Phenomenal Woman of the Month: Taylor Gatison

Taylor Gatison

22 years old

Bachelor of Science in Communications

Southern Connecticut State University - graduated May 2017

Instagram: Liveliketay_ + Queenfoodie_ (my “foodstagram”)

Blog: Liveliketay.com

Twitter: Liveliketay_

LinkedIn: Taylor Gatison

What does Phenomenal Woman mean to you? 

To me, a phenomenal woman is a woman that is insightful, emotional, a “goal digger,” and an overall driven woman. When faced with adversities, a phenomenal woman prevails. I say emotional because I feel like when people think of a phenomenal person or a celebrity or whichever, they assume that they have to be strong. Just because you may be emotional, doesn’t mean you’re any less of a phenomenal woman.

What is your brand and how did you get started? 

 My brand is still being developed, but I want it to scream confidence, creativity, and passion! I got my start in journalism during my junior year of high school writing for my community newspaper.  

My brand is definitely still being developed, but being able to use my creativity to share knowledge and be a source of information for people is what I want my brand to say. I got my start in high school when I held an art exhibit documenting homelessness in my city of New Haven, CT. I was able to tell the stories of those that rarely have a voice. Whether I’m sharing ways to incorporate self-care activities in one's life or sharing my favorite restaurant or even my daily routine, I want to be able to share something with people and they take away from what I have shared and incorporate it in their lives.

What is your dream goal and how do you plan on achieving it? 

I have a lot of dream goals. One of my goals are to become the director of public relations at a top media company. I plan on achieving this goal by continuing and staying up to date with new tools and strategies for content creation. I also plan on securing a pr internship this fall to build my skills and make connections in the field of Public Relations.

Name a moment that inspired you to feel more confident and inspired you to be comfortable in the skin you are in.   

I think being able to know brown woman that are so successful and confident in themselves and in their career, has definitely inspired me to be more comfortable in the skin that I’m in. With my confidence, I try to inspire the high school girls that I work with to embrace the skin that they are in too.

Name a person (dead or alive) that you look up to and why?

I look up to my Auntie Ashley because she has really inspired me to do anything and everything that I wanted to do. Only being 9 years apart, I always saw her more as the big sister that I never had. Everything that she has done, she has done it because she knew I admired her drive and focus so much. My aunt achieving her goals was a reminder for me to never give up because she worked so hard so that I could have a example to follow.

When it comes to being a woman, what do you feel should be the three core values that a lady should uphold?  

3 core values that a lady should uphold are self respect, confidence, and focused.

Favorite quote and what it means to you?    

“Be present in all things and grateful for all things.” - Maya Angelou.....that this quote means to me is to take time to actually soak in all that you are doing and be thankful for every obstacle, achievement, failure, whichever it is. Be aware of all of the signs and learn from every experience, good or bad.

Piece of advice that you would give to young girls who aren't confident with themselves? 

There is only 1 of you, there is no one like you. Do not go on in life comparing yourself to the next person whose life may look better on Instagram, they just want you to think that. I once lacked confidence but listen, you will always be your worst critic. The way you see yourself is much more important than what others see. Be the best you and embrace it. Self-motivation is more helpful than it coming from others. Believe in yourself, you’re amazing!