We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cory Taylor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Cory, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to earn a full-time living from my creative work, but it didn’t happen overnight. My journey started with a lot of hard work, sacrifice, and balancing different jobs while I built up my artistic reputation. I’ve always had a business mind, and running successful ventures alongside my music has helped sustain me. Early on, I didn’t rely solely on my music for income. I worked hard to fund my projects, whether it was buying my first house at 18 or starting multiple businesses, from restaurants to real estate, and eventually launching TME Studios.
Music was always my passion, but I understood that financial stability was crucial to my long-term success. I took that business experience and applied it to forming strong partnerships with other great artists and creatives. One major milestone was starting TME Studios, where I get to support other artists, give them a platform, and share my business knowledge with them.
Looking back, I don’t think I could have sped up the process without the experience I’ve gained. Everything from running restaurants to working in real estate taught me how to network, manage resources, and invest wisely in my passion. Today, I get to live that dream full-time, but it took patience, planning, and a relentless drive.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Background and Journey:
I’m Cee’, a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur based in Memphis, where my journey has been deeply influenced by the city’s rich musical heritage and my personal experiences. Growing up in a single-parent household, I faced challenges early on, which instilled in me a strong work ethic and resilience. My mother’s strength inspired me to strive for success, and I learned to navigate life’s obstacles creatively and resourcefully.
At just 13, I found myself running a restaurant, and by 18, I purchased my first home. These experiences ignited my passion for entrepreneurship and allowed me to explore various avenues in both music and business. My journey led me to establish several ventures, including Taylor Meter Technologies, Taylor Realty Construction Co., Smoked Out, and Taylor Made Entertainment Studios (TME Studios).
Products and Services:
Through TME Studios, I offer a platform for artists to create and collaborate. We provide music production, marketing support, artist development, and distribution services. Our aim is to nurture talent, especially up-and-coming artists, by giving them access to resources that may have been hard to come by during my own journey. I’ve always believed in the power of collaboration, and TME Studios fosters an environment where artists can learn from each other while honing their craft.
In addition to music, my food venture, Smoked Out, emphasizes community and culture by serving smoked meats and local delicacies, often infused with cannabis, bringing a unique culinary experience to the Memphis area.
Problems We Solve:
Many emerging artists struggle to find the right resources and support to succeed in the industry. TME Studios addresses this by offering affordable studio time, professional production, and marketing services under one roof. We empower artists by helping them navigate the business side of their careers, ensuring they can focus on their creativity without being bogged down by logistical challenges.
Moreover, my real estate ventures aim to provide housing solutions and improve communities in Memphis, showcasing my commitment to uplifting the area I call home.
What Sets Me Apart:
What sets my approach apart is the fusion of creative freedom with solid business support. At TME Studios, we prioritize a family-oriented environment that encourages genuine artistic expression. I believe in cultivating individuality and empowering artists to explore their sound without sacrificing authenticity for trends.
Pride and Achievements:
I take immense pride in the growth and impact of TME Studios as a creative hub for artists in Memphis. It’s not just about producing music; it’s about building a community where individuals can grow and thrive. Personally, I’m proud of my resilience in overcoming adversity and turning challenges into opportunities. My achievements, from purchasing my first home at 18 to expanding into multiple successful businesses, reflect my dedication to creating a lasting legacy.
Message to Clients and Followers:
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is driven by passion, authenticity, and a deep love for the community. My vision is about growth—not just for myself but for everyone involved in my projects. Expect real stories in my music that resonate with life’s complexities, as well as a commitment to fostering talent and innovation in all my ventures.
I’m excited about the future, with upcoming projects like “Toxic Love 3” and collaborations with talented artists that will push creative boundaries. Together, we can build a vibrant community that uplifts and empowers all its members.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Investment in Arts Education: Schools should prioritize arts education, ensuring that students have access to music, visual arts, theater, and other creative disciplines. Encouraging creativity from a young age helps develop future artists and fosters a culture that values artistic expression.
Funding and Grants: Governments, nonprofits, and private organizations should provide financial support through grants and funding programs for artists and creative projects. This can help artists cover production costs, develop new works, and sustain their careers.
Public Art Initiatives: Supporting public art projects, murals, and installations can beautify communities while providing artists with opportunities to showcase their work. These initiatives can also engage the public and create a sense of community ownership over artistic expression.
Affordable Workspaces: Providing affordable studio and performance spaces can significantly lower barriers for artists. Creative hubs or shared workspaces can foster collaboration and innovation by bringing diverse creatives together.
Promoting Local Arts: Local businesses, municipalities, and communities should prioritize partnerships with local artists for events, installations, and marketing. This not only supports artists but also enhances community identity and engagement.
Networking and Collaboration Opportunities: Creating platforms for networking and collaboration—like artist residencies, workshops, and festivals—can help artists connect, share ideas, and collaborate on projects, strengthening the creative community.
Support for Diverse Voices: It’s important to elevate and amplify diverse voices in the arts, ensuring representation from various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. This diversity enriches the creative landscape and leads to a more vibrant artistic ecosystem.
Access to Resources and Training: Offering resources such as mentorship programs, business training, and workshops can help artists navigate the industry, develop their skills, and effectively market their work.
Advocacy for Arts Policies: Encouraging advocacy for policies that support the arts at local, state, and national levels can lead to more substantial and sustained support for artists. This includes lobbying for arts funding and policies that protect artists’ rights.
Creating a Culture of Appreciation: Society should foster a culture that values and appreciates the arts, recognizing their role in enhancing quality of life and contributing to the economy. Engaging with local arts through attendance at events, purchasing artworks, and supporting artists directly helps cultivate this appreciation.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely! My creative journey is driven by a mission to empower and uplift my community through art and music. Here are a few specific goals that guide my work:
Community Empowerment: I aim to provide a platform for underrepresented voices and emerging artists, giving them the tools and resources they need to succeed. By creating spaces like TME Studios, I hope to foster collaboration and creativity, helping artists develop their craft and reach wider audiences.
Authenticity and Storytelling: My goal is to create music and art that reflect genuine experiences and emotions. I want to tell stories that resonate with listeners and inspire them to share their own narratives, creating a sense of connection and understanding.
Cultural Preservation: I believe in the importance of honoring and preserving the rich musical heritage of Memphis. Through my work, I strive to celebrate local culture and history, ensuring that the voices and stories of our community are heard and valued.
Innovation in the Arts: I’m committed to pushing creative boundaries and exploring new sounds and mediums. By experimenting with different styles and collaborating with diverse artists, I aim to contribute to the evolution of music and art.
Legacy Building: Ultimately, my mission is to build a lasting legacy that positively impacts future generations. Whether through my businesses, music, or community initiatives, I want to create opportunities for others to thrive and inspire them to pursue their passions.
By staying true to these goals, I hope to make a meaningful contribution to the arts and my community, fostering a vibrant and supportive creative ecosystem.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://book.heygoldie.com/TMEStudios
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmecee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realceetaylor
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-taylor-a7143271/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmecee
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvIMYzIDV-iaxDAUz8HVKLQ
