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

Hi Taylor, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
Before starting my business, a piece of advice that I was given the most was to “wait for the right moment”, but this advice came from people who weren’t doing anything similar to what I envisioned for myself. Now is the perfect time to stop waiting for the “right moment” to do what you want to do. Whatever you want to create, you can start right now. You can do it with no expectations of success. You can do it broke. You can do it hesitantly. You can do it with no prior knowledge or experience. You can do it without support from anyone. You don’t have to wait for someone to back you up or validate you. Validate yourself. You’re the most beneficial tool you have in this life. You have to step into unfamiliar territory and uncertainty to see where it will lead you. As a creative, our art is a reflection of us and it may lead to learning to love yourself in a different way. Ultimately, if we truly set the intention to, we learn to that that risk and utilize the gifts and talents we have in totality despite the ills, outside opinions or insecurities that affect our ability to accept our own work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I’ve had a love for the arts since childhood. I can’t recall having much representation that I felt aligned with me at a young age. Growing up a black girl of darker complexion, I faced a lot of bullying and art was a safe haven and escape for me. Creating art became a way for me to focus on my wellbeing as I utilized it as a way to express myself. I am very open when it comes to the challenges that I’ve had to face in the past few years while trying to maintain my business, including the loss of my mother; friends; uncle and grandparent over the course of six months. They were some of my biggest supporters when it came to my art and were all very proud of me for taking the steps to create my business. Since then, I’ve decided to dedicate myself and my art to self-care, self-love and self-expression. The goal for my business is to depict people and life through my art to showcase that there is beauty in everything. I want people to be able to see themselves when they look at my candles and be able to feel that representation. The very first candle collection that I created is called “The Muse”. This is a collection of candles shaped as the human body. They come in a variety of shapes and colors. Each of my jar candles also come with a corresponding music playlist, specifically made to listen to while enjoying your candle and can also be used as massage candles to moisturize your skin. They’re eco-friendly, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, pet-friendly, vegan, 100% coconut soy wax. I believe it’s very important to create a space where you feel comfortable, safe, and happy. Allowing yourself to revitalize and relax somewhere that feels like a true expression of you and I hope that the addition of my artistic touch to your space can help provide some of that. I am very proud of my growth as an artist and creative and I’m excited to share it with the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a bit of fun, we’d go to Cidercade Downtown for unlimited arcade games, check out the museum district and look at some amazing art, and attend events around the city including markets, concerts, and artists events held at places such as Sanman Studios. To end the trip, I would take them to see some must see sights like the ‘Be Someone’ sign, watch a game at Minute Maid Park, Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park and lastly, the Japanese Garden located in Hermann Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family. They hold me accountable, give me tough love when I need it even if I don’t want to hear it, support me and encourage me to always go the extra mile.

My friends, especially those that are farther in distance from me outside of the state. They show me that the distance between us doesn’t change the support, care and love we have for each other.

And lastly my favorite book that has aided me through some tough moments while working on my business. It’s called Self Care For Black Women by Oludara Adeeyo. It’s provided me with so much wisdom and insight on self-help when it comes to my personal journey.

Website: https://imoracandleco.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopimora/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopimora

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