Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Booth.
Taylor, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I got started in Rhode Island during the nineteen-nineties. My family, friends, and the power of a vision got me here today. I’m currently a multifaceted artist in San Diego, California expanding arts programs for urban youth. “I don’t understand art for art’s sake. Art is the guts of the people.” – Elma Lewis (1921-2004)
Born and raised in “The Ocean State” during the rise of multiculturalism had an environmental impact on me being here today. The biggest influence? Family. My mom nurtured love, creativity, and kindness into who I am. Dad taught me how to catch a fish, always reminding me to smile and stay smart. My two older brothers led me through 90’s culture, academic strategy, and perseverance.
The basketball adage, “You can’t teach height,” kept me aiming for sports championships like the men in my family. Although I enjoy fitness, my personal vision was illuminated by artistic talent. Art was what connected me to the rest of the world. I participated in evening classes as a child. I won elementary school scholarships for summer art camps at a nearby college. I especially liked to draw animals, design, and innovate. I used art as a skill to share knowledge with or express information to other kinds of people.
Like Jane Goodall, I also urged to explore nature. I wanted to observe and spend time with people and creatures of all kinds. The caveat: I was a girl. Just a girl, no doubt. Historically, girls didn’t write the playbooks of our world. Women don’t traditionally serve on the front lines. Business was modeled by men. I’m forever grateful for my family’s support and guidance so I fulfilled on expectations while feeling rebellious enough to blaze my own path. After all, I survived Y2K and was open to surf the world wide wave of global diversity. “Image is an international language.” -Mariane Satrapi (1969-)
I was taught to THINK BIG while earning my B.A. Psychology from the University of Rhode Island, 2012. That same year, I visited friends in Southern California and explored Los Angeles with new international friends. I walked from West Hollywood to Jefferson Park to listen to Jim Lawson lecture about nonviolence in a church basement. I returned to Rhode Island (RI) to learn the principles and methodology of MLKJ from Bernard Lafayette, Jr. Certification as a Level II Kingian Nonviolence trainer from the University of RI’s Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies led me to collaborate with students, officials, and organizations from around the globe.
I was invited to train in Nepal 2013 by the Center’s Director, Dr. Paul Bueno de Mesquita. I was touched, moved, and inspired by Pushpa Basnet, founder of The Butterfly Home, on my first trip outside of the United States. I was lit up by her kids and their interest in watching me draw a tiger. This moment opened my eyes to the contribution I could be for the world, and I returned to LA for grad school that same year. As a result of my M.A. Social Entrepreneurship & Change from Pepperdine University, 2015, I planned an arts education program for the self-expression and recognition of impoverished urban youth.
I’ve since returned to Kathmandu to color outside of the lines with children at The Butterfly Home. I road tripped back and forth across the US to transform self, family, and groups. Cheers to the friends that had my back in every city along the way! The soft launch of Booth’s Butterfly Effect at Creative Visions Foundation Malibu displayed artwork from local teens, hometown friends, and fellow LA artists in 2017. I’ve had the privilege to work with numerous individuals and nonprofits; each expanded my skills as an artist and model while providing the platform I needed to share a vision of arts education and empowerment. My own work has been displayed throughout Rhode Island and the Southern California region. “Art knows no prejudice, art knows no boundaries, art really doesn’t have judgment in its purest form.” -K.D. Lang (1961-)
My past story is what’s so, and I’ve got plenty of tales to tell if you’re interested in meeting for tea. I look forward to the sustainability of my program and the global impact that local work can have. I am a continued stand to empower and educate through the arts!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Struggle Bus 123
Itinerary # 1002152020728
Travel ages: 13-27
Itinerary # 1002152020728
Confirmation: TALYBO (Struggle Bus)
Booking ID: DAB125
Ticket # 37220000002020 (Taylor Lynne Booth)
Change or cancel this reservation
Departure: Sexual assault
Arriving: Empowering self to lead others
Please tell us about your business.
I’m a sole proprietor entering the growth phase of my business: modeling, painting/drawing, and expanding arts education programs. I’m able to provide the same level of service in various locations, though I’m unable to be in more than one city at a time. My work to help others succeed is a purpose fueled by my own passion. Art is a form of self-expression through difficult circumstances and an avenue toward empowerment. Artistic design and modeling allows me to be an example of what’s possible with arts education. My own program is focused toward impoverished youth and individuals with autism, though all youth segments are welcomed. I’m most proud of my continued training and development, taking on professional programs and coaches to hold me accountable to my goals.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memories include being acknowledged for my art. I remember doodling animals to share with friends in first grade. A drawing of my family dog was once displayed in Highlights Magazine. I modeled clothes in a mall and was invited to keep the outfits that I chose. I used to act shy, but it made me proud to hear peers, teachers, and instructors share how much they liked my work.
Contact Info:
- Email: boothsbutterflyeffect@gmail.com
- Instagram: @boothsbutterflyeffect
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boothsbutterflyeffect/
Image Credit:
Deverill Weekes, Compton Unified School District, Aldebaran Recruiting
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
