When you look at Taylor Robinson, one of the first things you may notice, after her bright smile, is her extensive jewelry display. From her neck to her wrists, you’ll undoubtedly find Taylor dripped down! The best part? She made the jewelry herself!
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Taylor never intended to be a business owner. As a matter of fact, she is currently a rising sophomore at Washington University in St. Louis majoring in Anthropology on the Global Health and the Environment and Pre-Med tracks. This field is obviously very different from the world of entrepreneurship, but her love for jewelry and jewelry making has existed from a young age.
When Taylor was little, her mother bought her and her friends friendship bracelet kits for her birthday. Later down the line, her mother also gave her some of her old jewelry. Taylor then began selling bracelets for $5.00 a pop. Once her aunt suggested that she begin an official jewelry business, Taylor’s Originals was born!
Today, Taylor’s Originals features over 90 products including necklaces, charm bracelets, beaded bracelets, bangles, and croc charms. Taylors most unique items are her beaded bracelet sets and bangle sets. Why?
“We don't really make the same bangle/bracelet set twice. Original Babe sets are one of a kind," she says.
She even makes personalized custom sets! One of her favorite original pieces is the “All Black Affair" bangle set which includes majority black charms including a studded black high heel, a Chanel charm, and more! But, if she had to choose between her bangle and beaded bracelet sets?
“Beaded all day everyday,” she says. She even makes custom sets! These bracelets and bangles, along with all of her other accessories, are vibrant, fun, and are guaranteed to make their wearer feel confident and pleased with their piece!
To her, maintaining Taylor’s Originals isn't a job. Rather, it's something she enjoys. Her motivation to keep Taylor's Originals going is simple: "I see Taylor’s Originals on a bigger scale, and i know that if i give up it’ll never happen," she says. "Plus, I’ve matured and watched my business grow, and I’ve come too far to just let it all go. I also love making people excited with their new jewelry purchases and seeing them rock it with a fit too!"
When she’s not promoting her business and packing orders, Taylor enjoys chilling in bed, watching Netflix and HBO Max as well as hanging out with friends. Taylor is also a student athlete and is currently rounding out her club softball season. She also use to play softball for her high school team.
With having Taylor’s Originals, school, and softball in high school, Taylor noted that her schedule consisted of school, practice, jewelry, homework, sleep, and repeat. Despite the balancing act, Taylor made it happen, successfully at that, and officially launched her website during her junior year of high school. She actually wanted to launch her website during her freshman year, but she learned that things wouldn't just be able to happen over night. She realized that, quite simply, “It's not your timing, its God’s timing,”
In addition to learning a bit about patience, Taylor has also learned about accountability and responsibility as a business owner, both of which have been valuable lessons as well.
Taylor’s advice for up and coming business owners is simple: “Do what you love, stick with it, master it, reach out, find a mentor.” Taylor expressed that, particularly in the black community, budding entrepreneurs know how to make the money, yet they don’t always have the financial literacy to maintain the money properly. She encourages aspiring business owners to take a financial literacy course, or, simply use YouTube University to learn what they need to. Additionally, she encourages research and learning how to master whatever it is one wants to accomplish with their business. Furthermore, asking for help, particularly getting a mentor, is another thing Taylor was able to incorporate to help make her successful, and she suggests this as another way to help pave one’s path to success.
So, what is Taylor’s Originals' end goal?
“Where should I start?” she said happily.
One of Taylor's Originals’ end goals is to create a wholesale extension to help people who want to start their own jewelry business. This expansion will also include e-books which will help budding business owners learn how to start their business from the ground up. She eventually wants to be able to more directly mentor those interested in jewelry making in the future. Taylor also hopes to grow and monetize her YouTube channel as well!
At midnight on July 11 CST, Taylor will be dropping her vendor list Which will include 10+ where she gets her charms, tools, chains, packing, and more. This is also Taylor’s birthday! Use code “HAPPY19” at checkout to receive 19% off of the vendor list!
So, the next time you sense that your neck is a little dry and your wrist isn’t froze, head to taylorsoriginals.com so she can get you right!
Taylor’s Instagram and Tik Tok: @tayjania
Taylor’s Originals LLC’s Instagram & Tik Tok: @taylorsoriginals
Taylor's Originals LLC's YouTube: Taylor's Originals