Meet Aaliyah Taylor | Artist & Jewelry Designer

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

Hi Aaliyah, what do you attribute your success to?
God and Authenticity. The goal and intention behind Exalting in Beauty is to create wearable art to exalt and enhance the beauty of God’s creation. The idea of creating art without an awareness and appreciation of “who we are”, can alter our motives and hinder the success of our brand. Existing as my authentic self, gives me the freedom to create without fear and trepidation—producing jewelry that embraces the beauty and style of my customers. There’s also the realization that all that I am and all that I do, originates from God Himself. Exalting in Beauty’s success begins with bringing its will and my will into harmony with God’s will. Both God and authenticity has led my brand to be the success it is today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My name is Aaliyah Taylor, Founder and Designer of Exalting in Beauty. I am an artist that lives for bright colors and designs. I am a native of Birmingham, AL, where I create handcrafted ear candy made from Perler Beads. Yes, Perler Beads–the same beads that invoke those nostalgia childhood memories from summer camp and Vacation Bible School. The inspiration behind my jewelry is non-conformity and freedom. When I began creating jewelry, my main goal and purpose was to create wearable art that defies what is deemed ‘normal’– leading every person to feel unique and beautifully different in my jewelry. Each pair of earrings that I create are purposed to bring joy and to enhance and exalt the unique beauty of God’s creation.

Let me be honest and transparent: I didn’t look at Exalting in Beauty as a business until the beginning of 2019. Since I started making jewelry out of Perler beads, I viewed it as a hobby, a craft that can help put a little money in my pockets. I undervalued myself because I didn’t see the worth and value of each piece. Fear of the unknown and failure paralyzed me in putting effort into building my business, and even looking at it as a business. When I was able to put words to those fears and realize how much stronger I am over them AND how much people love and supported me—I couldn’t help but to take that step forward. One step became three, three became ten—and now Exalting in Beauty has exceeded my expectations and projections.

Exalting in Beauty is more than just a business, but a way of life—ministry. I am the tangible evidence that colors and it’s vibrancy can shift the mood and mindset of a person. When I first started Exalting in Beauty, I was solely focused on creating pieces based off trends and what can make me money the quickest. The jewelry was limited, and it didn’t fully represent me. When I took a break from creating to focus on “me”—delving into healing my inner self—those key steps of self-reflection, led me to immerse myself in colors and patterns that poured itself out onto my art and my jewelry. I’ve witnessed so many people moods shift, just by looking at the jewelry and the colors. The success of Exalting of Beauty can be seen in the smiles and reactions of my customers and supporters—basking and embracing their beauty.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m from Birmingham, Alabama–the Magic City. The first stop to visit in Birmingham would be one of the BEST chicken spots in the Ham, located on the Historic 4th Avenue–Green Acres. From there, we would visit the Birmingham Museum of Art and Civil Rights Institute. As a coffee fiend, we would visit the local coffee shops throughout the city–settling at the Revelator or Seeds, to hang out. In Birmingham, there is always something to do and each day, there would be an opportunity to experience what my city has to offer.

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?
I have to recognize my mom, Gelenda Norman, who has been such an amazing support for me–inspiring me to never conform and love me for me.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/exaltinginbeauty

Instagram: @ExaltinginBeauty

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