Meet Erica Taylor | Wife, Mom & Crafter

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

Hi Erica, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
Remaining consistent, having determination, and paying close attention to detail are strong habits that I display on a daily basis. These habits have helped shape my perspective and push me to keep going, even when obstacles or challenges are ahead.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

TaylorMade 4U provides custom party and event décor along with custom gift items to create a unique and one of a kind experience apart from others. This crafting journey started in 2018 initially as a therapeutic outlet to help me cope with the recent Cancer diagnosis my Mother received in 2016. It all began when I received my first official “order request” of custom favor bags and a banner from a friend planning her son’s 1st birthday party. Within two months, I had four more order requests, including one large order of 90 custom Christmas themed favor bags for a large corporation through my sorority sister, all without the use of social media.

What sets TaylorMade 4U apart from others is the attention to detail. I’m very particular and specific with each design from its inception to completion. Each of the items offered are tailored to the client’s needs. Everything that I create is different for each client.

Business-wise TaylorMade 4U has grown tremendously over the last 2 years because people believe in the products we offer. I have clients that have been repeat customers since the beginning and have referred business to me over the years. What excites me the most is when I receive a new client order who has never worked directly with me and simply says “I trust your creativity and love your work” WOW! This is mind blowing to me! The fact that a client has never purchased an item from me and yet has so much trust in what I can offer is what I’m most proud of. The fact that I am working in corporate America and balancing my tasks as a wife, mother of 2, and entrepreneur is what motivates me.

Entrepreneurship is never an easy journey. Getting to where I am today with TaylorMade 4U took prayer, consistency, dedication and many sleepless nights. The support system I have keeps me grounded and focused, despite the obstacles that continuously show up. There are times I have thought about quitting because the journey gets overwhelming. There are also times when self doubt creeps in and I have Mom guilt and feel like a workaholic. How I overcome these challenges is simple. I remember that when God gives you a vision, He also gives you provision. Because God gave me a vision to start this business, I believe that God is with me every step of the way.

Some of the lessons I’ve learned on this entrepreneurial journey is that when you desire greatness, you must be willing to put in the hard work it takes to achieve. I’ve also learned that staying ahead produces a stress-free result.

I’d like the world to know that TaylorMade 4U is here to help bring your next event theme to life. I know that party planning can be stressful, time-consuming, and overwhelming and I am here to help lighten your load.

Some of my staple items include backdrops, gables boxes, favor bags, centerpieces, banners, cupcake and cake toppers, 3D letters, coloring books and more.

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 was visiting Dallas, we would have a week long trip filled with great times, good vibes, and plenty of fun things to do. Dallas is known for its social life and delicious restaurant options. Since the Pandemic, I haven’t been as social as I’d like so many of the places below will be an experience for the both of us! For starters, I love brunch! Chicken and Waffles are always a staple for me! Pink Magnolia has the BEST Chicken and Waffles! This is my ultimate favorite!

Monday-Friday Breakfast spots would include The Biscuit Bar, First Watch, 360 Brunch House, and Snooze.

Great places to visit for lunch include The Happiest Hour, Jakes’s Hamburgers, Mod’s Pizza, Blaze Pizza, and Sankofa Kitchen.

Dinner and fine dining restaurants we would visit include but are not limited to Nurs-Et Steakhouse, XOXO Dining Room, Truluck’s, True Kitchen & Kocktails, and the Boiling Crab.

Chocolate Secrets is a must for the best chocolate sweets you can imagine!

Great Bars include Moxie’s and Candy Shack Daiquiris.

The weekends are great for taking a walk through Trinity Grove and exploring the new and upcoming restaurants while visiting the Cake Bar for a delicious slice of Strawberry Cake.

Texas Live is perfect for enjoying a nice lunch on the patio facing the AT&T Stadium.

Other places that will be included within our itinerary include the following:

The Gallery Rooftop Lounge
Klyde Warren Park
Reunion Tower
Deep Ellum
iFly Dallas
Andretti’s
The Popcorn Stop
Villa Nail Salon
Legacy Food Hall
Arlington Highlands
NorthPark Mall

Dallas has something to offer for everyone. The options are endless.

Alright, so let’s jump right in! 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 a person, group, organization, book, etc. that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?  
This shoutout is dedicated to both of my parents because of the continuous support and encouragement they provide. My crafting journey originally began as a way for me to cope with my Mother’s cancer diagnosis. Receiving this news was one of the hardest, but prayer and crafting helped me to persevere through.

My Mom is a fighter! She somehow manages to encourage and uplift others during her own personal battles. My love and gift of crafting comes by nature, as my Mom is a crafter as well. She can do it all from home décor to making wreaths and creating unique jewelry pieces. Often times when I’m crafting she will say “your work makes others smile because you’re so detailed and you take your time.”

My Dad is my ultimate prayer warrior! The prayers, scriptures, and continuous inspiration he provides is priceless! Whenever I’m having a bad day, he always seems to call at just the right time and suggest that I simply say “Thank you God” in the midst of it all.

Shoutout to the best parents a woman could ask for!

Instagram: @taylormade4ucrafts

Other: Email: taylormade4ucrafts@gmail.com

Image Credits
Jasmyn Renee’ Photography