Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Taylor Liddell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it 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?
Over the course of my life, I’ve been fortunate enough to have people pour into me and guide me with sound advice. Two pieces of advice that have stuck with me throughout my professional career or when I find myself in the challenging spaces are: “It’s not what people call you, it’s what you answer to.” and “You decide what people will focus on.”
The former is pretty self-explanatory but the latter, not so much. At first glance, it may seem confusing because, typically, people themselves are in control of what they pay attention to. However, upon further inspection, they are actually not.
As a black woman in science, by taking ownership of the narrative and highlighting my talents and achievements, I can steer the conversation away from superficial characteristics and shift the focus onto what truly matters – my work and my contributions to my field. This doesn’t mean I ignore systemic issues of racism and sexism, but rather that I don’t allow them to define me, limit my potential or outshine my abilities.
In short, we have the power to shape how others perceive us and what they choose to focus on. It’s up to us to take control of our narrative and ensure that we are seen for the full breadth of who we are, not just superficial labels or stereotypes.
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 own and operate P2 & You, LLC, a gentle skincare brand for children with dry, sensitive skin conditions. The best part about business is when parents share how our products have helped their child’s skin become healthier, softer, and more comfortable. Knowing that I’m making a difference in the lives of my customers is what motivates and inspires me to continually improve my brand and product offerings.
As a solution-driven Ph.D. student, I’ve been able to apply analytical and research techniques as well as scientific knowledge to develop safe and effective skincare products that are gentle on children’s delicate skin. I’m always experimenting with different natural ingredients and testing them to create the best possible formulations.
As a matter of fact, our #1 best seller ‘Goodbye 2 Dry’ Dry Skin Relief was just recognized by the National Eczema Association with the Seal of Acceptance™. This is a nationally recognized and respected organization that helps consumers identify products that are suitable for eczema-prone skin. This seal is only awarded to products that have undergone rigorous testing and proven to be safe and effective for people with eczema or sensitive skin conditions.
We are extremely proud of this recognition and validation. It confirms our commitment to creating high-quality products that provide real value and relief to our customers. It also reinforces our belief that natural ingredients can be just as effective.
My brand’s mission goes beyond just selling products – I’m passionate about educating parents on the importance of using gentle, non-toxic skincare products on their children. By raising awareness and providing resources, I hope to empower parents to make more informed decisions when it comes to their children’s health and well-being.
Overall, owning and operating a skincare business has been incredibly fulfilling for me. I feel honored to be able to use my passion for science to serve others and help children feel more comfortable in their own skin.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities that were/are most impactful in my professional journey is:
1. Failing gracefully
Embrace failure as a learning opportunity: It’s okay to fail, and it’s natural when you are starting on something new. Failures are a vital part of the learning process, and you can use them to grow.
2. Constant Learning and Adapting
Improvement and growth come from consistent practice. Make time to practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to seek out additional resources, such as online tutorials or mentors.
2. Seek feedback
Learning requires input, and feedback is a crucial source of input. Always be open to feedback from others, and seek it out whenever possible. Use the feedback to improve your skills and areas of weakness.
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?
P2 & You, LLC: We are excited to announce that we have increased our offerings to include wholesale operations. Our company values collaboration and partnerships with retailers and businesses to expand our reach and bring our products to more families. We believe in creating mutually beneficial relationships with our partners to achieve a common goal of providing high-quality products to the marketplace. By working alongside retailers and businesses, we can increase brand awareness and product visibility, while also offering our customers a wider range of options and better access to our products. For more information on becoming a wholesale partner with P2 & You, LLC, please email us at [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: www.P2andYou.com
- Instagram: @P2andYou
- Facebook: @P2andYou
- Linkedin: /TaylorCLiddell
- Other: Pinterest.com/P2andYou
Image Credits
P2 & You, LLC
