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

Hi Joseph, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Honestly, it’s always been in my heart. In the past, I’ve held jobs that did not challenge my creativity and I always found myself doing things to make the job more interesting or fun for me. I would make up games not only to pass the time but to literally not die from boredom.

I began writing in my free time and even desired a career in the literary arts but soon came to realize that I needed a creative outlet that could sustain my lifestyle. When I became a chef, I was allowed to create in a way that I had never done before and it was liberating. That was when I knew that I had to work in a field that allowed me to explore and express my creativity which has led me to own catering and media companies respectfully.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe that what sets what I do apart from others who do what I do is my creativity, dedication, and hustle. Of course, it wasn’t easy to get started, hell its not easy to keep it going but when you love what you do, it doesn’t even feel like work. That may sound cliche but it’s real.

Along the way, I have discovered that everything isn’t always as it seems, don’t throw good people away just because you are upset, always trust your gut and the process, and be careful who you have in your circle because some of them don’t want you to grow because when you grow, you kill the person they love and will do/say anything to keep you in their life to serve their happiness.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
OMG! If my best friend was visiting me I wouldn’t know where to take them! Besides the obvious answers like the mall and whatever restaurant isn’t packed, I wouldn’t know. I don’t get out much unless I’m attending an event. Listen, I own two companies, host a weekly show, and I’m writing a book! I’m busy lol!

Honestly though, since my best friends are all from or have lived in Atlanta, I’d honestly suggest they come into town then we catch a flight somewhere else for a week.

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?
As a black man in America who is a member of the LGBTQ community, and has no college degree, I am automatically looked down upon and looked over for a lot of opportunities in certain spaces, and discouraged is a feeling that becomes all too familiar. There are a lot of days when I say to myself “Maybe I should give this up” but I have found that the biggest supporters in my life have been the black women around me. The way they teach and speak life into me encourages me to continue.

From my mother Daphne and sisters Ashley and Felicia to those who have been mother figures and have become sisters, my best friends Tierre, Oshalia, Erica, and Brittany. I have also been supported by some incredible black men who have become brothers, my little BIG brother JAG, who helps keep my life together daily. Mr. Amos, who has helped me find new creative outlets, my dear brother Emilio, who taught me some valuable lessons before leaving this earth and my Godchildren JJ, Carter, and Corey who kept me alive when all I wanted to do was die.

Thank you all for loving, teaching, supporting, and caring for me.

Website: bananajoespuddin.com

Instagram: taylorboi88

Youtube: @therawbjpodcast @detoxmediallc

Image Credits
Pics: Teresha Nicole Photography Logos: WaltCreativeCo.

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