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

Hi Taylor, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I am very fortunate to have been raised by awesome parents who have spent my whole life teaching me to find a balance between thinking through decisions but living a life without regret. I often find myself in a place where I want to make a decision out of fear and desire for comfort. I work very hard to avoid the easy way and live a life that I can’t look back on and say “I wish I had…”. I don’t think that means you should always choose the risky path but choose the one that excites you even if it also scares you. If I hadn’t done that I would still be working a corporate job that was pretty extremely comfortable but didn’t feed my passion.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Man my path has been packed with twist, turns and detours. Since I was in high school I would tell people “if I could be anything in the world and didn’t have to worry about money or responsibility I would be a makeup artist”. The last half of that response is the most important. I was convinced that I had to follow a “normal” life path: college, stable job, work forever, retire. I did that for a long time but constantly kept telling people that I wished I could be in the beauty world. Finally I jumped in and starting working as a bridal makeup artist on the weekends. I was shocked how much I loved it and how a creative career really was an option. I then started to learn about spray tanning and had so many brides unhappy with theirs. That’s when I started to peruse a different way to provide brides with a perfect bridal glow without fear of being an odd color or having transfer to their beautiful dresses! My experience as a makeup artist significantly impacts the way I spray tan. My focus is always enhancing the natural beauty that everyone already has!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I LOVE Denton so I would definitely make sure we spend some time on the square. Shopping at The Palm Tree Boutique, lunch at Barley and Board and drinks at East Side… maybe a tattoo at dark ages also! I also love to spend time on the weekends at Lockwood Distillery in Richardson, they have the BEST chicken strips and gin. For a really unique brunch, I love tea at the French room and then some wondering at the Dallas Farmers Market!

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?
So many people have been a part of the journey I’m currently on! My husband Preston Ray pushing me a supporting me before anyone else in my life even knew my crazy idea. The passing of my best friend of 15 years Shelby Junot. Her leaving this earth just made me constantly think about the way she lived her life and knowing she would tell me to be bold and go for it. My parents for raising me to know my strength and supporting me with assurance they ALWAYS have my back. And two industry leaders that have supported me, encouraged and cheered me on: Laci Coker and Anastasia Strattan.

Website: www.traychicglow.com

Instagram: tray_chic_glow

Other: secondary IG: @traychicfreak

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