Taylor Smith of Virginia Highlands on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Taylor Smith shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Taylor, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now, a “normal” day for me is beautifully unpredictable, but there’s definitely a rhythm. I usually start my mornings with a hot cup of tea, a vibe-y playlist in the background, and a little journaling to get my mind right. My senior pup is usually curled up nearby, just watching me like, “Girl, you’ve got this.”

From there, it’s full-on creative mode. I jump into strategy sessions with clients, review designs with my team, or spend time building out brand visuals and digital content. I’m super hands-on, so I’m usually juggling a mix of creative direction, content planning, and voice-driven storytelling – helping folks show up online in a way that actually feels like them.

Lunch? Real quick. Like, 15 minutes tops. I’ve learned to eat fast and keep it moving when inspiration’s flowing.

The rest of the day might include a client check-in, building resources for other creatives, or just making space to think about where TTC Agency is headed next. I’m always dreaming up what’s next, but I also value quiet moments with my dog, resetting my energy, and remembering why I started in the first place.

At the core of everything I do is this: I want to help people, especially Black creators and founders, show up boldly and unapologetically. That’s what drives me, every day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi there! I’m Taylor R. Smith, founder and creative force behind Taylor The Creator Agency (TTC Agency). I’m a 31-year-old Black woman, self-taught designer, certified UX pro, and proud dog mom.
A Bit About Me & TTC Agency
TTC Agency emerged during the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic- after being laid off, I chose to bet on my creativity. What started as a spark of courage transformed into a full-blown creative studio serving clients worldwide.
thettcagency.com

I blend bold design with strategic thinking. From crafting standout websites to building powerful digital brands, I’m all about helping creatives and entrepreneurs show up online with clarity, confidence, and personality.
thettcagency.com

My studio isn’t just local – I’ve built a global reach, with partner hubs in St. Pete, Atlanta, and D.C.—all sharing a people-first, purpose-driven vision.
thettcagency.com

What Makes Us Different
Creative + Tech-Driven: I combine artistic flair with solid web development to create websites that are both beautiful and high-performing.
thettcagency.com

People-First Approach: Your vision is at the heart of everything. I listen closely, craft multiple options, and iterate until we hit that “Yes, that’s exactly what I feel!” moment.
thettcagency.com

Results-Focused: I don’t just build websites – I build connections, engagement, and impact that elevate your brand.
thettcagency.com

Credentials That Support the Vision
I bring a range of certifications to the table:

Wix Partner – Legend Level (one of the highest tiers in their ecosystem)

Google UX Design Certificate (User-first thinking is baked into every design)

Plus credentials in Adobe tools, responsive front‑end design, digital marketing, and more.
thettcagency.com

What I’m Working On Now
At TTC Agency, I’m focused on expanding reach and impact – for myself, my clients, and Black creators everywhere. Whether that’s through digital coaching, purpose-first branding, or helping businesses go viral with heartfelt strategy (like the Atlanta food museum that caught local buzz), every project is about bringing more creativity and clarity to the world.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Without a doubt, my mom. Gina Smith She’s one of the top Realtors in Atlanta, and watching her build her business from the ground up taught me what it really means to hustle with heart. She’s the reason I value consistency, client care, and showing up fully – even when it’s hard. Her work ethic, professionalism, and ability to make people feel seen have shaped how I run TTC Agency today. I learned early on that success isn’t just about talent – it’s about how you treat people.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be:

“Breathe. You’re doing better than you think.”

I know how hard you pushed, how much weight you carried trying to get everything just right – chasing goals, proving yourself, trying to stay strong even when you were overwhelmed. I see now how stressed you were, how little grace you gave yourself. You thought everything depended on the next achievement, the next finish line.

But here’s what I know now: it doesn’t rain forever. The joy isn’t just on the other side of the struggle – it lives inside it. In the growth, the resilience, the showing up even when things felt heavy.

You didn’t need to have it all figured out. You just needed to trust that you were already becoming exactly who you were meant to be.

Be kinder to yourself. Life is unfolding just the way it should.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
One truth that’s so deeply rooted in me, I rarely even say it out loud, is the value of timeliness and respect for people’s time. Growing up as a military brat, structure, discipline, and consideration for others were instilled in me from the very beginning. Being on time – or early – wasn’t just about punctuality, it was a way of showing respect. I carry that with me in everything I do, especially through my work and agency.

Another guiding truth is the Golden Rule – treating people the way I’d want to be treated. It’s simple, but it shapes every interaction I have. Whether it’s a client, a collaborator, or a stranger, I believe in leading with kindness, respect, and integrity. That’s the energy I want my work to carry, and it’s what I hope people feel whenever they connect with me.

These values aren’t just professional – they’re personal, and they quietly shape how I move through the world every day.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
One thing I understand deeply – that I’ve learned through experience – is that it doesn’t matter if someone is spending $1 or $1,000… most people value their time and money the same.

That’s why I make it a point to treat everyone like a million-dollar client, whether they’re getting a full-scale brand package or just a logo. It’s not about the size of the invoice – it’s about the intention behind the investment.

People are trusting me with something that matters to them, and I never take that lightly. Respect, communication, and care don’t scale up or down based on budget – they should be constant. That’s how I work, and it’s what I believe builds real trust.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thettcagency.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ttcreatoragency
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorthecreator/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Taylorthecreatoratl
• Other: Check out our google reviews!

  All other links –
  https://linktr.ee/EverythingTaylor

Image Credits
Olivia Behind the Camera a versatile photographer based in Atlanta, Georgia. With a degree in Business Administration from Valdosta State University.