Meet Taylor Kirk | Teacher and Creator of tayloredforUS

We had the good fortune of connecting with Taylor Kirk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taylor, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business tayloredforUS in order to empower Black people. I wanted to produce garments with BOLD statements that allowed Black people to feel seen in a world that often devalues and overlooks us. So often, we have to navigate spaces and work environments that force us to push aspects of our identities to the side. It can be truly exhausting. Because of that, I wanted to ensure I was creating something that allowed Black people to feel free in their being. Black people are amazing and I hope my pieces remind the world of that!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
By day and training, I am a teacher. I have been an educator for the last 7 years. Throughout this time, I have taught both middle school and high school English with an emphasis on social justice. I am a firm believer that kids should be as well versed in what’s going on in the world as they are about the academic concepts they are required to learn. While I truly loved the curriculum I was able to create for students, the pandemic quickly made me realize that I didn’t have the autonomy over my life that I desired. Because of that, I decided to step away from a traditional classroom in November 2020. Deciding to leave what I had known so well for 7 years in search of something new was the proudest moment I have experienced throughout this entire process. As it was truly the first time in a long time I was doing what I wanted to be doing with my day/life. After stepping away from the classroom in November, I had to figure out what I truly wanted to do. I knew how passionate I was about Black life and wanted to showcase my love in a meaningful way. This is where pressing apparel came into the picture. What better way to celebrate Blackness for all that it is than by wearing it on you. I spent the next two months crafting my brand. This was a challenging time because I realized that the success or failure of what I was working on was mine alone and not attached to the dream or vision of another entity or organization. It was terrifying and I couldn’t let myself dwell in that idea for too long. So instead of. letting fear guide me, I decided to lean into the process and truly function around the notion of what’s the worse that could happen. I reminded myself that traditional work will always be there. If I really needed to return to a classroom it wouldn’t be impossible. However, this creative space and time I was afforded to pursue my vision might not be. Taking advantage of the thought of what could be was the greatest lesson I have learned throughout this process. I want the world to know how much I admire, love, and value Black life and I hope that my brand tells that story.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were in Nashville for a week here’s what we would do: – Monday ~ Late lunch at Prince’s Hot Chicken/Dessert from the Peach Cobbler Truck ~ Rooftop Drinks/Chill at UP – Tuesday ~ Lunch at Slim and Husky’s ~ Shopping at Opry Mills ~ Dinner and Drinks at Sedona Taphouse – Wednesday ~ African American Music Museum ~ Lunch/Drinks at Bakersfield Tacos. ~ Explore 5th and Broadway/Downtown Nash ~ Dinner at the Southern V Thursday ~ Grab lunch from 5 Points Taco Truck ~ Picnic / Walk at Shelby Park ~ HiFi Cookies for a midday pick me up ~ Dinner/Drinks at Minerva Friday ~ Brunch at Biscuit Love ~ Pictures around the Gulch

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shout out my husband, family, and friends. I was extremely anxious about launching my business. In part due to a lack of confidence. However, they never let me stand in my own way. They affirmed my plans, listened when I needed to vent, loved on me when I was self-critical, tested out products to ensure quality, provided feedback, the list goes on and on. They constantly poured into me and my vision which ultimately gave me the strength I needed to take a chance on myself. I’m forever grateful for my community.

Website: tayloredforUS.com

Instagram: Business – tayloredforUS Personal – thriftedblackgirl