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

Alright, Jayla thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I’m currently working as a Fashion Designer for Encore Jeans as well as Designihg for my own brand. Prior to working as a Fashion Designer, I was working Freelance jobs and as a Retail Assistant Store Manager after graduating from Savannah College of Art And Design with my BFA in Fashion Design in 2018. My Fashion Design journey has not been easy but it has definitely been worth it. I know now that the path I took and the time it took to get to where I am now, was all for a reason. I would often question why I wasn’t in the position I wanted or why I kept applying for jobs and nothing was working out. I know now that everything happened in the right time and that as long as you work hard and dedicate time to your craft, things will fall into place.

Jayla, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a Fashion Designer for my own brand named after myself Jayla Taylor as well as Designing for Encore Jeans. I started designing as a kid because growing up my mom never bought me clothes I liked , so i started altering clothes that I had and it eventually turned into my passion. My focus is Evening/Formal Wear but within my brand Jayla Taylor I create and design an endless lists of products, from brand collections to accessories, I do alterations for individuals, I also make samples and patterns. What sets my band apart from others is the versatility and my ability to always stay ahead of trends.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I believe the most rewarding aspect of being a Fashion Designer is being able create anything I want and knowing there is a market of people out in the world ready and willing to buy my clothing and products. To create freely is the ultimate goal and reward.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

After graduating in 2018 with my Bachelors I was ready to hit the road and start my Fashion Career Journey. Not knowing that it would be one of the hardest careers to pursue. There were so many times I wanted to give up and times I would question why I even chose this career path. I was even asked , “who would buy your clothes, they’re not good enough,”On top of questioning myself. I would constantly apply to jobs and get rejected or be told I didn’t have enough experience. But still I never gave up, I made myself go out and network and go to events that gave me the opportunity to work with other artist like myself. I realized that not everything works out in the way you expect it to but it does work out as long as you keep working, believe and push yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.jaylataylor.com
• Instagram: @theejaylataylor & @thejaylataylorr

Image Credits
Fashion Designer: Jayla Taylor Stylist: Ilaria De Plano