Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Taylor.
Kristin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
That’s a long story! I have always been intoxicated by the fashion and beauty world. My first jobs included beauty counter salesperson and retail clerk. I just loved being around all of the pretty things and was always wanting to see what was new and next. I started a beauty channel on YouTube, (it’s still up, if you dare to dig for it, some of those videos were really rough!), covering tutorials, product reviews and hauls, then switched to a beauty blog.
After about six months writing it, I heard a horror story about a girl getting sued for using some pictures she borrowed from Google. More than half of my pictures were not my own, so I knew, I needed to start fresh.
I came up with the concept of Dressed for Time, because I will admit that I’m frequently late from trying to figure out what I want to wear. I wanted it to be more fashion-focused, with some beauty, food, and travel sprinkled in. I used to be plus size (20W) and am now considered “mid-size” (misses 14), I’ve realized how little representation my size has in this space. I think it’s super important to have everybody type represented and I hope that I can give girls my size style inspiration.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve definitely gone through the “why am I doing this?” and “I’m just wasting my time” phases. I think it’s totally normal and natural and goes away as soon as you hear from one follower that what you’re doing has helped them in some way.
I’ve had numerous issues getting my website up, as I am not the least bit technologically savvy. This is how I’ve learned that sometimes you can not do it yourself and that it’s OK to ask for help from professionals. I’ve encountered bitchy girls in the industry who’ve tried to make me feel like I didn’t belong, but I’ve realized they’re the same mean girls from high school, trying to knock other people down to make themselves feel better, and I ain’t got time for that! I’m here to spread my message and there is definitely space for all of us.
We’d love to hear more about Dressed for Time.
I think I’m known for a few things. I love posting budget-friendly styles that work well for girls with my figure. I love the color and try to shoot outdoors with greenery in the background whenever possible. You can frequently find me in floral prints and gold jewelry. I hope people recognize me for my honesty from how my day went on Stories, to what I really think of certain beauty products. I want my audience to know that they can trust me to speak my mind and not fluff something up for the sake of keeping a brand happy.
I hear so much from people about having a cohesive theme on their feeds, but I find that style mediocre and kind of lazy. All pink/gray/orange or the same grainy filter as 2,000 other girls bore me to tears. I like to create little vignettes of color or a mood I’m feeling around that time. I’ll go from posting a bunch of bright prints to neutral grey and black tones. I don’t limit myself to what my aesthetic should be, I do what I want!
I am also a very social person and love meeting up with other influencers to share our stories, talk shop and brainstorm ideas. I’m proud of having a talent for brand outreach (my side hustle) and getting influencers in touch with new companies that they may not have been introduced to otherwise. It feels great to make that connection and see the content that’s created.
Also, last season was my first at New York Fashion Week. If you’d have asked me 5 years ago if I would have ever been able to plan that trip for myself and 5 other influencers, including salon visits, showroom appointments, dining at the best restaurants in the city… I would never have believed you. I felt a great sense of accomplishment when the trip was over and I can’t wait to do it all again in September!
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Write down your goals, and then write why you chose them. Is it recognition? Money? Independence? I think knowing the answer to that early on, help steer your career in the right direction and helps you get back on track if you find yourself straying. Also, F*** the haters! 😀
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.dressedfortime.com
- Phone: 909-915-0830
- Email: kristin@dressedfortime.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dressedfortime
Image Credit:
Holli Z Photography, Sydney Bliss Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
