Meet Taylor Mackey

We recently connected with Taylor Mackey and have shared our conversation below.

Taylor, so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?

The conditions that allowed me to develop empathy stem from the very things I once hated most about myself. Looking back, there’s truly no better answer.

My life has been a series of relentless changes—new people, new schools, new environments, and new homes. I’ve lived in six different states, attended eight different schools, and left my parents’ “home” at the age of thirteen. Each move didn’t mean just a new state or school; it often meant living in trailers, campers, hotels, vehicles, or couch-surfing. Empathy became a necessity when having a place to sleep meant proving my value to those who let me rest my head, even without knowing how long I’d stay.
I watched my family navigate life as burdens to others, relying on manipulation and guilt to survive. Witnessing this pushed me to reject that path. I worked hard to find my way, and empathy became my guiding force. Relating to others not only helped me survive but also became the foundation of my personal and professional relationships.

I’ve learned to listen deeply to the needs of others, to lend a hand even when my own are full, to give when I have nothing left, and to love with everything I have. These aren’t just values—they’re survival skills. I never want anyone to feel unworthy, as I often did. I believe every person carries a hard story, filled with loss, hardship, and insecurities. How we respond to those stories can either uplift or break the connection.

I’ve realized that vulnerability is the bridge to understanding. By sharing my own hardships, losses, and insecurities, I create space for others to do the same. Empathy is about being present in those moments and holding space for the pain, struggles, and triumphs of others. It’s about showing that no one is alone we are all just surviving in different times of our lives.

Today, I stand on solid ground. For the past five years, I’ve lived on my own, a stability I never imagined during my childhood. I graduated high school and pursued my dream of becoming a hairstylist—a career where connection is everything. My success is rooted in the relationships I’ve built with clients and my community.

Empathy has been both my survival tool and my gift to others. It’s the foundation of my life’s purpose: to be present, to listen, and to ensure that no one I encounter feels unseen or unheard. I believe that every human being deserves kindness and understanding, and I am committed to being a source of both.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My story is one of transformation and perseverance. Growing up, my life was filled with constant change, uncertainty, and challenges that shaped the person I am today. Those experiences taught me the importance of resilience, connection, and the power of empathy—qualities that now define both my personal and professional life.
I am a cosmetologist specializing in hair color, bridal services, and lash extensions, and I work at The HF Beauty Bar in Breese, Illinois. My passion for beauty goes beyond creating stunning looks; it’s about building genuine relationships with my clients. I love helping people feel confident and cared for, and I take pride in making every service a personalized and meaningful experience.
The heart of everything I do is a deep commitment to making a positive impact. Whether it’s through my work in the beauty industry, my involvement in the community, or the relationships I cultivate, my focus is always on creating connections and uplifting others. I am grateful for the journey that brought me here and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three qualities I’ve carried through my journey are perseverance, attention to detail, and creativity. These traits reflect who I am, both professionally and personally. I’ve persevered through tough challenges, paid attention to the small details, and embraced my creativity to set myself apart. I always strive to be genuine and encourage others to do the same.

If I were to offer advice to someone just starting out, I’d encourage them to stay client-focused and authentic. I always think of myself in the client’s shoes—if the service wouldn’t meet my own standards, then it won’t meet theirs. Keeping the client’s needs at the forefront, even when it’s challenging, is what truly makes them feel valued and heard. The more you listen, the better you can understand their needs and exceed their expectations

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

The person who has been most instrumental in helping me overcome challenges is my sister, Madeleine. At just twenty-two years old, when I was only fifteen, she made a life-changing decision to take me out of an unhealthy environment and move me fourteen hours away to live with her. While juggling her own responsibilities as a college student, she became my rock, offering me stability and guidance when I needed it most.

She didn’t do it alone. With the support of our aunt Mandy and uncle David, Madeleine created a space where I could thrive—a home where I didn’t have to worry about where I’d sleep, whether the electricity would be on, or if I’d wake up on someone’s floor. For the first time, I experienced what “normal” living felt like, and that stability became the foundation for my future.

Madeleine gave me more than just a roof over my head; she gave me the tools and encouragement to finish high school, build healthy relationships, and dream beyond my circumstances. Her willingness to take on such a responsibility at a young age showed me the power of love, sacrifice, and determination.

I am eternally grateful for her courage and selflessness. Her actions broke a cycle and gave me the chance to create a life I’m proud of. Without her, I don’t know where I’d be today. She is the reason I strive to be a source of strength and stability for others, just as she was for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vagaro.com/bookthebeautybar
• Instagram: TaylorMackey_Stylist
• Facebook: Taylor Mackey

Image Credits

Hillary Frost with Hillary Frost Photography