Today we’d like to introduce you to Shamika Taylor.
Hi Shamika, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always enjoyed arts & crafts and making things from scratch. As a child, I would watch my dad, who is also my inspiration, work with his hands. My dad is a retired Car Hauler and “jack of all trades.” He has a wealth of knowledge and has mastered working on cars, plumbing, electrical maintenance, and basically any repairs that were needed around the house. My childhood is filled with memories of us working together with our hands, from building playhouses to currently adding an extra room to my parent’s home at the tender age of 71. My dad never used manuals. He had a natural ability to do things before DIY projects became popular. He’s always told me that I could be and do anything in this world that I imagined and to never limit myself. Because of this, I also see myself as a “jill of all trades” who will work hard for what I want and to accomplish it by any means necessary.
I started doing my own hair at nine years old which eventually led me to doing hair for my friends in high school as well as in college. Not to brag, but I’ve always been known to “wow” my family and friends with my fashion sense, hairstyles, and artistic abilities. A few years back, I decided to pursue doing Marley twists and faux locs as a business and I also owned an online vintage designer resale boutique. Over time, I have discovered that I was not overly passionate about either. However, I’ve learned a lot from both businesses which has prepared me for where I am today.
Party planning and balloon decorating is honestly my true talent. Taylor’d Decor is my baby and has evolved while working in corporate America where I was in charge of celebratory activities for my team. I coordinated and planned colleagues’ birthdays, anniversaries, and retirement parties. Everyone would provide me with specific themes, color schemes, favorite desserts, and food choices. I took basic team celebrations to a whole new level. The ideas that I brought to life include a jungle theme ceiling installation and a miniature Madison Square Garden arena setup that included a New York Knicks scoreboard. I also created shadow cutouts of fans and a pink, black & white MUA-themed desk design. One of my favorites was a hiking trail with a rocky mountain and a cascading waterfall that flowed into a handmade floor river! Based on the artwork and creativity displayed with these events, colleagues started to hire me for their personal events and the rest is history.
Alright, 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?
It has not been a smooth road. I’ve grown in many ways, especially in time management. I must ensure the truck is loaded and ready to go by a certain time. As of lately, I implemented loading up the night before due to unforeseeable events that may happen the day of the event. I have also educated myself on local industry standards which has assisted me in charging the adequate price for the value I offer my clients. Staffing needs have also changed over the years. I make sure each event is staffed accordingly for set up and break down as well as other needs that may come along with the event. I approach every struggle and/or obstacle as a learning experience. I’m quite sure that this is typical in this industry no matter if you are new to event planning or are seasoned in the field.
Entrepreneurship is very challenging yet rewarding. I truly started my business from the ground up with balloons and backdrops and now have turned a second bedroom into a business office with storage for inventory. The process and progress is never ending and I am loving every minute of this journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Taylor’d Decor specializes in balloon garlands with backdrops as well as providing full-service party decorations. We offer services that include picnics in the park for birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, and retirement parties. You name it, we can do it! No event is too small or too large.
I am so thankful for all my clients and for those that have allowed me to be creative on their special days. I love having the opportunity to just show up and show out! I’m so blessed to have a supportive team as well as family and friends who are always there for me. Without them, none of this would be possible.
I am proud of myself for not giving up or letting fear of the unknown deter me from pursuing something that’s truly fun and fulfilling. It fosters a sense of purpose because I have the ability to create an experience that gives my clients memories that will last forever!
What sets Taylor’d Decor apart from others is that I love interacting with my clients and getting to know them as individuals. This allows me to incorporate small details in every aspect of the design. Taylor’d Decor prides itself in providing superb customer service from start to finish. I am proud to be a one-stop shop that also offers event rental items. My team will personally make and customize to meet every client’s needs.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
On a personal level, it is well known that I am an avid traveler and I love all things adventurous. However, they would never know that I don’t know how to swim! The sad part is my family had a pool in the backyard growing up, just never took the time to learn to do so. Nonetheless, learning to swim is on my list of things to accomplish by next year, amongst several other goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: taylorddecor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorddecor/
