Born in South Florida, Taj BrayBoy’s path was marked by a desire to explore his identity as a black man, a journey that would ultimately shape his trajectory in profound ways.

While attending a predominantly White/Hispanic high school, Taj was at a crossroads yearning to delve deeper into his roots and cultural heritage. It was during this pivotal time that he encountered two influential teachers, both graduates of FAMU and Bethune Cookman. Their influence sparked Taj’s curiosity about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) leading him to Howard University where he would embark on a transformative chapter of his life.

At Howard, Taj experienced a profound culture shock, encountering Black people from varying backgrounds and perspectives. This immersion in the rich tapestry of Black culture catalyzed his personal and professional growth, shaping his identity and worldview in ways he had never imagined.

Armed with a bachelor’s degree in communications with a focus on journalism and a minor in art history, Taj spent a year in Washington, D.C. after graduating working at a non-profit organization before embarking on his next adventure. He later landed an internship at BPCM in their beauty department, igniting his career in the fashion industry.

Over the years, Taj’s journey has taken him from working in restaurants and modeling to roles at Diptyque and Byredo. Today, he sits on the corporate side of fashion at LVMH while he pursues his entrepreneurial dreams with the launch of his own candle business.

Looking back at your beginnings in New York City, what unexpected obstacle did you face when starting your journey?

Arriving without a concrete plan, job prospects, or a defined vision for my future in the city, I found myself navigating uncertain terrain. I spent a considerable amount of time at an internship that offered minimal financial compensation, all while pursuing modeling opportunities to break into the industry. These were undeniably trying times, characterized by the quintessential challenges often associated with life in New York. Yet, amidst the chaos, there were moments of enjoyment and adventure.

I empathize with individuals currently grappling with similar circumstances, circulating their resumes tirelessly without landing promising opportunities. There were moments when I contemplated abandoning my pursuit in the fashion industry altogether. Faced with countless rejections and setbacks, I entertained thoughts of exploring alternative career paths, such as venturing into technology or other fields. However, despite these moments of doubt, I persisted.

Can you share a fond memory or anecdote from your childhood that you feel foreshadowed your love for fashion and high-end luxury brands?

I would meticulously dress up my toys, concocting various scenarios for each outfit they adorned. This early fascination with fashion served as a catalyst, igniting my passion for the industry. As I matured into adolescence, I found myself observing and admiring the way the significant figures in my life, particularly women and my father, presented themselves to the world. My father’s impeccably maintained wardrobe consisting of dry-cleaned garments and my mother’s unwavering attention to detail in everything she did left a lasting impression on me. I admired the care they invested in their appearance and the importance they placed on quality and precision. Their influence deeply shaped my sense of style and appreciation for craftsmanship.

Today, I attribute much of my dedication to quality and precision in my work to the values instilled in me by observing how they carried themselves and approached life with a keen eye for detail.

What childhood values do you feel align closely with how you maneuver in your adulthood and how do you integrate these values into your professional pursuits?

As a child, I believe you watch everything your parents do, whether good or bad; you just look up to them and watch them carefully whether they know it or not. My stepfather, who I refer to as dad because he’s raised me since I was five, is Caribbean, and Caribbean people just have a different outlook on life. His detailed approach to everything left a lasting impression on me, instilling a deep appreciation for thoroughness and excellence. Growing up in his presence, I learned the value of diligence and the importance of striving for precision in all endeavors.

You were recently promoted at Louis Vuitton from Digital to more Client facing/Events. Can you talk more about that journey and the difference between the two?

Yes, I spent a good part of my early years in fashion working digital/ecommerce teams. Which I thoroughly enjoyed and gained a huge source of knowledge.

Transitioning from an e-commerce job to a more client facing role involves shifting from managing online interactions to orchestrating in-person experiences and managing in person client relationships. In an e-commerce role, the focus is on digital platforms, marketing strategies, and optimizing online sales processes. Conversely, in a client events role, the emphasis is on planning, executing, and managing events that cater to client needs and objectives. This transition required adapting skills such as project management, communication, and problem-solving to the dynamic and fast-paced environment of events. Success involves mastering event logistics, understanding client expectations, and delivering memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression.

In a competitive market where exclusivity is key, how do you balance the desire to broaden your customer base while maintaining the brand’s elite status?

I believe that the best way to balance the desire to broaden your customer base while maintaining the brands integrity is to have several strategic approaches: For example, Targeted marketing, Limited Editions and Collaborations, Customer Experience, and Planned Distribution.

How have you utilized your expertise and skills from previous roles to navigate the complexities of succeeding in the luxury industry?

I didn’t have the luxury of relying on a pre-established network or personal referrals. I found ways to make meaningful connections and leverage each experience to propel myself forward. For instance, my internship at BPCM Beauty provided me with invaluable insights and skills that opened doors at brands like Diptyque and Byredo. These experiences bolstered my confidence and equipped me with the drive and courage to continue navigating the industry, which gave me the push and confidence I needed to cold email people and not take rejection too personally. Each step of my journey has contributed to my growth and success in the industry, from learning to persevere in the face of rejection to mastering the art of self-promotion.

Is there a particular misconception about you or your career journey that you’d like to address or debunk, providing clarity to those who may have misunderstood your experiences?

Indeed, there is a misconception that I secured my current position through privileged connections, particularly through my association with Howard or personal connections. I landed this job solely based on my own merit, research and reaching out to my then boss at the time via a “cold email” expressing my interest, and why I thought I could be a good fit for her team and the company as a whole.

How do you handle this contradiction between looking forward to the future and dealing with today’s uncertainties?

Embracing the unknown is part of the process for me. While I value planning, I also acknowledge the impermanence of my current circumstances. It’s all about balance, everything in moderation. What’s for you is for you and nothing or no one can derail that.

What is one thing that people don’t know about you that you want to share?

I would love to let everyone know I recently launched a lifestyle brand called RDMPTN (pronounced Redemption) where we focus on sustainability and the refurbishment of the candle industry. The idea behind the company is to repurpose your candle coffret, after it has burned to finish. The customer would ship the empty vessel to us, we would then clean and refill the vessel with one of our signature chosen scents and send it back to you ready to be enjoyed again. We will also have our own products, to properly care for your candles, such as wick trimmers, snuffers, candle lids, and matches.

Any last words?

This industry is not for the faint of heart, there will be times when you ask yourself what is the point? Then you see a project that you work on go from A to Z, you look back and see your growth or you see a perfectly conceptualized fashion week show or meet a mentor along your journey that changes the trajectory of your career and life – and in those moments, you realize exactly what the point is.