Rising Stars: Meet Taylor Riller

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

Hi Taylor, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
In the tapestry of my life, I go by many names – Miss NFL, Taylor Lynsey, or just Taylor to some. I set out on a journey fueled by an intense passion for the sports and entertainment industry, taking me from Prince George’s County, MD, to cities like Atlanta and New York, and eventually reaching people across the globe.

At 17, I boldly declared my goal: to work for the NFL. But the road to this dream wasn’t a walk in the park; it was an uphill climb filled with challenges. Echoes of “no” resonated, and being a Black woman, the demand to work five times harder was constant. Yet, amid the difficulties, I held onto the belief that my dream would become a reality.

Graduating high school marked the beginning of my journey. New York became my proving ground, where I aimed to overcome obstacles, defy odds, and prove the skeptics wrong. Juggling multiple internships, a part-time role, and leading my sorority, I obtained my bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in rhetorical studies in only three years. I was determined to show the world and myself that adversity was merely a stepping stone, not a roadblock.

Yet, behind the scenes of triumphs were hard-fought battles. As a college student, I shouldered the financial burden independently, feeling the weight of promises unkept. Burnout and depression became familiar foes, but I refused to succumb. I chose not to be a victim but emerged as an overcomer, resilient in the face of adversity.

Post-graduation, amid uncertainties, one certainty remained – my desire to inspire. I realized that other young women faced similar struggles, and if I could keep going, so could they. With faith as my foundation, I shared my journey on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, now connecting with thousands across the world every week. We built a community that uplifts, encourages, and shares the triumphs and tribulations of the journey.

The corporate world beckoned, and as a Black woman in broadcast sales, I faced challenges head-on. My journey unfolded as a testament to resilience, faith, and the pursuit of dreams. I was blessed to have a job straight out of college, but I knew God had more for me. Beyond content creation, I founded The Regal Hustle, a career and life coaching service, not just to create content but to empower others to embrace their God-given authority and lead a purposeful life.

The wait for my dream role at the NFL lasted a year and a half, marked by rejections and witnessing others living the dreams I envisioned for myself. In November 2023, the door finally opened, and I stepped into my role in Community Relations for an NFL team. Through the highs and lows, my online community stood by me; the celebration was not just mine, it was ours.

Becoming Miss NFL and the Taylor Lynsey I am today demanded resilience, unwavering faith, and an unshakeable belief that I could shape my destiny. This journey is not just mine; it’s a testament to the power of perseverance and the undying belief that, in God’s perfect timing, dreams manifest. As a multi-talented lifestyle content creator, I stand not just as an example but as a driving force, urging others to walk in their God-given authority and live authentically, with purpose and passion.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey was far from smooth. Pursuing my dream to work for the NFL was challenging, filled with repeated “no”s and the extra weight carried as a Black woman. In the corporate realm, during my year and a half in broadcast sales, I confronted personal fears, learned persistence, and refused to accept rejection.

In this period, I discovered the strength to push back against microaggressions, take up space unapologetically, and be true to myself. My faith served as a guiding force, providing resilience and a deep belief in God’s perfect timing. Despite uncertainties and witnessing others’ success, I held onto the conviction that my journey had a purpose.

These experiences taught me to navigate challenges, persist in the face of rejection, and embrace my authentic self. Through faith, I found to recognize that adversities are not roadblocks but growth opportunities. This journey, though marked by struggles, shaped me into the resilient and authentic individual I am today, unwavering in the belief that challenges are stepping stones to greatness.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Beyond my role as a content creator, I am a strong advocate for the balance between a 9-5 job and the pursuit of passion during the 5-9. In a world that often glorifies the idea of entrepreneurship as a full-time endeavor, I encourage individuals to establish a solid foundation by starting with a full-time job. This approach has allowed me to build a strong financial base while learning a lot about the “real world”, emphasizing the importance of doing what you love, regardless of the path taken.

In addition to my proficiency in sales, my true expertise lies in the realm of branding and strategy. While a strong foundation in sales is invaluable, I have honed my skills to excel in crafting and implementing impactful brand strategies. This strategic approach not only enhances the organization’s overall presence but also contributes to creating meaningful off-field moments in my role in community relations for an NFL team.

I am particularly proud of actively contributing to the NFL, utilizing my platform to inspire and empower aspiring women in sports. Through speaking engagements on panels and hosting workshops, I look forward to sharing my journey and career insights. I strongly believe in lifting others as I climb, just as fellow women in sports like Nia Pope, who suggested I share my story with Voyage, have done for me.

My commitment to service, coupled with my multifaceted skill set, sets me apart, making every day an opportunity to create meaningful experiences and uplift the DMV and those around me. Stay tuned for more as I continue to make strides in the world of sports and beyond.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The qualities that I believe are most crucial to my success encompass not only resilience but also genuineness and altruism. Being genuine allows me to authentically connect with others, while an altruistic approach ensures that my actions contribute positively to the well-being of those around me. Additionally, having unwavering faith has been instrumental, providing a foundation for resilience and a guiding force in navigating challenges.

Speaking life into others is a practice I hold dear; it’s about fostering an environment where encouragement and positivity thrive. This, combined with a genuine and altruistic mindset, creates a supportive community that not only uplifts individuals but also contributes to collective success. These qualities collectively shape my journey, steering it towards fulfillment, impact, and the realization of shared aspirations.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetaylorlynsey/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorriller/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetaylorlynsey/featured
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetaylorlynsey?lang=en