Meet Tayler Burke | Owner & Designer

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

Hi Tayler, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite affirmation is “I am what I believe I am.” It means I am confident in who I am becoming. I believe that I am the next black woman billionaire. I believe that I am successful. What I love about this affirmation is that just like everyone else believes and think great things of me I need to believe and speak great things into myself. We forget to be nice to ourselves and pour into ourselves. This is a self reminder that you are that person!

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.
Tuff Life Collections is a unisex streetwear brand. We have something for everyone while also providing a message of encouragement with a unique look, I am most excited about my re-brand and the new products that I have developed. It makes me excited to bring the look of brand to life with a more elevated look and luxury quality products. I started my brand when I was 21 years old. I created my brand because I felt like a lot of brands mimic the same styles and trends or I could not find something I loved that would fit me or my style. I created my own lane. It was not easy. I can style and design for myself but now I also have to consider how would this work for someone opposite of me. I have amazing friends as well as people from different walks of life who do not mind being honest. It is also helpful to have fresh eyes see the details you may have not seen in designing aspect. Lessons I have learned along the way are be consistent and to ask for help. You cannot be everywhere and everyone. I want the world to know that we all have a testimony or story to tell, Life is Tuff. Do not give up. There is so much more life to live.

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?
My favorite spots in the city to hang out would be Midtown/West Midtown. I would start with brunch at T’s Brunch Bar in Midtown, They have the best mimosa flight, red velvet waffles with catfish and grits. For lunch we would go to Draw Bar at the Bellyard Hotel and get the Crispy Hot Shrimp with Fries and a Strawberry lemon drop martini. Next, we can head down to Puttshack for a indoor activity and fun competition. For dinner and to end the evening we would go to Barcelona’s.

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 shoutout my mother, Denise Lawson. She has sat with me during the creative process of my brand and my product drops. She keeps me level headed and always provides encouragement and perspective when i’ve felt unsure about the move I was making. I would like to also shoutout my girls! They have shown endless support from when I was looking at samples and creating content, They’ve showed up to the photoshoots and made sure I was in order. Diane, Bethany, Poppy, and Rachel I am so grateful to have you on this journey with me as well.

Website: https://www.tufflifecollections.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tufflifecollections

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TayDrea

Image Credits
Photographed by: Ry Media Company
Models: Aeneas Dennis, Tayler Burke
Creative Direction: Tayler Burke, Taye Rashad