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

Alright, Tyler thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I am happy that I own a business. However, I believe that to be a great business owner, you need experience outside of your business that you can apply to it. Often, we become fixated on seeking more money, constantly having creative ideas to share with the world, and desiring freedom from a strict “normal job” schedule. But being a business owner is quite the opposite.

In my personal life, I’ve worked for top luxury brands such as Chanel, Loro Piana, and DVF, as well as small businesses. Being a part of these brands has allowed me to apply standard protocols, selling ceremony techniques, marketing strategies, and elevate my communication when conducting business with TAYLOR TYLER.

I wouldn’t say that I am entirely happier solely as a business owner because it isn’t for the faint of heart. The hours are longer, the money isn’t always consistent, and the ideas don’t always flow. However, I am grateful that I can be both a business owner and a working professional in the Fashion Industry. It’s the reason why I am successful.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Tyler Taylor, and I was born and raised in New York City. I’ve always been someone who loves to do it all, but over time, I discovered my true talent: designing, specifically handbags.

After high school, I pursued my passion for fashion, earning five degrees in the field, and spent 1.5 years living in Milan. New York City remains my primary source of inspiration for designing just about everything. I founded Taylor Tyler in 2014, and since then, every piece has been handmade by me.

I sort of stumbled into the industry—what started as a hobby has grown into something much more meaningful. I don’t see myself becoming a “huge” designer, but I truly enjoy sharing my craft with the world. My handbags are unique, with some designs being produced in very limited quantities. I like to offer my clients the best of both worlds: some pieces are made from deadstock fabrics sourced from high-end designer manufacturers, while others are not. Sustainability is important to me, and I try to incorporate that principle into every aspect of Taylor Tyler.

What sets me apart from others is my integrity. People may not know me personally, but they know I touch every product myself. I pack each item, respond to emails, and handle all communication. I oversee every part of the business—and I truly love that hands-on approach.

I’m incredibly proud of the fact that my business has reached its 10-year milestone. While there have been some pauses along the way, making it to 10 years is a major achievement! Knowing that I’ve built a loyal fan base based on my creativity is an amazing feeling. I’m simply grateful that people trust me and my expertise.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

Apart from the handbags being sewn by me, the hardware is manufactured and sourced from China. This was a daunting decision at the time for two reasons: first, I didn’t know where to start or how to find a reliable manufacturer, and second, I knew the business was scaling, so I could no longer handle everything on my own. Additionally, where I was originally sourcing my hardware was cutting into my profits.

I began by exploring Alibaba and asking a lot of questions. I made sure to be detailed and specific about what I wanted. I also had to learn how to negotiate—something that didn’t come naturally to me—but it was a skill I had to develop, especially given my budget. A key lesson I learned is that you have to spend money to make money. There’s no shortcut when it comes to finding the right manufacturer.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I first launched TAYLOR TYLER, I posted everything! I wanted people to see all the behind-the-scenes (BTS) content. Occasionally, I still share BTS, but I’ve come to realize that the true success of the business comes from giving others their moment in the spotlight. I don’t believe there should be an aesthetic when it comes to reposting someone’s post or story, especially when they’re showcasing your product.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to “word of mouth.”

Could I have more followers? Sure. But we’re counting invoices, not followers—haha!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Taylor-Tyler.com
• Instagram: Taylortylernyc / showgirltyler