Meet Taylor Perkins

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

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Taylor 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 believe I inherited my strong work ethic from my grandfather, to whom I was extremely close until his sudden passing in 2015. He grew up in a very large and less fortunate household, starting work at a young age until he was drafted into the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He later became a full-time truck driver, continuing to work until medical issues forced him into retirement. Despite this, he was always active and never considered quitting an option. I hold this belief deeply and always seek out another path, knowing it’s there if I just look for it.

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?

Hello, my name is Taylor Perkins. I’m a 24-year-old from Louisville, KY, recently separated from the military and adjusting to life as a full-time civilian. My early 20s have been full of unexpected shifts. I’ve dropped out of school twice—once during COVID after three years, realizing the degree wasn’t for me, and again about a year ago when I left nursing school during a vacation in Paris because I wasn’t happy with that path. That was not in my five year plan so of course I’ve had some growing pains haha. Now, I’ve pivoted from healthcare into finance while sharing this crazy early 20s life journey. Currently, I work as a Corporate Admin Specialist, doing a lot of data analytic work, which I love. In the next few years, I hope to move to NYC to work in finance and pursue creative writing on the side with my fashion blog which is on Substack called “Thatstotallyfashion.”

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?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful for me on this journey are resiliency, creativity, and adaptability. These traits have shaped me both professionally and personally. My biggest advice for those early in their journey is to learn how to pivot and turn setbacks into stepping stones that elevate you. Not everything will go as planned, and that’s okay. If everything were easy and went perfectly, everyone would do it. Take risks and try things you wouldn’t typically do. Yes, it can be scary, but every time you push your boundaries, you expand your bubble and create new connections and stories for later in life.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

This is a very complex question, which I appreciate! The most impactful thing my parents have done for me is never diminishing my delusions or aspirations. Their unwavering support for anything I pursue has truly changed the game. I don’t fear trying new things or going solo to new cities because I know I’ll always be welcomed back with open arms. They even signed for me to join the military early at 17, which solidified the mutual trust in our relationship. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them, and I will forever be thankful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thatstotallyfashion.substack.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toomuchtitos_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/