Skip to content
Interview

Fearless Fashion Females: Tanya Taylor

January 22, 2018

Victoria Urso

Tanya Taylor was raised by a woman, her mother, who taught her that there are no limits to what she can achieve. She instilled in her that it is possible to juggle all aspects of life while still maintaining a successful career. Tanya carries the lessons that she learned from her mother to help her grow as a person—personally and professionally.

What is one piece of advice that you would give someone who is at the start of their career? 

Never stop giving it your best and don’t be afraid to fail. In 5 years you will look back at your “fails” and smile because you are stronger.

Who is your most admired cultural heroine? Why?
Michelle Obama. She leads with grace, strength and dignity.

What moment, in your career or personal life, are you most proud of?
Professionally, I am most proud of being able to bring my mom to meet Michelle Obama at the White House. One specific moment that will be hard to beat was when Pharrell started impromptu sang Get Lucky and my mom, Michelle, and I danced the night away. I have been most proud of our work with her. Personally, this September I had my first baby boy and beyond this being my greatest personal achievement it has also made me value my team’s talent while I stepped away for a bit and how being a good manager is also about giving room for your team to have the chance to shine.

Women’s roles in society have changed dramatically over the past several decades. How have these changes had a personal impact on you?
My grandma was a stay-at-home mom while my Mom was the Chairman and only female executive of a multinational company. I grew up with a Mom who did it all—she worked her butt off, made my Halloween costumes, made my lunch every day and taught me the importance of work and play. The role she re-defined and other roles that are changing empower me to feel no boundaries and dream big. As a mother now, I feel I can do it all.

What future goals do you have for yourself?
Continue to work on eliminating fear in my life— whenever I feel challenged it’s because I’m scared—2018 is about being inspired by the fearless women I surround myself with.

CFDA Member
Tanya Taylor

Subscribe

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.