Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Z. F. Taylor. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Z. F., so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
As an artist who comes from one of the national meccas for creativity, artistry, and fame, working hard to be noticed within the melting pot of the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) is a skill set I believe the majority of East Coast babies are innately endowed with. As for me, I was given a fair dose of talents and skills that allowed me to not only be noticed easily, but to be the only one who looks like me in 90% of the environments I frequented. While the mass population during the mid-70’s to late 90’s was coming into their own with brand new discoveries in music, literary art, and brand personalities, I was born into a family who experienced what we refer to today as a “dysfunctional or broken family”; and to add insult to injury, I was raised in the limelight on “the wrong side of the tracks in a predominantly rich white town”; well at least that’s the way I’ve always described Summit, NJ (The Hilltop).
Being the only black boy in class was fun. I could be the class clown and teacher’s pet. It wasn’t until later that I realized being the teacher’s pet in those days was actually more like being the “test rat”. I can hear them chatting in the breakroom, “How do you say his name again…Did you hear that his Grandmother had to take custody of him and his toddler sister…Let me tell what that little boy did now…I would much rather send him to the resource room instead of having to deal with him all day…”. Not only did I have the distinct honor of being the only chocolate baby in the room, I came along with an ethic name (Zakee Fareed Taylor) to boot…and let me tell you something; when people ask me why do I go by Z. F. Taylor, my response is this: Elementary school teachers still can’t say it.
Imagine a world where your identity is scrutinized immediately coming from a lens that sees you as a triple threat. The color of my skin as one. My overwhelming amount of gifts, exuberance, and personality as two. And a name chosen for its meaning, origin, and strength as the final characteristic that was originally weaponized and used against me as the third threat. But here is how I overcame it then and will continue to overcome it until I die: I adopted these words found in a speech delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:
“Whatever your life’s work is, do it well. Even if it does not fall in the category of one of the so-called big professions, do it well. As one college president said, ‘A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better.’ If it falls to your lot to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures, like Shakespeare wrote poetry, like Beethoven composed music; sweep streets so well that all the host of Heaven and earth will have to pause and say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper, who swept his job well.’”
And it’s these words that serve as my foundation when I’m the only one in the room. And this is the POWER of being the only one in the room:
You already notice my skin, my energy, and my name. Now, notice how well I do what I do. In turn, what I do proves having me in the room adds value every time.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a native of NJ/NY (23 years Columbus, OH)area, devoted husband of Evangelist Luanda Daniels Taylor, full time Father to 4 sons, William (30), Michael (29), Miles (18) & Xander (17), “Pop-Pa” to James (5), & Marcell (2) learned at an early age how to demand the stage, through singing, acting, dancing, my original writings & public speaking.
Previous roles include, Judas from “Jesus Christ Superstar”, The Plant in “Little Shop of Horrors”, King Theseus of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” along with an array of roles throughout the last 30 years spanning from local dinner theater, Off Broadway Production of “Damn Yankees”, performances with Tony Award Nominated late Producer Ron Taylor & Cast of “Ain’t Nothing But The Blues”, to supporting actor in 2012 Indie Award winning movie from ‘A Walk On Water’s production of (The Buyout – IMDb).
Over the course of the last 30+ years, I have shared the stage with industry giants such as, Dan Lauria from Wonder Years, the late Anne Meara, gospel artist Isaiah Templeton & Beverly Crawford, pop culture personality Fonzworth Bently, Grammy Nominated Bobby Floyd, and an array of artists from several different genres.
Recent accomplishments include working under the direction of national Trumpeter and Conductor Byron Stripling and the CJO (Columbus Jazz Orchestra) for their “Home For The Holidays” concert series as a Lead Vocalist, working with the historic CAPA Lincoln Theatre starring in Columbus Ohio’s Harlem Renaissance-100 original musical “Renaissance Magic”, a collaboration with 2X Emmy Winning Actor, GregAlan Williams of OWN Networks’ Greenleaf, “Remember the Titans” and HBO’s Sopranos in which the landmark master class workshop, #GetOnTvColumbus was birthed through his company formerly known as I-KAN LLC, and most notably writing, producing and starring in I-KAN’s Productions of (Ready To Grow – Part I & II).
In addition, I am no stranger to DC & ATL’s Black Theatre Festivals where I took an active role in, Nanette Hodge’s work through ‘Feel Good Production’ (Mamas’ Drama). Out of all that’s been accomplished thus far, I believe that my work as a mentor 5,000-10,000 youth annually (NJ, NY, KY, OH) is by far the greatest contribution and impact I can make on this world.
I continue to bridge the gap between generations & social classes as the Artistic Director & CEO for my company Taylor Branding Co (www.TaylorBrandingCo.com) and founder of TaylorMade4U ArtsLAB Collective, a collaborative group designed to share creative resources… From the stage and tv to underserved communities, my goal is to equip, empower, and inspire growth holistically (mind, body, & soul).
And will always stand on the belief that, “If we put ministry before money, all good things will fall in place.” Currently, I’m gearing up to present our final show of the 2024 Theatre Season called, “Minnie Ways to Love” sponsored by Greater Columbus Arts Council. This show will debut on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at the MadLAB Theatre in Columbus Ohio. This show is my life’s story. The good, bad, funny, dangerous, and triumphant journey who should’ve died many times before today. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.taylorbrandingco.com/tbcotheatreseason It’s a DINNER THEATRE…so come ready to eat and be entertained!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Treat People Right – I am intentional about never giving anyone a reason to say I mistreated them on purpose. I refuse to become someone who hurts others no matter what. That way, I can live and stand on the integrity that I treat people right because they matter to me just as much as I should matter to them.
Laugh A Lot – Laughter is good for the soul and it is good medicine. People often ask me how can I look so young at my age. I even get carded sometimes…hahahaha! The answer I give is this: I laugh a lot and treat people right. I tell people, if you learn to laugh more you’ll see that many of the things that made us cry wasn’t worth the tears. Laugh at what’s funny. And laugh at what brings you joy. Every smile or burst of laughter is another energy boost to your environments, relationships, and life.
Be Solution Oriented – The boardroom executives love to say, don’t raise an issue without having at least one solution on hand. I like to say, look for the solutions to all problems if there are any. The problem already exists. Turn it around and make it work for your good by changing the narrative. That way your response is positive and leaves very little room to dwell on what’s gone wrong. Fix it if you can. Otherwise, accept what you can’t change and live with serenity!
Life is designed to whoop your butt over and over again. The infrastructure, policies, and procedures of our world have been manipulated to help make the rich richer, and to keep the poor milking off the breast milk of an over dilapidated source. So why help? If you find that one thing you do well and find a way to prioritize your time to do what you do well for a living, then you’ve created true happiness. Otherwise, you’re subjected to the authorities that run the system you subscribe to. It’s okay to make your own way…forge your own path…and play a vital role in your own manifest destiny. Believe in your abilities to be the best version of yourself everyday, and watch how the world follows your lead!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
As the Artistic Director and Owner of Taylor Branding Co ~ Creative solutions for the inspired, we believe in collaboration, collective efforts/growth, and inclusion. Because we are a multimedia collective, we produce live ticketed events, film/tv, workshops, conferences, curriculum, and so much more. We do it all because we believe in finding a solution for any inspired idea. We have an invite only (exclusive) collective comprised of business professionals and professional creatives called TaylorMade4U ArtsLAB Collective. We only take applications 2x a year (June & January). Even though we’re coming to the end of June 2024, we invite the readers to apply to join. Please mention this article or your application will automatically be denied and you will be encouraged to apply during our next enrollment period. Here is the link to apply and some detailed information of what the TM4U ArtsLAB Collective is all about.
Request a Link for your Dedicated “Creative Session” – You will meet other collective creatives and learn about past, current, and future projects. You will have opportunity to share your skill-sets and current creative passions. In addition, you will be able to explore new areas of interest and learn how we will support you in becoming equipped with the tools and knowledge to grow in new creative atmospheres. https://forms.wix.com/6e15d1a8-772d-4224-a728-eeb4b413f78f:96086b6c-36fe-4500-b8a0-f03a1a9dc423
Perks:
Committed group of professionals who pool their resources, talents, and skills to produce collaborative projects. Collectives are granted access to a shared work space, multimedia equipment, space, and manpower to help bring their visions to fruition. Each Collective member is granted “1st Look Option” for all internal projects, job postings, rewards, and networking opportunities. The perks go on and on…
A Few 2023-2024 Completed Projects:
-Interactive Dinner Theatre (Black Tie Event)
-Launched 2 Web-Series
-Produced 6 Original Stage Plays
-Served 6500 Youth/Young Adults
-Established Internship Program (Workforce development)
For more information or other ways to connect and partner with us, please visit https://www.taylorbrandingco.com/ – Email [email protected] – Call (213) 293-9094
IG/X/LinkedIn/FB: @taylorbrandingco
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zftaylor.com/ AND https://www.taylorbrandingco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zftaylor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrZFTaylor
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zftaylor/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@realitytaylormade4u
Image Credits
n/a
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