Voyage Hidden Gems Interview with The Creator "Taylor"

Inside the Taylor The Creator Agency Interview: A Journey of Creativity and Purpose

Q: What is a normal day like for you right now?

Right now, a “normal” day for me is beautifully unpredictable, but there’s definitely a rhythm. I usually start my mornings with a hot cup of tea, a vibe-y playlist in the background, and a little journaling to get my mind right. My senior pup is usually curled up nearby, just watching me like, “Girl, you’ve got this.”

From there, it’s full-on creative mode. I jump into strategy sessions with clients, review designs with my team, or spend time building out brand visuals and digital content. I’m super hands-on, so I’m usually juggling a mix of creative direction, content

planning, and voice-driven storytelling - helping folks show up online in a way that actually feels like them.

Lunch? Real quick. Like, 15 minutes tops. I’ve learned to eat fast and keep it moving when inspiration’s flowing.

The rest of the day might include a client check-in, building resources for other creatives, or just making space to think about where TTC Agency is headed next. I’m always dreaming up what’s next, but I also value quiet moments with my dog, resetting my energy, and remembering why I started in the first place.

At the core of everything I do is this: I want to help people, especially Black creators and founders, show up boldly and unapologetically. That’s what drives me, every day.

Q: Can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers and tell them a bit about what you do.

Hi there! I’m Taylor R. Smith, founder and creative force behind Taylor The Creator Agency (TTC Agency). I’m a 31-year-old Black woman, self-taught designer, certified UX pro, and proud dog mom.

A Bit About Me & TTC Agency

TTC Agency emerged during the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic- after being laid off, I chose to bet on my creativity. What started as a spark of courage transformed into a full-blown creative studio serving clients worldwide.

I blend bold design with strategic thinking. From crafting standout websites to building powerful digital brands, I’m all about helping creatives and entrepreneurs show up online with clarity, confidence, and personality.

My studio isn’t just local - I’ve built a global reach, with partner hubs in St. Pete, Atlanta, and D.C.—all sharing a people-first, purpose-driven vision.

What Makes Us Different

Creative + Tech-Driven: I combine artistic flair with solid web development to create websites that are both beautiful and high-performing.

People-First Approach: Your vision is at the heart of everything. I listen closely, craft multiple options, and iterate until we hit that “Yes, that’s exactly what I feel!” moment.

Results-Focused: I don’t just build websites - I build connections, engagement, and impact that elevate your brand.

Credentials That Support the Vision

I bring a range of certifications to the table:

Wix Partner – Legend Level (one of the highest tiers in their ecosystem)

Google UX Design Certificate (User-first thinking is baked into every design)

Plus credentials in Adobe tools, responsive front‑end design, digital marketing, and more.

Q: What I’m Working On Now

At TTC Agency, I’m focused on expanding reach and impact - for myself, my clients, and Black creators everywhere. Whether that’s through digital coaching, purpose-first branding, or helping businesses go viral with heartfelt strategy (like the Atlanta food museum "The Bando" that caught local buzz), every project is about bringing more creativity and clarity to the world.

Q: Who taught you the most about work?

Without a doubt, my mom. Gina Smith She’s one of the top Realtors in Atlanta, and watching her build her business from the ground up taught me what it really means to hustle with heart. She’s the reason I value consistency, client care, and showing up fully - even when it’s hard. Her work ethic, professionalism, and ability to make people feel seen have shaped how I run TTC Agency today. I learned early on that success isn’t just about talent - it’s about how you treat people.

Q: If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?

If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be:

"Breathe. You’re doing better than you think."

I know how hard you pushed, how much weight you carried trying to get everything just right - chasing goals, proving yourself, trying to stay strong even when you were overwhelmed. I see now how stressed you were, how little grace you gave yourself. You thought everything depended on the next achievement, the next finish line.

But here’s what I know now: it doesn’t rain forever. The joy isn’t just on the other side of the struggle - it lives inside it. In the growth, the resilience, the showing up even when things felt heavy.

You didn’t need to have it all figured out. You just needed to trust that you were already becoming exactly who you were meant to be.

Be kinder to yourself. Life is unfolding just the way it should.

Q. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?

One truth that’s so deeply rooted in me, I rarely even say it out loud, is the value of timeliness and respect for people’s time. Growing up as a military brat, structure, discipline, and consideration for others were instilled in me from the very beginning. Being on time - or early - wasn’t just about punctuality, it was a way of showing respect. I carry that with me in everything I do, especially through my work and agency.

Another guiding truth is the Golden Rule - treating people the way I’d want to be treated. It’s simple, but it shapes every interaction I have. Whether it’s a client, a collaborator, or a stranger, I believe in leading with kindness, respect, and integrity. That’s the energy I want my work to carry, and it’s what I hope people feel whenever they connect with me.

These values aren’t just professional - they’re personal, and they quietly shape how I move through the world every day.

Q. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?

One thing I understand deeply - that I’ve learned through experience - is that it doesn’t matter if someone is spending $1 or $1,000… most people value their time and money the same.

That’s why I make it a point to treat everyone like a million-dollar client, whether they’re getting a full-scale brand package or just a logo. It’s not about the size of the invoice - it’s about the intention behind the investment.

People are trusting me with something that matters to them, and I never take that lightly. Respect, communication, and care don’t scale up or down based on budget - they should be constant. That’s how I work, and it’s what I believe builds real trust.

Voyage Hidden Gems Interview with The Creator "Taylor" - end

Thank You!

I’m truly grateful to Voyage for the opportunity to share my story and the vision behind Taylor The Creator Agency. It’s a joy to connect with a community that values creativity, courage, and purpose-driven work.

Thank you for listening, engaging, and supporting Black creators and entrepreneurs everywhere. Here’s to showing up boldly — together.

With gratitude,

Taylor R. Smith

Founder, TTC Agency

🛠 Tools to Help You Show Up Online with Purpose

📺 Want design and strategy tips in real time?

Subscribe to Taylor The Creator Studio on YouTube — where I share tutorials, audits, and strategy sessions to help you grow with confidence.

📘 Free & Premium Digital Resources to Support Your Growth:

• ✨ The Launch Roadmap – A step-by-step guide to starting your brand or website project with clarity

• 🧠 Branding Mini-Guide – Define your visual identity and connect with your ideal audience

• 🔧 Website Maintenance Checklist – Keep your site updated, secure, and running smooth

• 💼 Business Marketing Homework – Build a real marketing plan, not just to-do lists

• 💬 Digital Marketing 101 Course (Free Sample) – Get the basics of intentional digital marketing

• 📎 The Agency Pamphlet – Learn what it’s like to work with TTC on a full-service project

🎨 Need Creative Support?

Whether you're launching a brand, auditing your website, or upgrading your digital presence, we're here to help:

→ Book a Free Discovery Call

→ Explore Design & Strategy Services

→ Visit the TTC Shop

How to Get Started as a Web Developer - With a Busy Schedule

If you’ve been thinking about breaking into tech but aren’t sure where to start - especially as a woman balancing work, family, or both - you’re not alone. The world of web development can seem overwhelming from the outside, but here’s the truth: you don’t need a tech degree, 8 hours a day, or thousands of dollars to get started.

In fact, you can begin your journey to becoming a web developer right now, on your own terms.

Here’s how to get started - step by step.

👩🏽‍💻 Step 1: Understand What Web Developers Actually Do

There are two main sides of web development:

• Front-end: What users see and interact with (buttons, layouts, colors, etc.)

• Back-end: What makes the site work behind the scenes (databases, servers, logic)

You don’t have to choose one right away - but understanding the roles helps you pick your path.

🔎 Pro tip: Start with front-end if you’re a creative thinker or visual learner - it’s beginner-friendly and lets you see your results quickly.

📚 Step 2: Learn the Essentials (No Degree Needed)

Start with these core skills:

• HTML (structure)

• CSS (styling)

• JavaScript (interactivity)

💡 Great (and free!) platforms:

• freeCodeCamp.org

• Codecademy

• W3Schools

✨ Busy? Just 30 minutes a day adds up. Use your lunch break, early mornings, or wind-down time at night.

🧪 Step 3: Practice by Building

You don’t have to wait until you’re “ready.” Practice by creating:

• A personal website or portfolio

• A landing page for your side hustle

• A simple blog layout

Not only does this build your skills - it builds your confidence.

💼 Step 4: Create a Simple Portfolio

Once you’ve got a few small projects, put them together in a portfolio site. Employers and clients love to see what you can do, and this helps you stand out.

You can build it yourself or use a free platform like:

• Wix (beginner-friendly)

• Netlify

• GitHub Pages

🌱 Step 5: Find Community & Support

Tech can be isolating - but you don’t have to go it alone. Look for online spaces that are built for women and minorities in tech:

• Black Girls Code

• Latinas in Tech

• Women Who Code

• Tech Ladies

Surrounding yourself with people who look like you and share your values matters.

💪🏽 Final Words of Encouragement

You don’t need to have it all figured out on day one.

✅ You can learn this.

✅ You do belong in tech.

✅ Your story, your perspective, your presence is needed.

Take one small step today - that’s all it takes to start a powerful journey.

🛠 Tools to Help You Show Up Online with Purpose

📺 Want design and strategy tips in real time?

Subscribe to Taylor The Creator Studio on YouTube — where I share tutorials, audits, and strategy sessions to help you grow with confidence.

📘 Free & Premium Digital Resources to Support Your Growth:

• ✨ The Launch Roadmap – A step-by-step guide to starting your brand or website project with clarity

• 🧠 Branding Mini-Guide – Define your visual identity and connect with your ideal audience

• 🔧 Website Maintenance Checklist – Keep your site updated, secure, and running smooth

• 💼 Business Marketing Homework – Build a real marketing plan, not just to-do lists

• 💬 Digital Marketing 101 Course (Free Sample) – Get the basics of intentional digital marketing

• 📎 The Agency Pamphlet – Learn what it’s like to work with TTC on a full-service project

  
  

🎨 Need Creative Support?

Whether you're launching a brand, auditing your website, or upgrading your digital presence, we're here to help:

→ Book a Free Discovery Call

→ Explore Design & Strategy Services

→ Visit the TTC Shop

Demystifying Business Credit & Funding for Creatives Without Investors

Breaking into the world of business funding can feel like decoding a secret language — especially for creatives who want to maintain full control over their vision without bringing in outside investors. But here’s the good news: you don’t need venture capital or angel investors to fund and grow your creative business. There are powerful alternative options that many entrepreneurs overlook — and they could be exactly what you need.

Why Traditional Investors Aren’t the Only Answer

The myth that you have to secure investors to scale your business is just that — a myth. While investors can bring capital, they often expect a stake in your company and influence over decisions. For creatives, this can sometimes mean compromising your vision or your values.

Instead, consider alternative funding paths that give you financial support without giving up ownership or control.

Exploring Business Credit: Your Untapped Resource

One of the most underrated funding tools is business credit. This means establishing a credit profile for your business separate from your personal credit. Why does this matter?

• Access to Capital: With good business credit, you can qualify for lines of credit, credit cards, or loans designed specifically for businesses.

• Flexibility: Business credit lets you fund projects, manage cash flow, or invest in equipment without dipping into personal savings.

• Build Your Business Reputation: A solid credit history builds trust with suppliers, landlords, and partners.

How to Start Building Business Credit

1. Register your business officially (LLC, corporation, etc.).

2. Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS.

3. Open a business bank account to separate personal and business finances.

4. Apply for a business credit card and use it responsibly.

5. Pay all bills and debts on time to build a positive credit history.

   
   

Community Loans: Funding that Supports Your Network

Community loans are another fantastic alternative — these are funds pooled by community organizations, nonprofits, or local groups aimed at uplifting entrepreneurs within specific demographics or industries.

• Often come with lower interest rates.

• Include educational resources and business coaching.

• Foster community connections and support systems.

Look into local nonprofits, chambers of commerce, or organizations focused on supporting Black creatives, women entrepreneurs, or mission-driven businesses.

Bootstrap Strategies: Growth on Your Own Terms

Bootstrapping means growing your business using your own revenue and resources, which requires creativity and discipline but keeps you fully in control.

• Start small: Launch MVPs (minimum viable products) to test ideas without overspending.

• Reinvest profits: Use earnings to fund growth rather than seeking outside money.

• Barter and collaborate: Exchange services with other creatives to save cash.

• Leverage free or low-cost tools: From Canva for design to WordPress for websites — there are plenty of options that won’t break the bank.

The Takeaway: Funding Your Creative Business Your Way

Navigating business credit, community loans, and bootstrap strategies might feel daunting at first, but these options empower you to build your brand and scale on your own terms — without giving up control or mission.

If you’re ready to take the next step, start small, educate yourself on these options, and remember: the right funding path is the one that aligns with your goals and values.

🛠 Tools to Help You Show Up Online with Purpose

📺 Want design and strategy tips in real time?

Subscribe to Taylor The Creator Studio on YouTube — where I share tutorials, audits, and strategy sessions to help you grow with confidence.

📘 Free & Premium Digital Resources to Support Your Growth:

• ✨ The Launch Roadmap – A step-by-step guide to starting your brand or website project with clarity

• 🧠 Branding Mini-Guide – Define your visual identity and connect with your ideal audience

• 🔧 Website Maintenance Checklist – Keep your site updated, secure, and running smooth

• 💼 Business Marketing Homework – Build a real marketing plan, not just to-do lists

• 💬 Digital Marketing 101 Course (Free Sample) – Get the basics of intentional digital marketing

• 📎 The Agency Pamphlet – Learn what it’s like to work with TTC on a full-service project

🎨 Need Creative Support?

Whether you're launching a brand, auditing your website, or upgrading your digital presence, we're here to help.