We were lucky to catch up with Taylor Cross recently and have shared our conversation below.

Taylor, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

My career story began as an undecided college student living in New York City and working a model and marketing assistant for a popular music and entertainment company. I was the type that had big dreams and ambitions. I struggled with faith and patience and everyday felt like I was running out of both. I easily excelled in school and other areas of my life where I could predict the outcome (go to class, pass the test, get an A) but in the areas where I thought other people controlled the outcome I was challenged. I decided to give myself a break and just go with the flow. I ended up being able to assist with executing a large-scale music conference in Miami, Florida where I was introduced to the hospitality industry and the iconic Fontainebleau Hotel, which resonated with me and my interest in entertainment and lifestyle brands. After moving back home to Atlanta, Georgia a few months later, I prayed for direction and was led to careers within the hospitality industry. I worked several positions and grew my experience within the industry with an ultimate goal of landing a position as a marketing manager. I focused on growing my skill set and taking courses that would enhance my qualifications. Eventually I was able to push passed the challenges of life like 2020’s Covid 19 pandemic and other negative setbacks in order to land my goal career in marketing at large scale hospitality brand. Now, I am focusing on continuing to manifest new goals and reimage my future and impact on others.

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?

One major turning point for me was creating my career philosophy. For me this meant aligning my career goals with my values and my desire to serve others. I decided that if the career that I had could not positively impact my community and the next generation then it was not for me. I wanted to be strategically influential, grow people, inspire, and create opportunities for positive experiences. Now whenever I am uninspired or burned out, I refocus on my why, which energizes me and helps me to continue in my purpose. I am currently enrolled at Cornell University to learn how to have strategic influence and design systems that can help me become a better mentor to my peers and the next generation. Through my life experiences and expertise in marketing and business, I am helping to guide and shape like-minded individuals seeking their purpose and ways to serve others as well. I am most proud my ability to move forward and accept/guidance help from my mentors in challenging times. I want potential clients and mentees of mine to know that with dedication and faith all things are possible.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

My favorite marketing story was developing a public relation pitch around the “Career Closet” at one of my hotel properties. The DEI concil at the hotel started an initiative to create a closet within the hotel where employees could get professional clothing and personal items to help promote confidence and encouragement during and after work hours. Many of our associates were being promoted but due to life circumstances where not in situation where they could show up as their best selves. We launched the career closet with a grand opening ribbon cutting event and invited members of the media to cover the story. To our surprise the story went viral on local news channels and online, which encourages hundreds of people to donate massive amounts of clothing items. Out hotel was overflowing with items, and I was so proud to have been a part of a programs that impacted so many people.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I knew more about having faith and patience. I still have certain struggles but I recommend daily prayer, reading, and studying your faith to ensure you are prepared for life challenges. I also found that mentorship can be a powerful tool when connected to the right people.