We recently connected with Essie Taylor and have shared our conversation below.

Essie Faye, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project that I’ve worked on is honestly, myself. I am a work in progress–I’m always under construction. As a believer and lifelong learner, this is my life’s motto. I am daily working to become the best version of myself. As a writer, this is also how I approach my work. My work, “Finding the Love You Deserve: 30 Lessons in Self-Love and Acceptance,” is an incredible work. Sometimes I look at it in disbelief. This work was born from my struggles and brokenness. I healed so that I can reach back and heal somebody else. I am currently writing the teen version of that text. This work is very meaningful to me because I’ve been a youth worker, youth advocate, and educator for 20+ years. I’ve seen young people hurting, caring life’s weight upon their shoulders. I’ve seen them make bad choices because they’ve lacked guidance and direction. With “Finding the Love You Deserve: 30 Lessons in Self-Love and Acceptance Teen Edition,” I hope to touch teens in order to help them to effectively self-manage.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Essie Faye Taylor, author and self-healer. I am a survivor of emotional and verbal abuse, divorce, and spousal abandonment in a previous marriage. Despite my faith, I found myself in an abusive marriage that was damaging my self-image and self-worth. I was able to end that “marriage,” and begin a healing journey. Today, I empower young girls and women to connect with God and self-heal from relationship trauma and toxic life experiences. I use the avenues of writing, teaching, podcasting, and improv to spread the good news & healing. I am most proud that I practice what I preach. Each day I wake up and walk the path of my own healing journey. I am not perfect; I, like most, am healing too. Healing is not a destination. However, it is a process that is ongoing and ever-evolving. Healing is work–it is worth that is worth every moment (good, bad, ugly).

How did you build your audience on social media?

I am currently building my audience on social media day by day. I have not arrived. I live by this advice: 1. Be consistent with your messaging to your audience–whether on social media or in person. Slow and steady wins the race. It will happen, with consistency and intention
2. Be patient. Most people who seem to be overnight successes were not. Most people have been working for YEARS before they step onto the scene. They’re not new to the industry–they’re simply unknown to us. Keep working, it’ll pay off one day.
3. Find your tribe. You are not for everyone and that’s okay. The group you are called to will find you and you will undoubtedly touch their lives and your message will connect with them.
4. Give yourself grace. Be kind to yourself. The world can be hard enough without you being your worst critic. Give yourself credit for your progress.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being creative is the creative process. I love the freedom to create what is in my heart. It is just a fantastic time to be alive. We are living in a time when creatives have so much freedom. If there is something that you want to see out here, go for it and create it. The opportunities are endless. We have so many examples of successful creatives who did it. For example, Tabitha Brown had a dream and after years of work, she made it big as a Vegan influencer. Years ago, folks were not vegan. But today, she has gone from a vegan influencer to creating a children’s show and designing clothes, and homeware, and creating food at Target. Issa Rae created a hit show that she wanted to see and so did Quinta Brunson. These are all Black women who cast a vision, took a risk, and bet on themselves. Today, so much is possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.essiefayetaylor.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_essie_faye/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esther.tate.39
• Other: www.essiefayecollection.com

Image Credits
Taylormade Productions, Inc