Meet TaJuanna M. Taylor: Principal Business Consultant

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

Hi TaJuanna M., what do you attribute your success to?

There are many who roar for the triumph of the champion. There are those who rally, sentimentally for the underdog to win. Yet, there’s a common theme between the two. The fight is not over for either of them until their moments of glory. Well, that’s the altruistic nature of who I am, my brand, my company – Bootstrap Dreams, LLC. Life’s disappointments are not a death sentence…unless that’s the interpretation that you choose. And, that’s a personal and a professional philosophy. As a woman and a mother who has overcome devastation and public humiliation at a time when I was soaring professionally, I genuinely leaned into the belief that our decisions are not isolated; nor should that be for the hope we conceive for our futures and the goals we are pursuing. Through Bootstrap Dreams, business consulting and strategy, I help businesses and Creatives take action on new ideas and projects, ditch disorganization, and utilize processes and systems to achieve desired results. Things don’t always go as planned, however a plan can still be seen through to it’s finish, if navigated flexibly. The number one principle I teach my clients is a plan is a roadmap, not a guarantee. There is a preferred route with the least amount of resistance. There are also detours available and one or more of them may need to be taken along the journey. The second principle I teach my clients is to see results you have to connect to a measurement. For this collaboration to work, you must choose to start and you must define when you will finish. If the ultimate goal is important enough, no matter what, “IT” – whatever it may be – will be accomplished. Thirdly, we work continuously on mindset, as downtrodden thoughts are a person’s greatest limitation. Additionally, there are many fascinating opportunities – amazing ideas – lacking the foresight on how to start. Bootstrap Dreams is about applying what you know and using what you have readily available to move from “no to go”. Making a plan of action towards achieving a goal doesn’t have to be complex. It needs to be practical. With this as the foundation of any effort, obligation, or venture – respectively – there abides motivation, intentional strategic action, and harmony. So, what’s the most important factor behind my success/the success of my brand Bootstrap Dreams? It’s resilience; sheer grit and determination. It’s the place where externally it appears all hope is lost, yet deep inside you know it’s actually a new beginning. Continuing to go forward – to thrive and not just survive – when the going gets tough, that is the essence of Bootstrap Dreams.   

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Bootstrap Dreams, LLC is a North American woman owned small business dedicated to making complex things simple, elevating results, and solving some of the biggest challenges in business such as navigating change, organizational agility, purpose-driven leadership, and uncovering opportunities for profitability. Bootstrap Dreams offers unique and highly engaging business continuity concepts, business optimization strategies, project management, implementation, and the revamp of processes when there’s a data proven need. With charisma, boldness, and the strength of collaboration, Bootstrap Dreams is making impactful, professional contributions domestically and internationally through remote/virtual service delivery. Above the degrees, certifications, and numerous awards, we are most proud of being an ethnic minority owned, women owned, and woman led small business entity. This business was launched after a grueling divorce by a woman who refused to give up on a vibrant future for herself or her young child. That woman is me. A “societal misfit”, I decided to be and demonstrate the changes, in professionalism and womanhood, I wanted for myself and yearned for my daughter to see. Furthermore, I, believes in self-care and the significance of professional presence., It is one of my core missions to positively influences professional women the importance of the same. I wholeheartedly believes a little lipstick goes a long way. Was it easy? Absolutely NOT. Has it been worth it? Every single day, doing the good work of Bootstrap Dreams brings a smile to my face. Business The challenges are continuously overcome by faith and the relentless support of beloved family and friends. The company has grown tremendously in business through intentional and generous mentorship from other abundant women and men in business. The lessons I’ve learned along the way include: 1) If you don’t have sales, you don’t have a business, 2) You don’t need a website or a logo when you’re starting out. YOU are your brand, don’t be afraid to getafraid get personal, and 3) The very things that get you selected, often get you rejected. Be accountable for your own joy and purpose. If I could share one thing with the world about my brand story it’d be our motto: “Better Dreams, Better Business”.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of the most fun, interesting, exciting people, places, or things to check out are: Little Five Points, Downtown Decatur, Ponce City Market, and Centennial Park. These are the places where I find nostalgia. They never get old to me. We would have breakfast at Thumbs Up Diner, Highland Bakery, and Waffle House, and Flying Biscuit. Our lunch spots would be Thrive, The Vortex, Ru San’s, Zesto’s, and Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q. For dinner, we’d get our grub on at Green Ginger, 9 Mile Station, La Hacienda (Fayetteville), and perhaps a repeat of a lunch spot as many favorites have and/or are closed since taking on the Suburban life. So grateful for those old faithful businesses that have sustained operating. Sights would include The golf cart trails of Peachtree City, The DeKalb Farmers Market, Piedmont Park, SkyView Atlanta, and Serenbe. 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As a daughter of the U.S. Army, there’s no way I could do life without community. My daughter & mother are my biggest “cheerleaders”. Then there’s a host of beloved friends who are more like family to me: The Smiths, The Walkers, The Mullins, The Colons, The Fluitts, The Farringtons, The Deases, The Peaglers, The Joneses, The Montgomerys, The Wesleys, The Bankses, The Meyers, The Bowerings, and more. We are blessed, there are so many to dedicate this shoutout to.

Website: www.bootstrapdreams.com
Instagram: @bootstrapdreams
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tajuannamtaylor
Facebook: facebook.com/bootstrapdreams

Image Credits
Photography by Erica J. Simmons, www.ericajsimmons.com