We recently connected with Tayla Webster and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Tayla with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I honestly came out my mom like this. My family always tells me stories about how headstrong I was at an early age, and I feel like it resonates today. When I have my heart set on something, I will go after it at full speed. When I attended Clayton State University, I was a part of a leadership group, and my mentors enhanced my professional skills. I would say that is probably one of my biggest takeaways from college, was developing myself as a professional and networking. I am surrounded by like-minded and gifted individuals as well, so the ability to collaborate inspires me too. When I see one of my peers going crazy, it makes me want to go harder. Or maybe they come across some new information that I need. It’s all about community-building.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Waylaa. I’m a music artist, songwriter, and businesswoman. In my formative years, I was classically and collegially trained to read, sing, and compose music. When I went to college, I began my pursuit as an artist in 2017. Since then, I have performed on many stages, released two projects, and three music videos. Recently, I have ventured into the space of event coordinating, which is another passion of mine. I curate a R&B concert called, RnBonfire, which was inspired by my struggle of perfoming at open mics in Atlanta during the early years of my career and LaRussel, a Valejo, California music artist. I wanted to give creatives a platform to perform and create community. I studied LaRussel’s method of building a loyal community and am applying it.
As of this year, we have had three successful shows. The most successful being our second event in the backyard. We had nearly 100 people in attendance. All of the artists that have continued to excel since performing at RnBonfire. Our most recent event was at Escobar South in Morrow, GA. We had about 60 people in the building on a Friday night, and the show quality was the best it’s been yet. So, we are continuing to better ourselves and plan on having more shows in 2024.
All of my creative ventures are through my business, Way2Go, LLC. I formed the business to provide services for creatives and businesses that need some creativity. We provide services in media production, brand consulting, artist development, and event coordinating. Anytime you wanna do something great, you know the Way2Go.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most important things that I have learned so far are the importance of networking, how to network, and maintaining good relationships. I would advise any individual pursuing a career in any field to meet people who know more than you and learn from them. Use the resources and knowledge you have to attain more. Get a mentor who can help guide you.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most important thing my parents did for me was moving us to McDonough, GA in 2004. I am so grateful to be in Atlanta during this time. The city is so influential, and it taught me how to make a name for myself. Atlanta is big enough to experience different cultures, but it’s small enough to meet just about anybody. The accessibility and culture are my favorite things about living here. If my parents had chose to move to Charoltte, NC, like they thought, I wouldn’t be having this interview today.
Contact Info:
- Website: koji.to/waylaa
- Instagram: @justwaylaa
- Twitter: @justwaylaa
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@itstaylaawaylaa?si=KNFda0qsXlLKfG-a
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/taylaamusic
- Other: RnBonfire
Instagram: @rnbonfire
