We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Julianne “JuJu” Taylor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Julianne “JuJu” thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
PRICING. What I see so often with the creative entrepreneurs that I work with is that we don’t charge enough for the value and expertise that we bring to the table. In particular– as women, we are socialized to undervalue the work that we do. Whether it’s a product or serviced based business as soon as someone gives an objection to our price/fees, we start back pedaling. We start finding ways to justify our prices, and we start discounting to meet someone else’s expectations about our worth. We end up working so much harder for every dollar because we struggle with advocating for ourselves as it relates to pricing.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Based in Charleston, SC I have three main revenue streams to my business. I develop products for the home decor industry such as wallpaper, artwork, furniture, tabletop, and I’ve even dabbled in fashion. You may have seen some of the products that I’ve designed in retailers such as HomeGoods and Anthropologie. I’m also a business coach for creatives through The BRIMM, and I teach a Mastermind in a group coaching setting every week. Our goal is to help as many female entrepreneurs as possible to reach $1m in Revenue. I also work with national and local brand partners to create digital content particularly for Reels and TikTok. I have worked with brands such as Ford, Tostitos, VRBO.com, Nabisco, METHOD Cleaning Products, Hyatt, etc.
I’m a cheerleader of all entrepreneurs and a sharer of knowledge. I believe that there’s more than enough business out there for all of us, and I love to see others succeed.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
I wish I could shout this from the rooftops! If you are a business, you need to get your face on camera. PERIOD. Before potential clients reach out for information and slide into your DMs/Contact Form they have already checked out your socials, watched your Reels/TikToks, listened to your Podcast episodes, reviewed your website, etc. Getting your face on camera is one of the best ways right now to connect and build trust with your potential customers. People don’t buy from big, stodgy brands– the buy from people. Humanizing your brand by showing the person behind the name can be an incredible selling tool. I have gotten some incredible opportunities like speaking engagements, new clients, even a hosting gig on the TODAY Show! from people seeing my video content on Reels and TikTok. Don’t sleep on video, people!
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
I started my first company, Taylor Burke Home, 12 years ago and we bootstrapped that company with our own savings. Within 3 years we needed more cash flow and I took out a small business loan for $150,000. I went through the SBA to get a low interest rate loan and I was fortunate enough to be able to pay it back within a couple of years.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.juliannetaylorstyle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliannetaylorstyle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Juliannetaylorstyle
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianne-taylor-9648a6113
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/juliannetaylorstyle