The Faces of the Golden Strip is pleased to introduce Essie Taylor!
With my background in education, I always assumed I would retire as a teacher. However nowadays, I like to introduce myself as a teacher turned entrepreneur! For almost ten years, I was a public school teacher. I began doing makeup on the side about four years ago. I fell in love with not only the transformation it made in my clients, but also their self-esteem. Watching another person come to life in my chair is honestly one of the best feelings.
I began my journey as a Full-Time Entrepreneur in 2020, taking the leap into my makeup artistry. I could not leave education behind because I have a passion for education and helping my students achieve their goals, or as I affectionately call them, my school babies. So I started another business, The Learning Edge, where I am an Academic Coach to middle and high school students.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family and I live in Simpsonville, South Carolina. My son is 14 and my daughter is 9. I love them so much and I enjoy working hard so that they have everything they need and much more. It’s a blessing that I love what I do and I get to be a role model for my children at the same time.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My current careers include Hair and Makeup Artist for my business Essie Yvonne LLC and an Academic Coach for my business The Learning Edge. My former career was a Public School Teacher. I love that in both of my businesses I get to inspire my clients to show up as their most confident selves.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Some of my favorite restaurants include Smoke on the Water, Hall’s Chophouse and Bobby’s BBQ.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have been in the Simpsonville area for about ten years. I am originally from Chicago, IL.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I have met some women that inspire me so much and I am so thankful to have them in my life right now. Some of them include Stacey Gardin of Stacey Gardin Portraits, Latoya Dixon-Smith of Greenville Boudoir, Corin Hewins of Cobella Beauty, Tiffany LaShae owner of EGP, Tamera Wilson Hair Stylist at Styles by Tamera, Toya Moore of NProgress Consulting, Crystal Victoria, Fashion Stylist and Marandan Renea, Beautypreneur. So many amazing African American Women that have had a major impact on my life.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Somewhere tropical so I can lay on the beach and enjoy the sunset and waves.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t be afraid to step out on faith and do what you are called to do. There’s always going to be someone there to try to keep you in their shadow. You have been called to do great things.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Skydiving
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would pick my grandmothers for whom I am named after Essie and Yvonne. They both passed away before I was born. I would love to know what they were like. I would meet them at Hall’s Chophouse downtown.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing is the simple outings you can do with family whether it’s a picnic in the park or ice cream at the clock tower downtown Simpsonville.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself expanding both businesses and watching my children grow into their own successful lives.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I enjoy being silly, singing and dancing.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
One of the most beautiful places I have been is the garden of the Biltmore. I can’t wait to travel the world one day soon.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children inspire me to be better. I just want them to experience unconditional love and live a life that shows that God is real.
Q: Describe what “neighbor” means to you?
Neighbor means to come alongside someone and help when needed.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, Family, Love
