Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Taylor West. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Taylor, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

One of the biggest trends I’m seeing right now? The rise of personal brands for business owners—and honestly, I love to see it.

Entrepreneurs are finally realizing that their business isn’t just about the product or service—it’s about them. People want to buy from people. They want to connect, be inspired, and feel like they’re part of something bigger. And what better way to do that than by documenting the entrepreneurial journey publicly? It’s like reality TV, but with more business lessons.

This shift is huge because it’s not just about selling anymore—it’s about building a community. When you show up authentically, share your wins (and your “omg, what am I doing?” moments), you attract people who get you. The kind of people who aren’t just customers, but fans—people who genuinely want to see you win.

But let’s be real—there are challenges too. Putting yourself out there can feel overwhelming. Imposter syndrome creeps in, and the pressure to “always be on” is exhausting. Plus, if everyone follows the same formula, personal brands start blending together—cue the endless “Hey guys, just checking in from my home office with my caramel latte!” posts.

The opportunity? If you do it right, you stand out. If you tell your story in a way that feels real (not robotic or forced), you create a brand that’s not just another business, but a movement. So if you’re hesitating to put yourself out there—this is your sign to start. Find your people, tell your story, and watch how the right audience naturally gravitates toward you.

Taylor, 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’m Taylor Nicole—Creative Consultant, Brand Curator, and Entrepreneur (aka, your go-to for making brands look so good they stop the scroll).

I got into branding and design in a very accidental but meant-to-be way. Picture this: It’s the middle of the pandemic, I’m in undergrad, and everyone is scrolling TikTok… while I’m over here designing websites and marketing collateral for fun. I was self-taught at first, but once I realized that I could actually turn this into a career and not just a hobby I was obsessively perfecting and I went all in.

Fast forward—I earned my B.S. in Management from North Carolina A&T (AGGIE PRIDE!) and now run a creative studio where I help female-led beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands transform their ideas into market icons through brand strategy, design, and campaigns.

What sets me apart? I don’t do generic. My approach blends strategy, storytelling, and visual concepts, ensuring every brand I touch isn’t just seen—it’s felt. A lot of people can make things look good, but I make sure my clients’ brands stand out, connect, and convert.

What I’m most proud of? Building this from scratch. I started with no formal design training, just a passion and a whole lot of determination. Now, I get to help businesses turn their brands into legacies—and that? That’s the real flex.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Oh, this one’s easy—I’ve pivoted so much, I might as well be a ballerina.

One of my biggest pivots was when I realized that just doing design wasn’t enough. In my early days, I would make gorgeous branding for clients, but then I’d see them using it so wrong (cue dramatic horror music). Logos stretched, fonts swapped, aesthetic chaos. It hurt my soul.

That’s when I knew I had to pivot from “just” a designer to a full-on brand strategist. Now, I don’t just hand over a pretty logo—I build out the full brand experience, educate my clients on how to use it, and make sure everything stays cohesive. It was a game-changer, both for me and for my clients.

Lesson? Sometimes, your first idea of what you should be doing is just the beginning. If you stay open to evolving, you’ll end up exactly where you need to be.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience was a mix of strategy, trial and error, and pure delusion (the best kind).

At first, I was playing it safe—posting polished designs, being “professional,” trying to be the expert. But then I realized… people don’t connect with perfection. They connect with personality.

So I switched it up. I started showing more of my process, my personality, and my journey. I made my captions feel like we were texting. I gave actual value instead of just posting aesthetics. And suddenly? People started paying attention.

My best advice for those just starting?

1. Be real. No one wants to follow a bot. Show your face, tell your story, and let people connect with you.

2. Give value. Whether it’s education, inspiration, or entertainment, make sure people get something from your content.

3. Stay consistent. Not just with posting, but with your brand’s vibe. Your audience should instantly recognize you in your content.

4. Experiment! What works for someone else might not work for you. Try different content formats, test hooks, and don’t be afraid to be a little chaotic until you find your sweet spot.

Bottom line? Be someone worth following. The rest will come.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tnmediaco.com
• Instagram: @taylornicole.pov
• Linkedin: Taylor West

Image Credits

Photo Credits (for the image with model where it says BEXROSE coming fall 2024): Kateryna Tsurik