Be the Author of Your Own Story… Mikki Taylor’s Life@GWN

When honored by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, this Life@GWN subject said “for 30 something years, I’ve had the joy of doing what I love, and as such I haven’t worked a day in my life, and there has been no joy greater to me than serving us.” Introduced to us by Girls Write Now champion, James Rhee, we’ve been honored to know and learn from her in the months since. Girls Write Now is thrilled to present one of the newest members of the Girls Write Now community, legendary author, cultural storyteller, media personality, and Editor-at-Large, Essence Communications Inc. Magazine, Mikki Taylor. Get to know her in her own words.

Tell Us about Your Life@GWN

I was introduced to Girls Write Now by my dear friend James Rhee. Rhee was honored as the Change Maker he is at the Girls Write Now 2024 Celebration, and I had the joy of introducing him and sharing his story. I was so moved by their work and  their amazing Collaboratory, and their impact on the lives of writers, I left thinking this necessary community is a gift to the future.

The Theme for our upcoming Anthology Is “Hope Lives in Our Words.” Do you have a mantra, phrase, or quote that you turn to for hope & inspiration?

• Be the author of your own story—otherwise it will be a consensus report.
• Life is not a dress rehearsal—know your intention and clarify your “why.”
• Don’t ask permission where you have authority.

What Gets You Up in the Morning?
Faith, gratitude and my belief in accomplishing that which impacts the lives of others.

What Is It About the Girls Write Now Work Environment That You Find So Special?
I find the path that Girls Write Now is forging to be phenomenal and necessary. Wish I had known about this intentional organization as a young writer, wish it had existed when I was a young Black girl coming of age in school in Newark, New Jersey when they weren’t asking girls who looked like me if we wanted to be writers and journalists, never mind authors. I love the trail that GWN is blazing for diversity to uplift the leaders of tomorrow, the stories that will be told because of them, and the boundaries that will be broken down that dictate who’s worthy and those who will use their voice because of this gift of self-discovery and belonging.

For Black History Month, We’re Celebrating the Black Writers Who Used Their Words to Make History. Who was the first Black author you read? How old were you and how did you first encounter their work?
Phillis Wheatley, the first enslaved African American—to publish a book of poetry. I read her work in grammar school, couldn’t have been more than 10 or 11 years old and I must have chosen it for an assignment. I was lost in this world that she spoke of.

Tell Us About Your Storied Career in Black Fashion and Beauty? How’d you get your start? What’s your favorite story?
My career began while I was in high school. I was a model in the 70’s on 7th Ave, doing runway, doing TV commercials and later print. I met the ESSENCE team on 7th Ave and later began to be featured on the pages of the Magazine. In 1980 I was hired as an editor in the Magazine’s Fashion and Beauty Department. Beauty and fashion was in my DNA as my mother was the hairstylist, makeup artist, and wardrobe stylist to the late American Icon that was singer Sarah Vaughan. She created Sarah’s look and branded the look on television, on album covers, and on the main stages of the world for Sarah’s appearances for 10 years. Later after my mother retired from the road she opened her own beauty salon in the heart of Newark and that’s where I witnessed the transformative power of beauty among Black women. On my watch at ESSENCE, it was critical to me to celebrate our beauty in all of its glory. The rest as they say is herstory.

We’re Also Celebrating Galentine’s Day and the Different Kinds of Love That Enrich Our Lives. Who is someone in your life (outside of a romantic partner) who enriches your life and why/how?
In my 30+ year career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the most fascinating people in the world—First Lady Michelle Obama, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Ben Crump, and a leadership list of others. My life is enriched by the many amazing individuals I’ve worked with and continue to work with who are walking in their purpose and owning their gift to inspire others. This inspires me and affirms that there can be no success worth having, without vision, commitment, and the courage to wield the greatness God has bestowed upon you. So when I see this truth in action my own journey is empowered, and I’m pushed to go to the next level.

bell hooks Famously Said, “Love Is a Combination of Care, Commitment, Knowledge, Responsibility, Respect, and Trust.” What is a way you practice love for others or yourself?
I think by not serving out of my lack, that’s wisdom at work for me. It’s important to me to serve out of my overflow, and so I replenish this by taking time to meditate, understand the deeper needs of my purpose, and rejuvenate myself so I can insert myself in the work that needs to be done or bestow the kind of love that’s needed in the lives of those I touch.That’s how I’m able to best give love to others. This is the self-care that I know is essential to all of us. This is the accountability that allows me to lead in my gift and in my vision to empower.

Who Is a Contemporary Black Author You Love Right Now?
Carla Harris! Carla Harris is a Servant Leader and a Necessary Change Agent, and her books are like having her with you, showing you the way forward, and pushing you to be your best self every step of the way. Her books: Expect to Win, Strategize to Win and Lead to Win are among my faves.

Finally, the Rapid Fire Round…
If You Could Teach a Class in Something at Which You Excel, What Would That Be?
Self-Empowerment!

Is There One Thing That Instantly Makes Your Day Better?
Prayer and perspective!

What’s the Best Place You’ve Traveled To?
What a desert isle question! I’d have to say South Africa and the experience of instructing at The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy at Oprah Winfrey’s invitation!

What’s the Best Career Decision You’ve Ever Made?
The best career decision I’ve ever made was to accept a position at ESSENCE Magazine in service to Black women the world over.

What’s Something You Find Challenging About Your Work?
Not enough hours in the day! I need six more hours in each day to accomplish what I need to get done!

What Motivates You at Work?
People and purpose.

Which Family Member Has Had the Greatest Impact on You?
My husband of 43 years, Philip Taylor! He’s a Wisdom Keeper and he empowers me in every way imaginable.

What Is Your Favorite Tool for Creating (Writing, etc.) Pencil, Pen, Keyboard, App?
Keyboard— my hands move too fast for anything else!

When Did You First Feel like an Adult?
At Age 16!

What’s Something You’re Proud Of?
My children, my work, and the ability to serve God in the way that He has equipped me to.

Are You a Morning Person or a Night Owl?
Morning person!

Coffee or Tea?
Coffee!

When You Were a Kid, What Did You Want to Be When You Grew Up?
In control!