Meet Delphyne Lomax Taylor | Market Research Consultant

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

Hi Delphyne, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
I would have to say it actually is a bible verse, but most definitely could be said as an affirmation daily. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” That means to me that no matter what comes my way, whether it be an obstacle, we might not have gotten a project, divorce, diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, COVID-19 – I CAN do ALL THINGS. What I like about this is that no matter what may come my way, don’t make any excuses, know that I CAN do ALL THINGS.

What should our readers know about your business?
V & L Research and Consulting, Inc. is a full-service award-winning marketing research firm. For nearly 30 years V & L has provided hundred of clients with insights and information to develop, improve or monitor their services through focus groups and surveys, secondary research and many other cutting-edge research methodologies. I believe what sets us apart is that both principals of the firm are African-American women who’ve been in the industry for many years and know how to bring our experiences and perspective to our projects. Again, most of our clients hire us to conduct research among minority populations, we understand and identify with the cultural sensitivities. What I am most proud of is that despite the fact that most small businesses fail within the first few years of business, we are still going strong and it’s been nearly 30 years! How did we get here, was it easy – absolutely not. The market research industry is a white male dominated industry and still is to this day. I am not saying we are the only African-American owned company in this industry, however there are far fewer minority owned firms than majority owned firms. We have worked very hard to get to where we are today including many sleepless nights. Remember, we have to sometimes give more than 100%, sometimes it’s 110% or even 125%. We overcame our challenges by not giving up and sticking to what we believe we were called to do. A few lessons that I’ve learned and it’s in my upcoming book Woman 2 Woman, Chapter 5 Entrepreneurship: 1) Always market yourself even when you’re working on current projects. 2) You have to set goals. 3) Cash Flow and Cash Revenues are essential. 4) Develop and Execute your Business Plan and finally at my age. I have to find ways to Work Smarter and not Harder. What I would like the world to know about me is that what you see, is what you get, whether I am with Friends, Family, Colleagues or Clients. I try not to change who I am, I just be me! What you should know about the V & L Research brand is that we give our all to our clients, whether they are small, medium size or a large fortune 100 or 500 company.

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.
Well despite COVID-19 I have not been going very many places… and my body is loving it. It finally told me, “I am so glad she is sitting down somewhere.” Prior to the pandemic, I love to travel, shop and entertain, so this question is right up my ally. Day 1 we would probably just hang out at my house and catch up so she could rest from her flight. Day 2 definitely shopping (Lennox, Phipps, etc.) and eat somewhere in that area. Day 3. rest, because we shopped until we dropped on Day 2. Day 4 we would probably catch some sites and Visit the King Center and ride around Atlanta to see some historical sites and may even go to Atlantic Station for more shopping and eat lunch at Nan’s. Atlanta has some fantastic restaurants. Day 5 – I would invite some of our mutual friends over and we just hang at the house. Day 6 We could catch a good movie and go back to a store because we said we needed to think about that purchase and decided, “Yes, I think I do want that new outfit, purse and shoes!” We might be able to sneak in the Aquarium, or even the World of Coca-Cola. I most definitely would take them to the Center For Human & Civil Right Museum. Our company actually did the research for that initiative, Day 7 – stay at the house, so should can be prepared to take a flight back home.

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 would like to dedicate this to my business partner of nearly 30 years, Dydra H. Virgil – V & L Research and Consulting, Inc. would not be where we are today without her energy, work and support. She’s the V and I am the L in V & L Research!

Website: www.vlresearch.com

Image Credits
Dydra H. Virgil and Delphyne Lomax Taylor