mary Cason, Shante Johnson, Garry Favors
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.