This is perhaps one of the most exciting posts’, for me anyway, to have ever been published on Style Soufflé.
Growing up I had an affiinity for things that involved a great deal of creativity. I spent countless hours at the dance studio, making crafts and putting together fashion shows with friends. Through dance I was introduced to the world of broadway and pageantry, which deepened my love and appreciation for the arts. Throughout my childhood and early teens those creative outlets became a huge influence in my life and molded me into the person I am today.
All of that changed in 2007, when I left for college. I went from spending 30+ hours a week in a dance/art studio to spending my days inside cold biochemistry labs. I was on a career path that looked good on paper, but caused me so much unhappiness. I was literally Elle Woods of Elon University’s Biology Department. No one took me serious, not even myself. At the time I wanted to “help” people, and I thought I had to have a degree in healthcare to do that. What I didn’t realize was that it didn’t require me to compromise who I was and what truly made me happy in order to do so.
Fast forward a few years later. I was a college graduate indebted to a fancy degree with my name on a badge for a job that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy. It left me questioning God’s purpose for me, and why this sudden change of heart for something that consumed six years of my time and commitment. Needless to say, I was beyond confused. What I did find pleasure in was keeping up with new beauty and fashion trends on the internet and in magazines. It was a world that was familiar to me and where I was introduced to something called a “blog”, which at the time wasn’t considered as anything more than a hobby. It was the opportunity I had been looking for, and I had a burning desire to start one of my own. It would allow me to culminate all that I loved into a tiny little corner on the internet, where I could fulfill my desire of “helping” others by sharing my knowledge and understanding of health and skincare products, love for fashion and need for adventure. Thus, Style Soufflé, LLC was born.
Looking back it’s easier to understand God’s plan for me. And, after several months of debating whether or not to take the leap of becoming a full-time blogger, I’ve decided it’s now or never! I’m at the point where if I don’t take the risk, I might not ever be able to. So with the encouragement of Justin, our family and friends, I’ve decided to run Style Soufflé full-time. I’m nervous, excited, anxious and yet at peace with my decision. I haven’t a doubt it will be one of the most rewarding experiences, and I am excited to see what the future has in store for me. Having the ability to focus solely on my business will be a weight lifted off my shoulders and I can finally start achieving the things I’ve always dreamed of doing. So, thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart for following along and for your continued support! I’m excited to kick things up a notch :).
xx, Taylor-Rae
Congratulations! What a courageous, nerve wrecking and exciting adventure you are embarking on. You are definitely and inspiration to me!
Thank you, Rebecca! It’s scary – I’m not gonna lie. It could go one of two ways, but it’s certainly a risk worth taking. I’ve never been so passionate about something in my entire life (aside from my faith, marriage and family, of course)!
If you need any advice or have questions please don’t hesitate to reach out! 🙂 xx, TR
Congrats on taking that leap Taylor! I am so excited for your new journey and to keep up with all the amazing beds you will achieve!
XOXO
Jennifer Puente
Thank you so much, Jennifer! I can thank blogging for many wonderful friendships, like ours! 🙂 BTW: you’re killing it, gf!
TR, I am so proud of all that you and Style Soufflé have accomplished. Nobody dreams of bigger or brighter things than you do.
All my love & support always!!
– D
Thanks gf! I’m blessed to have your help throughout this transition. Love you, TR
Love that you’re taking your passion further! I can totally relate to the whole Elle Woods feeling of not fitting into a world of your own!
Thank you, Emily! Those years were tough, but it taught me the power of perseverance. I’m glad that we have that in common! 🙂
xx, TR
Yay!! So exciting!! Congratulations girl ???
Thanks Kristin! Your support and encouragement means the world!
So happy for you!!! It’s scary to take risks but you will be glad you took the leap. Can’t wait to see what all you do with your blog! Let me know if y’all ever make a trip out to Seattle?!!
Thanks Sarah! I’m excited! 🙂
Way to go girl! I have been watching your style and website develop since the inception of the idea of your blogging career. Because I know you TR, I knew from the moment you committed to the idea of blogging you were going to succeed. You have never been one to take no for an answer when it comes to something you badly want so it comes to no surprise to me that you made the giant leap to take on blogging full time. So, I want to put this out for all of the internet to see – I know you can do it, you will succeed at it, and I have every confidence in the world in you and your abilities. It makes me so proud to see how far you have come and how much you have grown on your journey to where you are today. Congrats – you did it! xx
Hillary, your faith in me means more than you know! It’s friends like you that give me motivation to live out my dreams. I’m grateful for Elon University and the wonderful friendships it afforded me. Your sweet message is something I will always treasure.
I love you with my whole heart sweet friend! xx, Taylor-Rae
It was a damn tough few years at Elon but I’ll never forget the crazy late nights we were up marking all over the whiteboards with molecules and reactions and biochem word vomit!! You were such a wonderful happy person to be around even when we hit our limits studying, we could always share a laugh 🙂 I have great memories!! I’m so glad you have found exactly the place you should be, and the job you adore. Best wishes for everything, Mrs. Drake! -Jordan Lee
Righttt?! To this day I think of our long nights in McMichael studying and writing out chain reactions across the whiteboards. You always had a way of explaining things that made difficult concepts easy to remember. Thank you so much for your sweet message. I think of you often and hope you are doing well. I’d love to see you soon!
xx, TR
Hey Lady! This is so awesome:) I remember the day I met you at our DSE training event in Cali. Oh, goodness if you’re talkin about somethin that wasn’t throughly enjoyed, I know what you mean haha! Anyhow, I recall just near the In N Out line standing next to Lewis you came up & I couldn’t help but notice your outfit! You were so well put together & such a beautiful person inside & out. I knew in that brief moment you were going to accomplish big things. You have such a great sense of style and personality to go with it! I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors! Much love from Texas <3
Thank you Ashley for your sweet message and words of encouragement. Ahh, I’m so glad YP brought us together! California was fun – I fell in love with two things on during that trip: In N Out’s “The Animal” and Lewis! Haha! I hope you are doing well, and thank you again for your support here on Style Soufflé. It’s greatly appreciated gf!
xx, TR