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

Hi Taayoo, what role has risk played in your life or career?
People who know me think that I am a big risk taker. I don’t necessarily like the description because many of these same persons imply that I’m reckless. I do believe in taking risks, but I take calculated risks. I always consider the worst outcome, and if I can live with it, that’s a risk that I can take.

When I initially decided to freelance, I made a conscious decision to do so, with the full knowledge that my income would be sporadic. My worst case scenario in this instance was not having enough money to provide for my children. However, I also knew that I could always take on another full time job if I were in dire financial straits. The upside was designing my work life around my children and a chance to potentially earn exponentially more. It was a no brainer.

Taking risks really means being comfortable with change and navigating the unknown. This aptly describes me, I think this makes me brave not reckless.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
According to my niece Kayleigh, “auntie writes words.” I’m a freelance writer and my niche is family, health & wellness and family. I NEVER thought that anyone could make a living writing, or that I would be doing exactly that. Many people don’t realize how much of their lives are spent reading a screen. Someone has to write those words on the screen. We Google everything. The results of those Google searches are written by someone. If it’s health & wellness it could very well have been written by me.

I literally wandered into being a paid writer. I’ve been writing my whole life. I’m the go-to in my family for all written work, especially the eulogies. I’ve accepted that it’s my gift. I have a way with words, and use them to tell a story.

I have been published in just about every major publication – including New York Times, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Yahoo Life, Parents, Amsterdam News, VeryWell Family & Health, Health Magazine and many more. I don’t have a favorite piece but I am very proud of my cover story for Amsterdam News about COVID-19 orphans.

Unfortunately, being a good writer alone won’t get you a national byline – an editor has to take a chance on you. My chance came during the social unrest about George Floyd’s death and everyone suddenly wanted “Black representation” in spaces. My two first major pieces were for Parents magazine. One of those pieces was voted one of New York Times top five parenting stories for 2021. I still do work for those editors to this day.

The biggest lesson I learned is the importance of learning from other people who have achieved what I want. I haven’t done anything revolutionary – I just emulate the best in the business. If a writer who regularly writes for the top publications shares advice about an email template, I adopt it in my communications. I also intentionally cultivate a professional community of people I want to be like so that I can learn and grow. It takes time, but if you keep at it, literally nothing can stop you.

There is also value in speaking about what you want to achieve. Firstly it helps with accountability, and I firmly believe that if you say it often enough, your subconscious orients your actions to achieve it. I said for months that I wanted a NYT byline. I now have two with the prospect of many more. Watch out for my Times Magazine byline next year, because there’s life in spoken word.

I have unintentionally developed a brand for writing about racial inequity in healthcare. While being my brother’s advocate during his liver transplant, I witnessed the inequity in the US healthcare system. I’m also a closeted nerd – medical journals and studies are my jam. My personal experience and innate ability to explain complex ideas for the average reader, only helps distinguish me from other writers. There’s also the fact that I’m the only Taayoo!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a New York City transplant, born and raised in the home of reggae and dancehall – Jamaica. New York City is indeed an acquired taste, you either love it or hate, there’s no middle ground. I unequivocally LOVE New York City – there’s literally nowhere like the Big Apple!

What you do and where you go in the city can often be predicated on the season of the year. The city shows you a different side of herself every season. It’s really nice to be able to show friends the places that they have seen in popular movies. A daytime stroll through the financial capital of the world, Wall Street, with pictures posing with the infamous bull is always a great idea. Even after all these years, I still get excited walking through Times Square at night. The lights, crowds and energy are all uniquely NYC. If it’s Christmas, there’s skating at the Rockefeller Center skating rink, see the infamous Rockefeller Christmas tree and even visit Santa at Santaland on the top floor of Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square.

No matter where in the world you’re from, you can find food that you recognize and will like in my adopted city. I recommend stopping by a halal truck for lunch in between shopping. My favorite and most affordable happy hour is a lovely little place on the lower east side called Verlaine. There are $8 lychee margaritas seven days per week until 10 pm. The food is also affordable, and you can have easy conversations with friends. For a more upscale dinner experience, feel free to make reservations at Beauty & Essex or Brooklyn Chop House Steakhouse Times Square.

NYC in the summer is full of festivals, Broadway shows and musicals and of course the very best parties. Take a day trip to Governors Island, ride the ferry to Staten Island to see Lady Liberty, or book a ticket for one of the many boat rides and parties that the city offers. One thing is sure, NYC never fails!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Many people have poured into my life over the years to make me who I am. I love them all and am eternally grateful to each of them. But I’m dedicating this shout out to the quartet. It’s four of us – Kathey, Rochelle, Kimbrilee and myself. The four of us have been friends for over 25 years – seen each other through all the firsts; boyfriends, husbands, children, sickness, death of parents and everything in between. These women literally keep me sane, being my sounding board, accountability partners and a whole ton of fun. Love you my bishes!!!!

Instagram: @taayoomurray

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taayoomurraymba-545455b5

Twitter: @taayoomurray

Other: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Happen-Miss-Taayoo-Murray/dp/069286671X

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