Meet Trailblazer Deandrea Taylor

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deandrea Taylor.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Ahh…I like to say that my business endeavor started from a long lineage of love in my family; really from my grandmother who use to give hand written letters and cards for every momentous event that happen in our family members lives. Weddings, Graduations, the birth of babies, honor roll assemblies, corporate job raises you name it, she was always there front row and center with a written card and most likely a handmade a gift; but this was not any old store bought card it was on aged paper with pretty cursive and manual script writing used with quill ink. It was this generational tradition that was passed to my mother and aunt and then to my sister and I and three years ago The Taylored Design, Co. was birthed in mission to help clients celebrate any occasion with tailored & unique stationery and paper goods.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Starting this business endeavor has been far from easy. I can honestly say that the first two years of business as many would say was a trial period for TDC. Finding the right paper vendors, quoting jobs that matched my worth and expertise, turning things around in a reasonable time period, as well as even putting myself out there publicly all played a part in my business woes. It wasn’t until this year (year 3) where I can say I just started to get the hang of it, but of course, every day is still a learning process. Not only that, but I run this show in addition to working my 9-5. I know in the world we live in, you have tons of people who are currently glamorizing the entrepreneur lifestyle and encouraging others to quit their job in order to fully give your attention to your passion. I don’t disagree; but I do believe that if you’re not fulfilled in some kind of way by what you’re giving 8+ hours of your day to, then yes by all means it is important for you to find your niche whether that is in Corporate America or by starting your own business. See… I’m personally in a very in-different situation because I love what I do 9-5 as well as 5-…. (whenever I finish). I’m not going to act like handling both isn’t a struggle, because most times I find myself fighting for sleep or sacrificing hanging with friends, because I know that my consistent dedication to both crafts is what is needed to grow in both areas. When I finally realized that The Taylored Design, Co. was going to take off, I had to quickly discipline myself and remember that what I do in both areas are bigger than me, bigger than money, or anything else, for me personally, I’m fulfilling a purpose and what God wants me to do in the end is soley up to him. In addition, I’m in two industries that require me to pour into others so while i’m working hard in both areas, I must always remember to break away, meditate, have quiet time and whatever else is needed for me to be centered. I’ve already started to see the fruits of my labor and couldn’t be more excited about growing in both career fields. If I could give any advice to young women who are just starting their journey, it would be to do not, under any circumstance, give up on your God-given gift. The business/ what you’re doing shouldn’t feel like work, continue to give it your all no matter how hard things may be and to always know your worth and make that $(price) reflect of that. Don’t be afraid to go back to the drawing board and always be willing to learn and perfect your craft. You have to remember that you provide a line of service that they can’t do by themselves so what will continue to make you the go to person for that service.

We’d love to hear more about The Taylored Design, Co.
The Taylored Design, Co. is a stationery company that provides tailored invitations and paper goods for all occasions. We specialize in wedding branding and invitations, but also offer design for other life events such as graduations, baby showers, birthday parties and more. What makes us so unique is that we believe all life events deserve to be celebrated no matter how big or small and really work hard to help our clients to see past the actual day by creating experiences through paper goods. We believe that the initial “invitation” or invite is what sets the tone for any function so we make sure the end result reflects that.

Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
I do feel as if my grandmother and mother played a part in my business success thus far. Just as I mentioned earlier, if it wasn’t for my grandmother starting the tradition of celebrating her families every accolade no matter big or small, I would have never found the value in starting this business. Something as small as a handwritten letter or gorgeous handmade stationery holds the same value in my opinion as another tangible gift item. I’ve held on to most of the letters and gifts she’s ever given me and they mean so much to me knowing that I can go back and read or look at those now that she’s no longer here on this earth. This is the same tone of remembrance we try to instill in every stationery item we create.

Pricing:

• Our stationery designs& printing starts at just $300.
• We handle business stationery starting at $100 ( Whats better than a hand written thank you after someone has made a purchase)

Contact Info:

• Address: Decatur, GA
• Email: hello@thetayloreddesigns.com
• Instagram: @thetayloreddesignco
• Facebook: @thetayloreddesignco or The Taylored Design, Co. – Custom Stationery & Product Design

Image Credit:
All images were captured by The Taylored Design,Co.

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