Meet Taylor Bell | Stylist & Social Media Strategist

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

Hi Taylor, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think risk taking is an important part of not only success but of personal development. Taking risks for me is being able to fully trust myself and my talents and my abilities. The way I look at it, if I’m truly confident enough in my abilities to not let myself fail or fall then I’m ready to take a risk.

Im originally from Kentucky and in 2018 I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. The biggest risk I ever took thus far was actually taking a strategic pause and moving back home for a year.

I knew I wanted to eventually move to LA to work in fashion but I just didn’t have it all quite figured out yet. I quit my job, ended my lease, and packed everything I had and moved back home two weeks before the pandemic hit. I was so nervous and scared because I didn’t have a plan. I also was worried what everyone would think. Like why would I move all the way across the country to just move back home?

But making that decision was one of the best things to happen for me. I was able to build a foundation. I was able to save money, build a styling portfolio, and really enjoy my friends and family.

I ended up moving to LA a year later with multiple jobs lined up & a dope apartment. I now work with celebrity stylists as an assistant and I couldn’t be more thankful for my journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I look at the art of styling deeper than creating outfits. It’s all about creating memories and moments. If you think about the moments in your life where you felt the most confident or the most happy, you probably remember what you were wearing. I’m still learning and mastering my craft so I’m nowhere near the level I want to be. But some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way are to go with your gut, always prepare for the worst, and be ready to pivot at any moment.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
LA is such a big and fast paced city so I’d show someone a good time with a Sunday Funday. First we’ll start with coffee and breakfast at Undergrind Cafe. Then we’ll go to the flower market to get some cute and cheap flowers and plants. Followed by a local and black owned shopping session at the Black Market Flea. Then we’l stop by the beach to watch the sunset. Lastly we’ll grab a dinner on the beach at my favorite Italian spot, Ospi. Like I said, LA is fast paced so I like to fill my days with high moments of lots of people and energy and low moments of slowness and clarity.

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?
I’d like to shoutout my community of friends and family. I wouldn’t be as fearless and confident as I am if it wasn’t for my parents being so supportive of my dreams. I wouldn’t be as creative if it wasn’t for my cool ass friends who inspire and push me everyday. And I wouldn’t be as humble if it wasn’t for my friends who let me crash on their couch, help me design pieces, or even help me create content. It truly takes a village and I’m so grateful for mine.

Website: www.tay-pac.com www.cmndbrand.com

Instagram: @taypac__

Twitter: @taypac__

Image Credits
Photographer: Madeline Thompson