We recently connected with Jearlean Taylor and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jearlean, thanks for joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?
My life has had some unexpected outcomes. I guess you can say “life” happened. At the tender age of 3 years old I developed a rare form of cancer (Rhabdomyosarcoma). It was because of the location of the tumors and chemo & radiation, I had to undergo ostomy surgery, which left me with two permanent ostomy bags. I was cancer free a year after my diagnosis and treatments, but 2 ostomy bags.
How would I cope? How would I deal with what life had dealt me? Growing up with (2) ostomy no one could imagine my difficulties, low self-esteem, insecurities, too many surgeries (I lost count), and my problem with loving me. My life was a journey of unexpected turns. I suffered with low self-esteem, pity, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
Through my journey and faith in God, I discovered who I could be in spite of my medical circumstances. My insecurities did not change overnight, but I learned to be a survivor.
Jearlean, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am Jearlean Taylor from Southwest Baltimore, MD. I am a Christian, cancer survivor, fashion model, author, public speaker, entrepreneur, and ostomy advocate.
I have been a fashion (editorial and runway) model for over 22 years, yes with my ostomy bags, as result of my childhood cancer. Now considered one of top fashion models in my state. I am encouraging cancer survivors, inspiring ostomy patients, mentoring fashion models, giving back to my community by teaching the youth and young adults about self-esteem through modeling classes. I am owner of J & Company Christian Modeling, Ostomy Stylzz & More Apparel Store, Model Coach, Mentor, and changing the narrative that we are not our circumstances.
We have the ability to make a difference, to change lives, and be role models. I am using my voice through my journey to inspire, empower, motivate, educate that your life is not over because “life” happens. We are more than our circumstances. I used to say, why me?’ why cancer, why ostomy bags? Now I say, ‘why not me?’ Just because you have difficulties in life doesn’t mean you can’t make it.
My story is now on YouTube, “Pieces of Me”. Additional in 2023, I plan to travel to South Africa to lecture, teach, and visit patients who has had ostomy surgery, showing them they can have normal life with an ostomy.
We are all “different to make a difference”.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal in my creative journey is to be that voice of those trying to find their voice. We are all on a journey called “life”. We know things don’t always go as planned, but it may take my journey or your journey to show them all things are possible. A “try beats a fail”. My mission is to inspire, motivate, and empower those artists or creatives that we are all born with purpose and no one can stop your destiny. It’s yours for the taking. Take the limits off and fly high.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I started to build my audience on social media by first finding my target audience. What group, organization, or for me what support group would benefit from my story or journey. I believe research is very important even with social media. For me, I had to ask myself, what do you want to post and why. Who do you want to know about my creatives or journey? How will my creatives benefit them? These are valid questions to ask yourself. Additionally you have to be open to the reality that everyone may not cater to your creatives and that’s okay. You learn as you go along on social media, I did! I am not afraid of rejection and only means redirection. Keep an open mind that social media can not break you, stand in your cause and remember if you make a difference in one person life, you are well on your way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jearleantaylor.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msjearleantaylor/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jearlean.taylor
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JearleanTaylor
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZb5HB3JkFH6tqU6i8Eybuw
Image Credits
Photography by Michael Anthony Dwayne Baker Vernon Davis