Meet LaDona Taylor | Beauty, Fitness, & Travel Brand Influencer

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

Hi LaDona, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking has taken a major role in my life. As a child I have always enjoyed being in front of the camera, as I do today. Believe it or not I am still a little shy. Taking risks, has open many doors for me. So, taking a risk to me is taking a chance, putting yourself out there not really knowing what the outcome will be. In taking risk one most have faith. Faith that something great is on the other side. Risk develops you and prepares you for the journey ahead. Many would see risk as something bad, but I decide to see the positive side of it,” Whatever is on the other side God will grace me to walk through.” Risk just screams OPPROTUNITY to me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is my true passion for wanting to be an example to little girls in my community and others that look like me. This is bigger than me. My heart is to inspire, inform, and show them that you can be whatever you want to be. If you are willing to put in the work. I am most proud of my former career as a Flight Attendant. I am excited about the new opportunities that I have been offered with different brands. I got to where I am today by taking a risk. Honestly, I was feeling my way through it. I have a mean walk, but I am too short for runway modeling. Later learning it was so much more to modeling. I then begin doing print, and later had an interest in acting. It was not easy. I got a lot of NO’s. Eventually my no’s were turning into Yes! Many times, I spoke out what I wanted, and it happened. I remember when Derek Blanks did, “The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Alter-Ego Photos” in 2009 I said, “I’m going to work with him.” And I did, I have worked with him a few times. He is truly amazing. It was times I wanted to quit, a few times I felt God sent me a sign that I could not give up. Now more than ever I pray that God guides me. He is doing just that. A lesson that I have learned is being myself is very important. I do not feel the need to show my body to get attention. I was made to stand out, and I do. I always want to be able and look back and be proud of myself and make the people connected to me proud. No one is perfect, but I strive to be the best example I can be. I am currently rebranding and working on new goals. I have learned a lot on my journey, and I am excited about being a brand influencer and taking my career to the next level. If you put God first, he will open doors for you. He will also put people in your path along the way. Just be ready to put in the work.

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 am currently back in Americus, GA. Being a former Flight Attendant for five years. I lived in Charlotte, NC for 3yrs. Atlanta, GA for 1yr. Then I moved back to Americus, GA very small town not a whole lot to do. I am back in college. So, if someone were visiting my hometown, I would take them to lunch, Glady’s Kitchen where you can get the best home cooked meal in town. I would plan a game night with family and friends, I am not one to club. So, I cannot speak much about the night life scene.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My 9th Grade English Teacher Ms. Mary Jo Anderson. She planted the seed of me being America’s Next Top Model. I was always into fashion. I was slim and tall, but I never thought about modeling. Coming from a traditional family I never really knew what a model was. The seed she planted is the reason for my success today. That seed was the reason I step out on faith and started pursuing my modeling career. Tried out for America’s Next Top Model. I did not make it on the show, but I have had some amazing experiences. I am grateful. I would also like to thank my personal photographer and manager Belinda Vickerson. We connected on ModelMayhem is 2014 she has played a major role in my success today. She’s always challenging me, helping me set goals, and always available when I need her. She is behind most of my content that you see. She is more than a photographer. She is a business woman that can help anyone that is ready to take branding their business to the next level. I am glad to have her on my team.

Instagram: @ladonataylor

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladona-taylor-9b7b86111/

Twitter: ladona_taylor

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ladonataylorthemodel

Youtube: https://bit.ly/2lBLuTt

Image Credits
Belinda Vickerson- Photographer Charlene Dunlap- MUA