Today we’d like to introduce you to ‘Samira Lashay’ Taylor.
‘Samira Lashay’, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started singing at a very early age. It started in church (so cliche, I know lol), it went from watching my aunt and grandmother sing regularly, to joining the youth choir, to one day being up there singing solos. I loved how it made me feel, and most of all, how it made others feel.
As I grew older, I began singing a lot throughout my community. The Police Athletic League, back in my hometown of Atlantic City, NJ became a place where I grew as a performer. From plays to talent shows, I eventually ventured off into bigger stages. My uncle Faheem, aka DJ Fah D became my manager and he provided me the opportunity to open up for some of today’s biggest names in music. Lil Wayne and Trey Songs to name a few. I had curated my own band and back up dancers at the age of 16. Once I graduated high school, I was signed to a production company, BMM, founded by Wally Downes in NYC, that at the time had just begun. I was young and excited with no real knowledge of how the music industry worked, I just knew I wanted to sing. After about a year of being in NY, and training with vocal coach Craig Derry, I began to work heavily with a few producers that I grew up with by the names of Chris N Teeb (credits Ciara, 50 cents) and Eric Mobley a.k.a. Golde (credits Fabulous, 21 Savage). I had also begun a new managing relationship with recording artist Jimmy Cozier (Jive records), who had introduced me to Shaggy “It wasn’t me.” In 2013, I was given the opportunity to not only be apart of Shaggy’s reggae collaboration album with Sly & Robbie but to also tour with him around the world. Til this day, one of the best opportunities I’ve experienced. I never would have thought id see so much of the world in so little time. It’s really true when people say, seeing the world changes you. It just opens your mind to so many different things.
Three years later, that opportunity came to a close, but another that I never would have expected came about. I started working as a personal assistant for Alliance Group Inc, a consulting firm based here in Atlanta. The president and CEO were very supportive and patient with me knowing that my history was mainly in entertainment. They made it clear that I was not their employee, and they weren’t my boss. Lesa Adeboye, the CEO said, ” We are all bosses, it’s way too much money out here not to be.” About a year later, I began my own Administrative business, Taylord Services Group, LLC. My insight had changed. I knew that although music was my passion, and I enjoyed the chase, it was possible to love that and so much more. A year and four months since the start of Taylord Services Group, I have three clients from the one I began with.
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?
Smooth road?! I don’t think that exists, lol. Constantly hearing no, constantly being told how you should or should’ve done things, it drains you. I haven’t always been secure in myself or my craft, so that can make things tough all by itself. Growing up in a paycheck to paycheck type of home, welfare driven, and in an area where not much opportunity is given, Ive always been one to take the risk, and just go after the things I wanted despite where I had come from. The motivation came from wanting those around me to one day have more, see more, and be motivated to do more. My advice to other young women would be to definitely stay focused!!! As I look back on some of my younger years, I really wish I would have been a lot more in tune with what I wanted for my future. The boys, the partying, it can all wait. Also, I’d say, when you fall, get back up!! The fall is just a part of the process. At the age of 16, 17, I thought I was ready to be a music superstar, lol, I wanted to hit stages, be in the limelight, be famous. I look back now after all I’ve been through and all Ive seen and I realize I would have been eaten alive!! I was not ready because I had not endured enough pain and hardship to truly appreciate when my time did come. Trust your process, ride the wave, but be sure you are the captain of the ship.
We’d love to hear more about Taylord Services Group, LLC. (TSG).
I am a singer/songwriter first! It’s what I’m known for, it’s how I’ve touched the majority of the people that know me. Currently working on a project and rebranding, I’m looking forward to sharing a new side of myself musically with my fans.
I am also the CEO of Taylord Services Group, LLC, an administrative and professional services firm that specializes in supporting our client’s administrative needs. The work we provide includes time management, clerical services, social media, procurement services, etc.
As a brand, as a whole, I am most proud of my authenticity, and my courage to step out of the box. To be more than what most may see. I show and I prove and I think that’s why I will continue to be set apart. Being set apart sometimes can feel like a bad thing, but when you’re secure in what you provide, you can’t do anything but flourish.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Yes! The late Nipsey Hussle said, “if the people in your circle don’t inspire you, then you’re not in a circle, you’re in a cage.” I think that explains it. Surround yourself with people you can learn something from. Networking has been the number one tool for me and where I am right now!
I would hear people be so proud to yell out “No New Friends” lol, yeah, Drake can say that, he’s rich; However, you can probably use some new friends if the current ones aren’t helping you to elevate. That one new friend just may be the key to your success. Don’t miss out on what’s for you, being close-minded.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.samiralashay.com
- Email: say.samiramusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: say.samira
Image Credit:
Quenton Rucker-@qfilmz, Mikelovehall-@mikelovehall, RexWay-@_rexway, Bernice Martin @photosbybern
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