Meet Skylar Taylor of Taylor Melrose

Today we’d like to introduce you to Skylar Taylor

Hi Skylar, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, but my heart has always belonged to the creative energy of Los Angeles. As an Afro-Latino and a West Hollywood transplant, my journey in beauty and design has been deeply personal—shaped by my family’s longstanding ties to the TV, film, modeling, and beauty industries. Growing up, I was surrounded by artistry, innovation, and an ever-evolving sense of style.

For the past 20 years, I’ve worked with some of the most iconic brands, focusing on packaging design, branding, and consumer experience. But my biggest motivator was always stability—for my son. I dedicated years to building a corporate career, ensuring his future came first. Now, with empty nest approaching, I’ve shifted my focus back to my passion—crafting beauty and wellness experiences that truly resonate with people.

My background in graphic design (BA, Art Institute) gave me the tools to translate creativity into commerce. Moving to Los Angeles amplified my opportunities, launching me into beauty and personal care packaging design—a field where I immediately fell in love with the tangible impact of my work. Seeing my artistry go straight to shelf was exhilarating. It was the perfect blend of creativity and technical expertise, and I quickly recognized opportunities within the industry that others overlooked.

Why Taylor Melrose?
After conducting extensive market research and SWOT analysis on competitors, I identified glaring white space and areas of opportunity in beauty and personal care. Yet, my ideas were often met with ego, resistance, and the classic “LA attitude.” Instead of waiting for a seat at someone else’s table, I built my own—launching Taylor Melrose as both a creative outlet and a brand rooted in mindful wellness.

Taylor Melrose is a love letter to self-care and inclusive beauty. We create affordable luxury products designed to be both efficacious and accessible. Our mission is to foster a community where beauty and wellness are not just indulgences, but rituals of self-love, empowerment, and authenticity.

What Sets Us Apart?
Intentional Formulations – Ingredient-conscious, high-performance products designed for diverse skin needs.
Luxury Without Limits – Premium quality, but without the exclusivity barrier. Everyone deserves to feel seen and celebrated.
Community-Centric Approach – We engage directly with our customers, ensuring their voices help shape the brand.
A Story-Driven Brand – Taylor Melrose isn’t just about products; it’s about the people, the rituals, and the cultural shifts that redefine beauty.
What I’m Most Proud Of
Beyond launching a business, I’m proud of the impact we’ve made—from partnering with Olympic & Paralympic athletes to donating products to Project Angel Food and organizations supporting the unhoused. Taylor Melrose stands for more than just skincare; we stand for equity, representation, and care that extends beyond the surface.

For those discovering us for the first time—welcome. Taylor Melrose is here to redefine beauty on your terms. We’re not just a brand; we’re a movement. A mindful, modern approach to luxury wellness.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Embracing the Challenges: A Journey of Resilience
By Skylar Taylor, Founder & Creative Director, Taylor Melrose

The road to building Taylor Melrose has been anything but smooth—but that’s where the real growth happens. As an Afro-Latino, gay, and disability-owned business owner, I’ve faced my share of challenges, both seen and unseen. Some obstacles were structural, like breaking into an industry that still struggles with true inclusivity beyond performative gestures. Others were deeply personal, like navigating neurodivergence in corporate spaces where the expectation was to conform rather than innovate.

One of the biggest struggles has been finding my voice in rooms that weren’t built for me. In corporate settings, I had to work three times as hard just to be taken seriously—my ideas, no matter how well-researched or forward-thinking, were often dismissed due to ego, bias, or industry gatekeeping. I also quickly learned that in traditional business environments, vulnerability is often mistaken for weakness. But I’ve realized that authenticity is power.

Another challenge has been self-funding and scaling strategically. Access to capital for marginalized founders is still a major hurdle, and I’ve had to be incredibly resourceful—leveraging relationships, grants, and strategic partnerships to grow Taylor Melrose in a way that aligns with my values.

Despite these challenges, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every setback has been a lesson in perseverance, adaptability, and self-trust. I’ve learned to advocate for myself, ask for help, and create my own opportunities rather than waiting for permission. And through it all, my passion for beauty, wellness, and community has never wavered.

The journey isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. And I’m just getting started.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Taylor Melrose?
Taylor Melrose: A Love Letter to Mindful Wellness & Self-Care
By Skylar Taylor, Founder & Creative Director, Taylor Melrose

At Taylor Melrose, we believe that self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. We specialize in premium skincare solutions that are thoughtfully formulated to cleanse, hydrate, and nourish, promoting healthy, radiant skin for every complexion. What sets us apart is our commitment to inclusivity, affordability, and luxury without compromise.

What We Do & What We’re Known For
Taylor Melrose is more than just a beauty brand—it’s a movement toward mindful wellness and intentional self-care. We offer:
✅ Ingredient-conscious skincare that delivers real results
✅ Gender-inclusive, performance-driven formulations
✅ Products designed for dry & sensitive skin, with a focus on BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ needs
✅ A community-driven approach, where wellness is celebrated in every form

What Sets Us Apart
Unlike traditional beauty brands, we are deeply rooted in authenticity and lived experience. As an Afro-Latino, gay, and disability-owned business, we understand the importance of representation and accessibility. We prioritize:
✨ High-performance, luxury skincare at an accessible price point
✨ Clean, effective ingredients without unnecessary fillers
✨ A brand ethos that values self-care as an act of self-love and empowerment

What I’m Most Proud Of
Taylor Melrose is a brand built from passion, resilience, and a desire to create real change. I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve had—from donating products to Olympic & Paralympic athletes and communities in need to uplifting conversations around self-care and wellness.

At the core of everything we do is the belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and cared for. We’re not just selling products—we’re building a community that prioritizes self-love, authenticity, and well-being.

💛 Taylor Melrose is for everyone who believes that beauty is more than skin deep—it’s about how you feel, how you care for yourself, and how you show up in the world.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
If there’s one major takeaway from the COVID-19 crisis, it’s this: save, save, save—and keep your friends and family close.

The pandemic reshaped the way we live, work, and connect. It exposed how fragile businesses, supply chains, and even personal relationships can be when faced with unexpected challenges. For me, it reinforced the importance of financial preparedness—having reserves to weather uncertainty, adapting quickly to shifts in the market, and making strategic decisions with long-term sustainability in mind.

Beyond the business side, COVID-19 was also a stark reminder of how much we need our people. Community, chosen family, and strong personal relationships became lifelines during times of isolation and uncertainty. It reminded me that success means nothing without connection, support, and wellness—both personal and collective.

At Taylor Melrose, this period shaped how we approach business. It pushed us to be resourceful, intentional, and mindful of the way we operate. We’re here to create products that support well-being, resilience, and self-care, because if there’s anything the pandemic taught us, it’s that taking care of ourselves and each other is everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://taylormelrosebeauty.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylormelrosela
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylormelrosela/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skylartaylor/
• Other: https://amazon.com/taylormelrose

Image Credits
Taylor Melrose