Yashica Topalovic shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Yashica , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
As a mother, wife, business owner, volunteer & more. I personally struggle with balance & I am 1,000% sure a whole lot of women can agree with me on that! It’s a day to day struggle having to choose or prioritize where most of your daily energy will go, and it all begins with my routine starting with my mornings.
So I wake up between 4:30am-5:20am & I make sure I NEVER hit snooze. From that point up until 6:30 am it’s “me” time. Whether I choose to read, design, sew or check emails, I simply make sure that a nice hot cup of coffee is sitting right beside me. This is where I gradually plan the month, week & day ahead of me.
Once that window closes, my energy shifts to what matters most: family. The kids are dressed and fed, lunches packed, homework tucked into backpacks. My husband is fed, his lunch is packed, I’m dressed and loving my outfit! There’s no gas in the car—oops—quick pit stop before school drop-off. Everyone arrives safely where they need to be, and suddenly… silence.
Yay? No. Hard no on celebrating.
This is where the second—and third—jobs begin. Errands. Chores. Doctor appointments. Phone calls. Client meetings. Volunteering. Hosting events. Pilates. Designing. Then more household responsibilities. Before I know it, it’s time to mentally prepare for school pickup. My battery is running low, but the roles don’t stop. I still need to show up as Mama, Mrs. Topalović, and Frances Taylor—the fashion designer and wardrobe stylist.
So I listen to myself.
I pour a second cup of coffee, sit down for one or two episodes of RHOBH, and allow myself to recharge before homework and dinner begin. It may seem simple, but it’s necessary. That small pause is what allows me to balance a beautiful family, a loving marriage, and the dream job I’ve worked so hard to build!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Frances Taylor, is where we create custom designs, wardrobe styling, and sustainable fashion. Our mission is to empower women to step boldly into their confidence—one garment at a time. Every piece we create is crafted with intention, encouraging self-expression, individuality, and a bold sense of style.
Beyond fashion, Frances Taylor is deeply committed to community impact. We proudly volunteer as instructors for the ProPhounds Kids fashion program, hosted within YAC, a safe haven where creative youth in need are supported through multiple art and design initiatives. Our team nurtures young talent, teaching them the foundations of fashion while showing them the power of creativity, discipline, and self-worth.
The Frances Taylor brand also assists women through our ongoing sponsorship of fashion workshops for the Sister League of San Diego, providing hands-on experiences that inspire confidence, personal development, and artistic exploration.
Frances Taylor stands at the intersection of style, creativity, community, and purpose—designing a world where fashion is not just worn, but lived, shared, and used to uplift others.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I absolutely love this question—my husband, Jasko Topalovic.
When we first met a little over ten years ago, he saw my potential long before I fully stepped into it myself. He saw who I was becoming, not just who I was in that moment. Early on, while we were dating and he was visiting, he came across one of my binders filled with my designs. His jaw literally dropped, and the compliments came pouring in.
I remember thinking, Okay… this guy is trying a little too hard.
But to my surprise, as the months turned into years, he never stopped. He never stopped believing, encouraging, or pushing me to bring my designs, my brand, and my visions to life. His support wasn’t temporary—it was consistent & genuine
So thank you for seeing me. Thank you for reminding me who I am when I forget. Thank you for standing beside me while I build my dreams.
I love you—my trophy husband
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering teaches you what not to repeat or mimic. It clarifies what you no longer want and sharpens your vision of what you do. Most importantly, it reminds you that pain is temporary—if you choose not to live in it.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Giving back is my lifetime project—it’s something my family and I deeply believe in. From my side of the Lopez-Beltran family to my husband’s side, the Topalovic family, generosity and service have always been rooted in who we are.
If I see a woman or a family in need, I won’t hesitate to pull over and ask how I can help. Compassion isn’t conditional—it’s instinctive.
I will continue creating and expanding my fashion programs and workshops, especially within youth and women’s shelters. Fashion, for me, is more than design—it’s a tool for confidence, dignity, and empowerment.
Giving back isn’t something I do when it’s convenient.
It’s who I am.
It’s how I was raised.
And it’s the legacy I intend to leave.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If immortality were real, what would you build?
I would build a city where orphaned and homeless children are protected, guided and loved!
A city filled with the best education, inspiring libraries, incredible chefs, theme parks, creative workshops, and spaces where curiosity and imagination are encouraged to grow. A place where children feel safe enough to dream and supported enough to become exactly who they hope to be.
And in return, we would ask for only one thing.
That when you come of age—when you’ve become the adult you once dreamed of—you pay it forward someday. Not with obligation, but with intention. Not to us, but to the world.
Just a promise to yourself.
That’s all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Francestaylor.shop
- Instagram: @francestaylor.yt
- Linkedin: Yashica Topalovic
- Facebook: Frances Taylor
- Other: 5500 Grossmont Center Dr. Suite 333
La Mesa, Ca 91942
Image Credits
Brandon Towner
Nicole Lee
Katarina Paredes
Mayeli Ho
