We recently connected with Taylor Lewis and have shared our conversation below.
Taylor , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
How did I find my purpose?
That is such a good question. I have been through a lot. And I am by myself most of the time. Being able to grow comfortable in my own solitude and listen to The Most High has changed me for the better. Experiencing all of these things is what has guided me to become rich in character. Since being a child I have always found myself trying new things and going about life without taking it so seriously. I have learned throughout life that you can’t blame anyone for anything you go through we all have choices. I find beauty in every situation and that time is the most precious gift. Everything that has happened in your life, it’s not to you but is for you. I am able to look within myself, nurture myself, rather it’s the inner child or the neglected teenager or the wounded 20 something year old to know that if I take anything personal it is me not the other person. Being able to learn to understand myself first, has been the way that I have found my purpose in life. I am a healer. I am a strong empath, a very sensitive soul. So me understanding that, I had to go within to see how I’d be able to use that to my advantage vs using it as a crutch was my saving Grace. Not just for the benefit of me but also for the benefit of others.
My name is Taylor. The meaning of my name is “clothed in salvation” emphasis on “eternal beauty, (simply because I have a huge heart). preservation or deliverance from harm, ruin or loss, deliverance from sin and it’s consequences.”
“Cutting and sewing cloth to make new again.” I interpret that as I cut people deep to heal wounds and I’m able to stitch them up again to make new. I have been able to give love since childhood because I also feel that is apart of my purpose and my soul’s journey and what was lacking in some areas of my life and the world around me. When I have any type of emotions I allow myself to go through it vs tip toeing around it I embrace it and that’s how I feel I am able to help the people who come into my life to better serve my purpose. I chose to give love and love is…
1 corinthians 13:4.
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?
In my career I specialize in ALL curly hair types! I love what I do so much! I never get bored with it because everyday I’m constantly learning! My story is so inspiring even to myself because I’ve come such a long way. I always knew I wanted to specialize in natural hair, to me, that was braids I didn’t know there was an in depth way of cutting naturally curly hair. I didn’t know you could specialize in anything. I thought if you do hair, you have to do it all! That is not true. Find your niche and it’ll take you to places. I’m extremely blessed to possess the skills that I have. My journey was definitely divinely guided! There was a time at the old salon I used to work at, I almost gave up on my passion because of the environment but The Most High started sending me signs. It was what I like to call “hair hearts” I would literally be doing someone’s hair and I would get hearts in peoples curls. That was my sign to keep going. Most days I didn’t know what I was going to do but I stayed heavy in prayer and I kept my self quiet and disciplined. What I do now is meant for me and I love every second of it. My brand is my name backwards but it also spells out “ROL-YA-T” because that’s what I want my clients to feel when they leave my chair. Come get the experience!!
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?
If you are in a situation you want to get out of. 1. Quietly learn what you need to know. The good, the bad, and the ugly so when you get on your feet you’ll know what to do and what not to do. 2. Never leave on a bad note even if it’s a toxic environment you’ll never know when you might need advice or if you can reach out a helping have to others. Always do the right thing. 3. Keep your dreams alive. Start planning for your future, sometimes it’s okay to dream. Pray always and you will be guided. Listen to your intuition and what your body is telling you in that environment. Don’t get too comfortable be ready and willing to change if need be. Don’t take anything personal.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
My biggest area of growth and improvement happens to be keeping my boundaries. In the beginning of owning a business I didn’t have any I was just going with the flow. Ultimate lesson was if you don’t stand up for yourself people will use that to their advantage. They will not respect you if you do not respect yourself! I am running a business and a black owned business at that. What sucks is that people were used to how some black salons were ran back in the day, some would automatically associate it with how they think I run things. I had to break that stigma. Also learning that you are what you attract, so everyday I’m learning a lesson. Why do I attract certain people as clients? I chose to always take a look at the energy I put out into the world so I can always receive it back!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ROLYATMadeCurls.com
- Instagram: @rolyat_made_curls
