Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Rhoden.
Hi Taylor, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Back in 2016 is when I took my first leap of faith and I left my hometown Chicago and I moved to Los Angeles. After graduating college with my bachelor’s degree in public health, I had a decision to either go into a nursing program that I was excepted to or to actually chase my dreams. I decided that chasing my dreams of becoming a curve model would be more for fulfilling. Although the journey wasn’t easy, it was truly my persistence and determination that landed me where I am, even now. I started shooting with LA-based photographers to build my portfolio and submitting myself to agencies, going into open calls and entering modeling competitions. After losing over three modeling competitions, I finally won the one that would actually change my life. I won a modeling competition, became the face of a UK lingerie brand called Curvy Kate and also got signed to true model management in New York City and bridge models in London.
After winning this modeling competition, I moved to the modeling Mecca, New York to place me closer to my agents and more full-time modeling work. I started modeling full-time in addition to working as a hostess at night to make ends meet. After being a starving artist for some time, I decided to move into space of digital modeling and doing more social media influencing. I also got a 9-to-5 job in corporate America. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, my job started doing massive layoffs which made me feel extremely vulnerable. That is when I decided that I needed to start something of my own. On August 1, 2020 I launched my business, BASIXX. BASIXX is an apparel company founded by me. We offer staple pieces that I feel should be a part of every woman’s wardrobe. Cute yet comfortable pieces in neutral colors. Our sizes range from small to 2XL and we even offer up to 38-inch inseams for tall women. On February 6, 2021, I left my full-time job in New York and moved back to Los Angeles to put all my focus on expanding BASIXX and jump starting some of my other endeavors.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think every great story has highs and lows, and that’s what makes them so moving. My journey has been no different. There have been times especially when living in New York where my finances Weren’t the best or where I would like for them to be. Sacrifices have to be made…I couldn’t attend every party/outing, I couldn’t travel with my friends all the time, and I couldn’t even visit my family as much as I would like. But one thing I will say is that my faith carried me through all of it and I always had a financial breakthrough just when I needed it. And in addition to some financial struggles, there were a lot of times where the journey just felt extremely lonely. I wouldn’t change anything in my story but I must admit that there were plenty of times where I felt alone. I think that part of the journey can be really hard at times. But I learned so much about myself because of it. I learned how strong I am, how resilient I am and just how much love I have for myself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I truly feel like a Jane of all trades because I love to do it all. Presently, I am a full-time model/creative and entrepreneur. I am a curve model represented by JL model management and Bridge models. I also do quite a bit of social media influencing, working with an array of brands. I feel like I’m always known for being THAT TALL GIRL (I’m 6’2). My height has always set me apart and made me unique. Instagram knows me as Tall.Tay – the tall girl coming with the tall fashion, lingerie, beauty, hair and self-love posts. And last but not least, I run my business BASIXX full time. When it comes to BASIXX, I wear many hats. It’s a one woman band. I design for BASIXX, I do the marketing, social media management, package/fulfillment, etc. I’m most proud of launching my own business, especially now the midst of a global pandemic. Prior to BASIXX, I had zero knowledge of launching and owning a business. It’s truly been a learning curve. But I am so proud of the businesswoman I’m becoming. What sets me apart from others is my ability to learn and adapt.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I’ve always loved the most about LA is the people. I love the creativity and individuality. People here March to the beat of their own drum and I live for it and I love to see it. This city makes me feel like I can be exactly who I want to be. I don’t have to conform. I can just be me.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Shopbasixx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tall.tay/?hl=en
- Facebook: Taylor Rhoden
- Twitter: Talltayy
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCZm2pPK7qQRmEe9ZLRJArEw
Image Credits
Brown dress/white button up: @anastasiya_s_photo BASIXX shoot: @callmepasha
