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

Hi Taylor Marie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to start my own business because I wanted something to call my own, something that was mine that no one else could ever take away from me. I also wanted to give a voice to people like me. People who grew up the way I grew up. People who society already painted their narrative for them because of how they looked or how they carried themselves. I wanted to be able to tell my own story.

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.
So I am blessed to be the Founder and Co-Founder of two incredible businesses. I recently became the co-founder of a non-profit group called Fine Fit Bosses, where we have established a community of boss women and provide them with support, accountability, and motivation while they journey to a healthy lifestyle.

However, my heart and soul is in my clothing brand, Brooklyn Park. I started this brand about 4 years ago because I wanted to have a constant reminder of how far I’ve come. I grew up in and around Brooklyn Park Minnesota. The land of nothing. So the moment I graduated college I moved to Atlanta to pursue fashion. Things were hard, very very hard. I trusted the wrong people. I made naive mistakes, but every lesson brought me to where I am today. I now own and design for my own label.

What sets me apart from most brands is everything you see is exclusive to BP. Meaning all the patterns, fabrics, trims, and graphics is all done in-house. I do not buy wholesale and slap my label on it. I create these garments from a simple sketch, then work with my manufactures, graphic designers, and models to bring the garments to life.

What am I most proud of? I am proud that I get to represent something bigger than myself. This brand represents growth, opportunity, and how far you can get off your own hard-work and merit. I was never given anything. I don’t come from a wealthy family. I was the first person in my entire lineage to earn a bachelors degree. I am a product of Polish and Mexican ancestors that came here for a better life, so I refuse to allow their sacrifices to be wasted.

What are the lessons I’ve learned along the way? Don’t give up, ever. Not everyone has your best interest. Habits are the keys to success. And without faith in God, visions are just ideas. You have to have faith to see something that doesn’t exist.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If and when my best friend comes to visit I always have a list of new places in my phone that I want to try. The best part about Atlanta is it is always growing and changing so there is always a fun new place to try. Some of my favorite places around the city are: Marietta Square, there is an amazing cuban placed called La Cubana near the square and it’s incredible. Virginia Highlands has really great restaurants as well, Char and Sotto Sotto are some of my favorites. Otherwise we will go to an event at the High Museum of Art, see what new pop-up bars/events are happening in the city. There is almost always something to do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to Shoutout Brooklyn Park (the city that raised me) and my community of, Fine Fit Bosses.

BP raised me, made me strong, and taught me who I was and what my values were. FFB is my community now, of fierce women from all walks of life who encourage me every single day to be better, who pick me up when I fall, and who never let me give up on myself.

Also to my dog Caesar, my family, Marwa, Paris, and Hal; the best support system in the universe!

  

Website: www.shopbrooklynpark.co and www.finefitbosses.com

Instagram: shopbrooklynpark and finefitbosses

Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopbrooklynpark

Image Credits
Image credit: Thomas Crowder III @tc_7k and JayP @jaypcvi

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