Watch the full conversation between Tanya Taylor and Fashionista’s Editor in Chief Dhani Mau on The Fashionista Network.

“I didn’t even know that you could really have a career in fashion,” designer Tanya Taylor told Dhani Mau on The Fashionista Network. (Watch it here!)

Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, Taylor might not have been acquainted with the fashion world, but she knew her way around running a business. So, naturally, she walked into college pursuing a finance degree, set out to become an entrepreneur herself.

Things took somewhat of a turn when she attended Central Saint Martins for one summer. She was so inspired studying fine arts and fashion, she decided to pack a bag, move to New York and attend Parsons with dreams of breaking into the industry herself.  

“When I moved to New York, I didn’t know anyone and had no idea how to start a fashion company,” Taylor reflected. “So I knew that the best thing I could do is get experience.” She worked alongside Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen as they launched their brand, Elizabeth James (now sold exclusively at Kohl’s). Three years later, Taylor felt ready to start her eponymous label in 2012.

The brand received industry acclaim rather early on: It was picked up by retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Lane Crawford, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom. Taylor was also a finalist for the 2014 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. But of all the career milestones, the brand’s early support from former First Lady Michelle Obama is one Taylor forever cherishes. 

Another highlight? When the brand opened its first standalone store on Madison Avenue. In the full interview, the designer shared her experience working with the First Lady, plus how opening the store provided further momentum for the brand.

Ten years in, Taylor has no plans of slowing down. Last year, she tapped Adrianne Kirszner as the brand’s first CEO. She also launched her latest line, Delphine, an eveningwear brand inspired by her alter ego. 

She also shared her key takeaways from helming both brands, her scaling strategy and her advice for aspiring designers.

Watch the full interview here.

This conversation was hosted on The Fashionista Network powered by interactive media platform Fireside, where viewers get the chance to participate and speak directly with industry figures. Learn more about The Fashionista Network here.

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