Meet Taylor | Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taylor, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I moved to Miami in 2019 to start graduate school at the University of Miami. To be honest, I wasn’t ready. As a native of Maryland, I had never been so far from home. I felt so alone when I finished school, and my mental health suffered. For two years, I was fighting with anxiety, depression, and thoughts of taking my own life before finally realizing that I owed myself more. I deserved friends and happiness and joy. The more people I met, the more I realized how common my situation is, and that became the motivation behind my podcast.

Bottums Up is a resource not only for the LGBTQ+ community in Florida but also for adults who are struggling to find genuine connections. It’s been cathartic to share my story. Plus, it’s only brought me closer to my community. I’ve always asserted that my podcast isn’t about me. It’s about giving people a resource that I didn’t have a few years ago.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My background is actually in architecture. As much as I wanted to be in the arts as a kid, my parents were adamant about my siblings and I having successful careers. Architecture was the best balance of art and engineering for me, and it’s still something I’m passionate about. I’ve been working in the field since 2018; being a designer has helped me understand the impact of one’s environment on their behavior. That goes for the literal built spaces we inhabit as well as the people and activities we surround ourselves with. I’m grateful for my education. College humbled me and made me a more empathetic person. I’ve been given endless opportunities from previous employers.

While I no longer work directly in architecture, I hope to return to a firm in the future. Bottums Up is definitely a passion project and will always be equally as important as my professional career.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, I’m no stranger to both Broward and Dade. I would definitely start out in Wilton Manors. Friday nights almost always have something for the lesbians. I’ve been dying to check out Apartment 9 on Wilton Drive, and of course you can never go wrong with New York Grilled Cheese. Matter of fact, if my best friend came on a Wednesday, we would absolutely hit up The Well for game night. Nintendo is the fastest way to my heart.

Wynwood has also been a staple for me since moving to Florida. I went to 1-800 Lucky during my first week here, and I was hooked. Whenever I’m planning a day in Wynwood, it’s starting at 1-800 Lucky. There’s no other option. A new gay bar called Willy’s also opened up within the last year. I was able to go for the first time a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it. They’ve been enthusiastic about working with so many local curators and organizers. They walk the walk and talk the talk when it comes to creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. I have so much respect for that.

I am also a nature girly and never miss a chance to drop by a state park. Oleta is absolutely a favorite.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My first guest, Sublime Luv, took a risk in sitting down with me. No one knew who I was when I started, and I’m generally an awkward person. I had no idea how to host a podcast, how to do interviews, how to setup a recording space; it was all brand new to me. Sublime was so sweet and eager to be on an episode, and she has continued to support me since day one. It’s a blessing to be able to grow alongside her.

Website: https://bottumsup.weebly.com

Instagram: https://bottumsup.pod

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BottumsUpPod

Image Credits
All photos are my own.