Taylor's Truth

Tell me about yourself.

Taylor: My name is Taylor. I am originally from ATL. I’m a 5th year MBA major. I’ve been a part of a lot of organizations about black leadership. When talking to our mentors, I wanted to start an organization that would be different. Bringing it close to home. Universitea is an organization that combats the lack of high school students by giving them the tea on college. We use humor with “tea” because the phrase is widely known in black culture. We create events that provide safe spaces for black students to ask questions. One girl asked: “My parents don't want me to major in this, but it’s what I love.” We help students navigate college. I want to make sure that students of color don't miss the technology wave. I worked closely with Google, and they featured me, and now everyone takes us so much more seriously. Google was like a stamp of approval on my resume. They reached out to me and helped me reach more people. It's crazy how one tweet or post caused a slew of donations to come in. Although you may have the cure for cancer, if you have no access to opportunity, we won't ever know

What are your beauty struggles?

Taylor: The worst comment I got in high school was, “You are pretty for a dark-skinned girl.” It makes no sense. Middle school is a tough time for so many kids. I also have a big nose, so when I smile my nose flares. I had to learn that I’m black, and that's one of the beautiful features we possess. Same with my melanin. I'm a very melanated, but now I love how dark I am. You have to get comfortable with yourself. I used to look up how to make your skin lighter. I wouldn't go to the pool because I didn't want to get dark. I had to learn that your hair doesn't have to be a specific curl pattern or length to be beautiful. People like to categorize the Africa diaspora and say they prefer one type over the other. It's so annoying. Colorism has to stop in the black community.

What’s the best advice you've given?

Taylor: You are beautiful. I mentor younger girls and try to guide them away from the harmful rhetoric of colorism. Something as simple as a compliment every day motivates people in the same way a negative comment festers. When you get too high, it’s harder because other people’s voices get louder. I tell them, “Know your value. No one can decrease that value. No one possesses your value but you.” So many girls compare themselves to their social media likes and followers. It’s okay to be on your social media, but your worth doesn’t decrease or increase based on social media. You can’t excel by looking left and right at what everyone else is doing. You’ll be stagnant. Because someone else is beautiful, does not make you less beautiful. At HBCUs this breeds competition, but that girl doesn't have the same future.

What gets under your skin?

Taylor: The black community is one of the wealthiest and poorest communities. We create culture, but we sell out so quickly. We never keep anything within the community. We are so quick to support other brands, but not our own.

What makes you feel unstoppable?

Taylor: My goals wake me up, because there is value to them. I get up every morning and think about my day. My goals force to be uncomfortable. Nothing can beat the feeling of having your nails done and hair popping. Everything feels fresh. No one can tell you nothing! The thing that makes you unstoppable is within you. If you are comfortable with who you are, you are unstoppable.

What is your self-care routine?

Taylor: Monthly, I try to have a “me” weekend. My phone will be on do not disturb, I’ll play my music, I’ll wash my hair, and get my nails done. I love getting my eyebrows done. But you have to go to the right person, because at one point I went to this lady and I thought my eyebrows were losing weight. I love SoundCloud covers! my favorite song right now is “Can I” by Tiffany Gouch and “Tapestry” by Liz Dawson.