Meet Taylor D.

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Taylor D.. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Taylor below.

Hi Taylor , 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?

Being the only one in the room” has been a theme throughout my life—even from childhood. As an only child with a learning difference and ADHD, I often found myself navigating environments where I felt fundamentally different from those around me. I attended a specialized school that helped me understand and work with my learning differences, but even then, I had to learn to adapt, self-advocate, and find my own rhythm.
What I discovered early on is that while I might not process information the same way as others, I have a strong ability to listen deeply and observe closely; I paid attention to details others missed. The combination of awareness and imagination became my strength. Over time, I realized I didn’t need to fit into a traditional mold to be successful. Instead, I could forge my own path.

Today, I lean into that difference as the foundation of my entrepreneurial journey. Building The Prickly Amigos—our in-work house of brands—has required me to think differently, trust my instincts, and remain grounded in the belief that what makes us unique is what makes us valuable. I’ve learned that being the only one in the room doesn’t mean you don’t belong. It means you have a perspective worth sharing, and possibly, the power to change the conversation entirely.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At the heart of everything I do is family. My journey into design, craftsmanship, and building a brand has always been deeply connected to my roots. I grew up surrounded by meaningful objects—my parents spent time in Santa Fe before I was born, collecting raw turquoise and Native American jewelry that they considered wearable art. Those pieces weren’t just beautiful and unique; they told stories. I was raised around them, and over time, they became part of my story too. Some have been passed down to me, and when a few began to age and fall apart, my mom would set them aside to be repaired “someday.”
That “someday” came in 2022, after a rough layoff during the pandemic. My wife, Natalie, encouraged me to take a metalsmithing workshop at The Craft Guild of Dallas. I wasn’t sure what to expect—but I fell in love with the craft. I learned how to repair, re-imagine, conserve, and create accessories from fine materials, and something just clicked.
Soon after, family, friends, and neighbors started bringing me heirlooms to restore—pieces that held emotional weight and personal stories. I realized that this work sparked joy, not just for me, but for those whose memories I was helping to preserve. That realization turned into a mission.

That’s how The Prickly Amigos was born—a family that celebrates the Southwestern spirit, fun storytelling, and craftsmanship. We focus on meaningful pieces like pins, brooches, hatbands, and fine leather goods such as guitar straps—especially for musicians who have inspired us. While I never pursued music professionally, it’s played a huge role in my life. I grew up listening to guitar legends and local talent from Texas, and designing for musicians now feels like a full-circle moment—my way of giving back to the joy their art gave me.

What’s most exciting about this work is that it blends old and new. We create original designs, restore vintage and antique pieces, and curate special finds from our travels that carry the same soul as the pieces I grew up with. We’re currently expanding with new product lines that include custom accessories for artists and collectors, and we’re beginning to collaborate on limited-run pieces that tell a story—whether that’s of the Southwest, music, or the people who wear them.

The Prickly Amigos isn’t just a brand—it’s a creative home built on heritage, heart, and a little bit of grit. I’m excited for what’s next and honored to help bring a bit of joy into the world, one meaningful piece at a time.

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?

1. Curiosity and Cultural Awareness
Keeping an open mind and genuinely wanting to learn about others—especially cultures outside of your own—is essential. Working with Native American pieces has taught me so much about the traditions, craftsmanship, and the importance of honoring the origins of these works. Understanding the history, meaning, and lineage behind the art adds value and responsibility to what I do. These skills and stories are passed down through generations, and it’s critical we help preserve them so they don’t become lost.

2. Active Listening
It sounds simple, but listening—really listening—is one of the most underrated yet powerful skill you can develop. I’ve gotten to where I am today because I listened first, then acted. Whether it’s learning from artists, collectors, or mentors, I’ve found that being quiet, observant, and receptive allows you to absorb knowledge that isn’t written down. A great example is my friend Bill outside of Kingman, Arizona—his antique shop is full of turquoise jewelry, each piece with its own story. By listening to those stories, I’ve learned not just the “what” but the “why” and “how” behind each piece.

3. Willingness to Experiment and Learn by Doing
You have to be willing to try, fail, and try again. Whether I’m working with metal, leather, or gemstones, each material teaches me something different. Sometimes the technique isn’t right, or the design doesn’t land—and that’s okay. I step back, reflect on what went wrong or right, and start over. That mindset, paired with asking questions and leaning into more experienced makers, has helped me grow. Never be afraid to reach out or ask for help. This work—and life—is a constant learning process.

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?

Absolutely! I’m always open to partnering and collaborating with other artists, makers, and like-minded brands as we grow The Prickly Amigos into a global name. I’m especially drawn to collaborations where there’s a natural connection between our aesthetics, values, or stories. Whether it’s through complementary products, shared inspiration, or mutual creativity, I love finding ways our work can elevate each other.
Right now, I’m focused on evolving The Prickly Amigos from a passionate after-hours project into a full-fledged business. We’re on the edge of something big, and I’d love to see our accessory pieces—hatbands, brooches, guitar straps, and more—on artists and performers of all kinds, across all types of stages. While music has been a big influence, I’m excited to collaborate with folks from all creative paths—not just musicians, but stylists, fashion designers, visual artists, and fellow entrepreneurs.

If you’re reading this and feel like there’s alignment, I’d genuinely love to connect. The best way to reach me is thru Instagram @thepricklyamigos.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: ThePricklyAmigos
• Other: All forms are coming soon!