Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylore Simone.
What can you tell us about your story?
I was going to start by saying that my story is still being written. However, I know God has already completed my story. I am just going through the process of it. I have had my personal challenges and hardships just like anyone else, but I thank God for allowing me to use these experiences to help others. I am known as an actress. A model. An “entreprenHER”. But most of all, I am a daughter. A sister A granddaughter A cousin. an aunt. a friend. A person who people look up to as someone who tries to please the Lord in her career, who does not compromise her values and morals for roles. I founded my brand as a talent on the principles of God and what is pleasing to Him. The demand for my mentoring talent has grown immensely. I try to let talent know to put God first in all that they do, including their careers and to measure whether or not any gig that they are presented with is pleasing to God. There’s a scripture that sums it up best, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As I mentioned before, there have definitely been challenges that I have experienced and lessons that I have learned and are still in the process of learning. I’d like to base my brand on the foundation and principles of not compromising and doing what is pleasing to God. I want to show people that they can still be successful in the entertainment industry doing these things. I mean, don’t get me wrong, there are numerous temptations in this industry where an actor or a model is presented with gigs that pay a substantial amount of money to do things that go against morale.
For instance, I was recently submitted for a gig that pays a great amount of money with travel and accommodations covered. However, it was promoting alcohol. I’m not saying that there wasn’t any temptation to continue the submission process for this gig; however, for my brand and for my own convictions, I do not promote alcohol; therefore, I had to withdraw my submission. There was another gig that I booked for a major medical institution. Initially, I was under the impression that the booking was for your typical medical advertising. However, the production sent me the script, and I did more research on the facility and found out that the institution is an advocate for homosexuality. Therefore, I had to withdraw my submission since that lifestyle does not align with my beliefs.
I would definitely say that the journey has not been the easiest. However, it is becoming easier because I am basing what I do on whether or not it pleases The Lord. If something does not please the Lord, then it is easier to make my decision. I’m not saying that there won’t be any temptations, but it is easier to make my decision when I ask the question, “Is God pleased with this?”
I submit to numerous and various gigs, of which some I do not get booked for. Naturally, there is disappointment, but I have learned to keep moving forward. What is for me is for me and I like to tell talent that I mentor that as well. As talent, we just have to submit, leave our best performance at the table, and keep moving forward. I recently helped a young lady in this industry book a major booking that I applied to as well, but I did not get it myself. Nonetheless, I was definitely proud of her and happy for her. This was another lesson learnt as well. I remember my pastor saying that a person needs to be happy for his or her neighbor that God has blessed because that means God is in the neighborhood.
What else should we know about what you do?
You all should know that I am a person who wants to show others that they can be successful in the entertainment industry without compromising and being pleasing to God all at the same time. It doesn’t matter what everyone else is doing as long as you’re doing what is right in the Lord’s sight. That’s what really counts, because the earth is The Lord’s and the fullness thereof and they that dwell therein. If you put God first, everything else will fall right into place beyond what you can imagine or think.
I also want to show representation to those who are coming from anywhere, from any race. Specifically, from small towns and from the black community, showing that they can be and are represented in the entertainment industry and be a part of this industry as well. The new version of Disney’s Little Mermaid, shout out to Halle Bailey and the team, is having a positive impact on black girls all over the world and seeing their reactions makes it all worthwhile. Seeing their reactions was so gratifying, and at that moment, I knew that I was in the right industry. That’s how I want those whom I am representing to respond and be impacted. I want them to say that there’s a young woman who looks like me, and if I see her excelling at what she is doing, then I know I can do it too.
Here are some fun facts about me! My favorite food is Chinese. My favorite color is black, because black goes with just about anything and black is beautiful. I love going to amusement parks and being amused. I love a good thrill from riding roller coasters, but I’m not a big fan of heights. As far as my career, I don’t do any sexual scenes nor do I use profanity in my roles.
Also, for some updates since the last time we talked, I have had the privilege of being a part of an upcoming Disney film, The Haunted Mansion, as the Egyptian Queen, which will be released in March 2023. I was able to work with a few named talent while shooting this film, such as Danny Davito, Tiffany Haddish, Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson, and Lakeith Stanfield. I also went on to be a part of the Hallmark movie, “Girlfriendship”, airing on October 1st, directed by Keshia Knight Pulliam. It was amazing to sit across from Tamera Mowry-Housley. Additionally, I stood-in for Malynda Hale in the movie, “Bull Street”, who acted opposite of Lorretta Devine. I am also a series regular on a television network series called Oscarville: Below The Surface as Cassandra Johnson. If you want to learn more about the history of the drowned town, Oscarville, then feel free to tune in to see the first episode airing on September 30th at https://oscarvilletheseries.com.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I was once told that being happy is what you make happen. Ever since then, that has stuck with me, and honestly, that is the truth. If you want to change your current state or situation, you need to change what you are currently doing. Do something about it, whether that’s taking some R&R for you to mentally and physically recuperate or just enjoying an activity you love. This just goes to say that you have the power to make happen what you need to make happen. It all starts with a decision.
What makes me happy is knowing that God has always been with me and is still with me through my inconsistencies. The way that I know that He is still with me is by His blessing me with my gigs, by keeping me and my family safe, and by showing Himself in situations. That is what makes me happy and brings me comfort. Above any of my own wants, knowing that my family is good is all that I need. What also makes me happy is knowing that God has allowed me and is allowing me to do what I love to do for work full-time. When you do what you love for a living, then you’ll never work another day in your life.
Contact Information
- Website: booktayloresimone@gmail.com
- Instagram: @misstayloresimone
- Facebook: @Taylore Simone
Suggest a Story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
