Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Smith.
Hi Taylor, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My name is Taylor Smith. I am a multidisciplinary artist located in Pomona, CA. I am a local photographer, singer, and landscaper. I started my business in the City of Claremont when I lived there in 2016. Photography has been a passion of mine for over a decade now. I am twenty-nine turning thirty years old in September, and completely humbled by life. Some decisions, good and bad, helped mold and shape me into the woman I am today. I am a curious person and a very open individual; Those being the same character traits I had as a child too. I love laughing. I enjoy live music but have yet to go to my first concert. I am involved with my community through hosting events, sharing images to local sources, and volunteering. I have the gift of singing and recently started performing at restaurants and bars. Something unique about what I do is freestyle my songs, and that it all comes from the dome. I have experienced life to the fullest so sharing my story and transforming it into a song is my favorite thing to do. Being a storyteller feels cultural as if the gift was handed directly to me from an ancestor. I think I am where I am today because of my family and the people I have met along the way. When I was younger, I played sports and sang in choir. I know those two-team based extracurriculars gave me the confidence and focus I have today. Beginning a business started because of my love for succulents. They are drought-resistant plants that are so uniquely geometrically shaped and often bright in color. During the Black Lives Matter movement, I found myself nervous to contribute to anyone but myself. So, I stopped serving and working retail jobs and bought a shovel, then a wheel barrel, and more tools. I promised myself for as long as I was able to maintain the same income I made at work that, I could work for myself.
What separates me from others is my drive. Life has knocked the wind out of me so many times, and I still get up and running; even if I have tears in my eyes, I keep going. I was raised to get back up when I fall and keep trying no matter how hard life gets. My mother and father have been the best examples for what to do and what not to do. I appreciate their example the most. I currently work for myself as an artist. That involves booking my own gigs as a singer, photographer, and landscaper. These three interests intersect because of the clientele. For example, I can sing at the same venue I filled with my succulent arrangements and take a photo of the space and sell it right back to them. I have endless hours at service jobs to thank for my customer skills. My outgoing extroverted personality comes from my parents, and I love honoring them.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The challenges I have faced were mainly financial. I had some heartbreak along the way too. Maintaining my focus on my goals, whether it be spiritual, physical, or emotional, mattered the most. In every circumstance, I grew wiser and a little less serious. In short, the road had a ton of bumps, but I learned how to roll with the punches.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am known for my succulent business. I have a succulent tattoo on my right forearm in dedication to my plant business and sacrifices made. I started that business in 2016 in Claremont, CA. My plants developed into more of a business opportunity after designing a website and joining a few search engines like Yelp and Instagram. On these websites, I built community and clientele. I found one of my biggest sale opportunities online where I designed and installed succulents on a person’s front yard. I am mostly proud of the money I made from this gig. I had no idea I possessed the ability to provide for myself in that way. I specialize in abstract art, so gardening fell right into that category. The gardens are full of random pockets of color and texture just like the canvas’ I paint.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I definitely recommend photographing everything possible. Your journey will happen quickly, so looking back reminds you of the hustle. The memories made with different individuals that shape the whole vision and inspire you along the way deserve documenting.
Pricing:
- Hourly Rates starting at $50
- Custom Art $500
- Consultations starting at $20
- Photography $200 per session
- Small Arrangements starting at $30
Contact Info:
- Website: https://trucksuccs.wixsite.com/website
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorsmithsucculents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039976473079
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-smith-90ab4916a/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/taylor-smith-succulents-pomona-4?osq=taylor+smith+succulents
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/TaylorSmithSucculents
Image Credits
@shotsbybauer
@taysbacxphotography
