Meet Carlotta Darice Taylor | Award-Winning Best-Selling Author, Speaker, Coach

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

Hi Carlotta Darice, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I grew up a child abuse victim, in and out of foster care and shelters. The impact has taken several forms over the years. I endured a phase of un-forgiveness, estrangement, and a lack of self love. In some areas it strengthened my ability to overcome and empowered my ability to never feel sorry for myself. It took several years before I arose to the person I am today. Only God could have protected me from the snares that could have taken me out at any point of life. I am stronger and wiser, and the adversity pressured and polished the stone into a diamond.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
“No More Flinching” is an inclination, a mood, a mindset, a movement and also the title of my book. I used to flinch uncontrollably due to abuse and being hit in the face with blunt objects and flying punches as a little girl. Even years after I was separated from my physical, sexual, and psychological abuser(s), I still flinched when any motion was happening in my peripheral vision. I was jumpy. Not only did I flinch in fear of physical harm, I flinched at life. I flinched at the idea of good things happening for me. I flinched at believing I was enough. I flinched at the idea I could succeed. It wasn’t until my early 20’s that I began transitioning from a bud to realizing I would find my bloom. I am most proud of myself for publishing my book, getting it done and transitioning from an afraid little girl, who quit everything she touched, who was once bullied, laughed at, mocked, filled with stage fright, talked with a lisp, moved from home to home over 25 times, to now, speaking in front of hundreds and thousands of professionals in child welfare, as a foster care and child abuse advocate. In my 15 year law enforcement career, 7 of those years I worked as a detective. I was first appointed to child protection detective who investigated cases where children were abused and neglected. I never worked a case worse than my own aside from the children who succumbed to their injuries. I just look up to God because I know, God is the only reason I survived the abuse I endured. I could be the only former foster, who held a career as a child protection detective who is now a keynote speaker. I enjoy giving back and inspiring. I am also proud to have my (501) (3) (c) No More Flinching Foundation. I have learned, there are different seasons to success. It gets hard and sometimes you may wonder if you are truly making a difference. First they clap for you, then they get tired of clapping. Thats not the time to quit. Keep going, because one day, they are going to tell everybody how they supported you the whole time. Do not rely on friends and family to support you, God got you, just stay consistent and focus on your purpose.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love open mic’s and spoken word so I would say Apache Cafe for the win. Give me a nice spot where I can get good vibes, good music or poetry, and good drinks, I am good. My friends trust my judgement, they rolling.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Frederick Vernon Taylor, is the leading man of my life although he has transitioned. My grandfather was my point of reference for what love looks like. I was able to experience one full year and a few visits to “my grand parents house” that gave me the motivation I still lean on today. I was introduced into a whole new world when I became a certified John Maxwell Speaker training and coach. God has sent strangers and angels to point me into the direction of my next. The way is being paved through trial and error. Robert Payne Sr., my (step-father) whom I call Pops has made some power plays that assisted me on my path, and the conversation of my father Karl N. Taylor Sr. have helped me in my continuous healing journey. My ultimate shout out is to BIG GOD who is paving the way for me to do BIG THINGS.

Website: www.nomoreflinching.com

Instagram: @carlottataylorspeaks

Linkedin: Carlotta Taylor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlottaDTaylor/

Other: www.carlottataylor.com

Image Credits
On 7 photos of me, Image credits goes to Mils Memories Photography