Occupation: Owner of Taylor Shaye Designs
Husband: Cole
Child: Kash, 11 months
Hobbies: Working out and creating new jewelry designs
Taylor Harp is a new mother and the creative vision behind the dazzling, bejeweled pieces of Taylor Shaye Designs. As a wife, mother, and the owner and founder of Taylor Shaye Designs, her days are spent spending time with family and coming up with the next eye-catching designs for her business.
Balancing a business and a newborn is no easy feat, but Taylor makes it look effortless. She spends most of her time these days with her baby, Kash, at home, making business calls, organizing inventory and managing her shop. While motherhood comes with new experiences and challenges, Taylor takes it all in stride. She believes that the key to a smooth transition to motherhood is preparation and going with the flow.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
TAYLOR: I started making bracelets as a hobby, and then got the attention of several friends asking to buy my designs. From here, I came up with several different collections and color schemes, and my business was born. At Taylor Shaye Designs, we’re known for our bold colors, intricate beading, and playful shapes. I wanted something different than what was available on the market––affordable jewelry with a twist.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE COLLECTION?
TAYLOR: My favorite collection is our Christmas collection. I like the glitzy Nutcracker Drops and the beaded crystal Christmas trees. For this collection, I opted for some less traditional designs like hot pink Christmas trees and girly, pink nutcrackers. This collection has something everyone will love!
WHEN IT COMES TO CREATING AND CRAFTING UP NEW IDEAS FOR YOUR BUSINESS, WHAT’S IMPORTANT IN EACH PROJECT?
TAYLOR: I think spending a lot of time with my team to discuss business ideas is the most important part of each project. We meet at the office on “design days” and spend the whole time brainstorming new designs and coming up with new collection ideas. We’re always coming up with something fresh and exciting and aim to either stay on trend or set new trends.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE DAY?
TAYLOR: Waking the baby up from a nap. He’s always in the best mood, with a huge smile on his face.
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
TAYLOR: I used to be in the office daily. We did a lot of planning to figure out maternity leave and time spent out of the office. I stay at home with my baby, make coffee, and communicate with my employees throughout the day about office musings, inventory and sales. I usually work from home now. I used to handmake everything, but now I have a wonderful team of ladies who take care of the business in-office.
WHAT’S A COMMON CHARACTERISTIC YOU HAVE IN YOUR WORK ETHIC AND IN PARENTING?
TAYLOR: I am a very go-with-the-flow kind of person. In parenting, there is no actual guidebook or manual for parents to follow, and in business, it’s the same. I don’t prepare too much for things. I take every day by day. I’m easygoing and always learning.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE JOYS AND CHALLENGES OF BEING A NEW MOM?
TAYLOR: It’s a huge life change. You’re bringing a new person into the world and watching this little human grow. One week, he’s crawling; the next, he’s standing. Watching him grow is such a joy. To me, a lot of the joy outweighs the challenges. However, a lot changes. Your body changes and you have to give yourself grace for growing a whole human.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PARENTING STYLE?
TAYLOR: I am not by any means the crazy strict mom. I am pretty easygoing, but I do love a routine. I tend to go more with the flow, but I do have a schedule I follow. I don’t like to limit myself. If I want to go out and do something, I will. I prioritize myself still.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO AS A FAMILY?
TAYLOR: My husband and I like to go on walks together with our baby, to get out in the sun and enjoy family time. We also all sit in the living room and watch Ms. Rachel. She’s a good babysitter!
HOW ARE YOU AND YOUR CHILD ALIKE AND DIFFERENT?
TAYLOR: Well, first of all we look nothing alike! He looks exactly like my husband. My mom told me the other day that my son is starting to develop an attitude, just like me. He’s a little feisty.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOUR BABY HAS TAUGHT YOU ABOUT YOURSELF?
TAYLOR: Patience. I would say definitely having to practice patience. I would also say that being his mom has taught me to take time for myself and prioritize my needs. And I can’t do that if I’m overstimulated or overwhelmed
WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE VACATION SPOTS?
TAYLOR: I’m a beach girl. I love being somewhere hot and sandy, like Destin, FL.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DATE NIGHT WITH YOUR HUSBAND?
TAYLOR: Dinner and a nice cocktail, at home for a movie night, and vacation time together. We love to travel and there’s nothing like a good reset.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS ONE OF THE KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL PARENTING?
TAYLOR: I would say getting your child out of the house and exposing them to new things. It also never hurts to ask for help or raise your hand when you need a hand. I also never want to find myself comparing my child’s progress to other people’s kids.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER PARENTS?
TAYLOR: Relax and enjoy the ride! Try to let go of overthinking and “what-ifs” and go out and make things happen. You’ll be a better parent because of it.
ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER ENTREPRENEURS JUST GETTING STARTED?
TAYLOR: Just go for it. Don’t overthink the process or focus on being perfect. If you have a vision, jump in. The first initial step is to come up with your plan and believe in yourself.
ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING MOMPRENEURS?
TAYLOR: I started my business before I had my baby, so I definitely put some planning in behind-the-scenes. But if you have kids and you want to start your own business, go for it! Believe in your idea and make it happen. Believe in your product, prepare to make sacrifices and accept that it will not be easy. But it will absolutely be worth it.
Quick Q&A
My favorite tv show is…Vampire Diaries, Criminal Minds, Gossip Girl…I can’t
choose one!
I can’t stop watching…Ms. Rachel and The Grinch.
I love singing along to…“Old MacDonald.”
I always feel my best when I…get a spray tan and get dressed up.
My favorite dessert is…bread pudding or a strawberry cake from Ambrosia.
My favorite food is…Sushi or Italian.
My favorite holiday is…Christmas.
My guilty pleasure is…a nice espresso martini or sour candy.
My favorite book is…anything by Colleen Hoover.
