We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karen Taylor Bass a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Karen , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

I was a media strategist in the entertainment industry for over two decades, collaborating with A-listers and crafting public relations campaigns that catapulted musical artists from obscurity to notoriety. However, my journey was not without its challenges. I witnessed a glaring disparity in representation and opportunities for Black professionals, particularly at the record labels.
My bosses and mentors allowed me to work across all genres of music, which opened my eyes to the broader, underserved community, people of color, and especially Black women who faced immense stress to thrive and make the artists successful. Many women sacrificed their personal lives to have families and marriages. Additionally, many of the artists grappled with mental health issues, raising concerns about the sustainability of their success.
My personal journey, marked by the need for self-preservation, led me to discover the transformative power of yoga, journaling, and meditation. These practices became my sanctuary, guiding me toward a path of wellness. This shift in my life inspired me to pivot my career, focusing on holistic solutions for stress and mental health.
Today, my business is a vibrant hub that serves a diverse community, with a special emphasis on people of color and those battling depression and anxiety. It is a brand deeply rooted in soulful wellness, providing a safe and inclusive space for everyone, especially Black women and children, to breathe a little easier and find peace. Through my work, I strive to empower and uplift an underserved community, ensuring that self-care and mental health are not just buzzwords, but accessible and integral parts of their lives.

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.

I am Karen Taylor Bass, a dynamic keynote speaker, an award-winning media strategist, a Corporate Wellness Trainer, and an acclaimed Amazon Top 20 bestselling author. My diverse expertise, from strategic media solutions to holistic wellness practices, is not just a list of accomplishments but a testament to grace and self-compassion. With a unique blend of professionalism and warmth, I bring infectious joy and purpose to every endeavor I undertake, inspiring and motivating you to reach new heights.
As a certified 500 RYT Yoga instructor specializing in Trauma-Informed Yoga, I bring empathy and understanding to my practice. My holistic approach to wellness, enriched by my Reiki and Meditation Coach certifications, is not just a profession but a personal commitment. I am dedicated to empowering individuals to lead their best lives.
My journey is one of resilience and empowerment. Drawing upon my experiences of overcoming post-partum depression and embracing anxiety, I motivate and inspire others to discover their inner strength and power. As an award-winning media strategist, activist, author, inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, and mother, I embody the multifaceted roles that many juggle today. My story and message resonate deeply with a broad audience, affirming that I am YOU.
My contributions and thought leadership have not only been recognized, but also featured in prestigious media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Sirius XM, AARP, Fox News, USA Today, ABC Network, and Dr. Oz.
My daily commitment to becoming a better person shines brightly in my speaking engagements, workshops, coaching sessions, and media appearances. I advocate for personal growth, well-being, determination, and self-forgiveness.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

My yoga business began as a side hustle during the pandemic. I became certified in 2019 for my personal wellness and started offering workshops for women in my community. I created a targeted invitation list using the Eventbrite database, rented a church basement, and charged twenty dollars for a Saturday session. The first class had 30 participants, and it quickly grew to 200.

Additionally, I volunteered my yoga and meditation services to first responders during the pandemic. Word spread about the benefits of my Soulful Yoga, and I began receiving thank you letters and cards from attendees who expressed how they had never experienced such freedom and wanted to book private sessions for their families.

My colleague, Janet Taylor, introduced me to agencies seeking Corporate Wellness providers, which enabled me to scale my business. I already had insurance for my wellness offerings, both on Zoom and in-person, along with my registered yoga certificate (200 hours), meditation certificate, computer, microphone, camera, and lightbox. I also had my website redesigned. The initial startup cost was $5000 to become competitive. Today, I have a total of 500 hours, securing another 300 hours, purchasing software to bill and offer programs, business courses. As of today, I have invested $15k in my yoga/wellness business.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

My first business, TaylorMade Media, was established with funding from an SBA (Small Business Administration) loan and personal savings. At its peak, TaylorMade Media included office space, an assistant, and a roster of 5-8 artists.

When I pivoted to Corporate Wellness, the transition was entirely self-funded through savings and payment plans. I have not yet pursued investors for my wellness brand, but as the business grows and my reach expands to include merchandising, securing investment may become a strategic option.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.karentaylorbass.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/karentaylorbass
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karentaylorbass/
• Twitter: @KarenTaylorBass
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/karentaylorbassyoga

Image Credits

Emir Blake Photos