On the blog this week, we have the incredible Taylor Jackson. She is spunky, genuine, and has a mission unlike any other women. I met Taylor via a friend that was competing with her at Miss GA USA a few years ago. I’ve never met Tay in person, but we take full advantage of our phone calls, LOL! Don’t forget to follow Taylor on instagram, @THETAYLORRAE.
Taylor was born in South Bend, Indiana and at the age of three, her parents divorced and her dad had to move to Ohio because he worked with FAA. This caused Taylor to shuffle back and forth to see both her dad and mom. While Taylor Rae, was in middle school, she moved to the ATL area, Cumming, GA and fell in love with being a Sweet Georgia Peach.
In high school, Taylor was involved with her church and this was where she spent a majority of her time as a youth leader. Taylor attended South Forsyth High School as she was involved in FCA, DECA, Varsity Cheerleader, and so many more amazing roles apart of her school. She was editor-in-chief of the school newspaper as well as the anchor of the school news. Little did Taylor know these two roles were going to help her find her future career and dream job.
As a Senior in high school, Taylor was in search of the perfect college to attend once she graduated. After a college tour as Georgia State University, she chose GSU simply because she wanted to be proud of what she had to offer the world, and this was the community for her! Taylor was a COED cheerleader during college, and during recruitment she was scared that she was not going to be picked because of her race. The perfect sorority fell right onto her, ZTA, and she quickly realized that there were so many other races that were a part of this organization which made her face included and comfortable. Her major was Journalism with a minor in Political Science. Alongside working with various organizations, she also worked with Fox Sports South, CBS 46, Pitched and produced pieces for Georgia Public Broadcasting, and an internship with the ATL Journal Constitution.
Taylor moved to the West Coast and took a sales job after her 23rd birthday. She LOVED the job and the money. By the end of January, she was terminated and COVID-19 happened. Taylor has always loved writing and was great with interviews and making personal connections with others.
At the beginning of March, Taylor created and branded what is known as, “Taylor Rae Today”, a place where young women of any ethnicity know they can go to find a raw and relatable biracial, middle-class “twenty something” just trying to figure it out on a budget.
Taylor’s overall GOAL is to show all young women that they can be their biggest cheerleader and use their voice while still being authentic and confident using any product or garment that’s neither new nor expensive.
What is Taylor Rae Today’s main priority as a blogger/influencer on social media?
Taylor wanted to speak out about this injustice that recently took place with Ahmaud Arbery. After, someone reached out to her about how bloggers were not talking about this subject enough and someone needed to use their voice to start making a change, someone inspired to “just start talking”. She shared her story about as a child, having divorced parents… and the privilege she had living with her mom, who is white compared to her dad, whom is black. Girls and hundreds of Taylor’s followers on Instagram were reaching out letting her know that she was not alone, and she then continued to speak out and do what was right. She was amazed at the support, and how her following grown exceptionally just after she spoke up about the injustice. Taylor decided to rebrand herself because of this situation. Which has allowed more brands to reach out to her wanting to partner, because she has found her voice and brand through this difficult time in society.
How are you making a change in this world and how do you see social media, like Instagram, helping you do that?
Taylor plans to use her voice always; she thinks people underestimate the power of words. She has the gift of words and a voice that is indestructible! She will continue to use her words to bridge a gap. She feels that God made her biracial so that she can use her voice to speak up about things that people are scared to speak up about. Taylor also shares vital information with people so they can understand and become educated.
How has iLikeMe helped you through some of your hardest days and why would you share this organization with your friends?
iLikeMe has been an influential part of my life, recently as I am just now becoming comfortable in my own skin. Being biracial, I was always not “white enough” or not “black enough” so I never felt a sense of belonging which led me to question why I was the way I was. Today, I have never been prouder to be who I am and “iLikeMe” has played a huge role in that.
