Tomorrow I will head back to New York for one of my best friends engagement parties, a birthday party and hopefully a relaxing weekend with family and friends. Monday, it will be time to get back to work in the hustle and bustle of NYC. The second I step off the LIRR the energy of the city always consumes me. Sometimes I feel as though the city itself carries me along the streets. Block after block, avenue after avenue, and learning the subway is a whole different ballgame. Thank god for Hop Stop or I would be broke from cab fare or lost…very very lost. When I am in New York these days it is no longer just for play, and it certainly can be overwhelming. After all, I am simply a Long Island girl running around the big city. Learning and growing with every step.
This past month I have had the awesome opportunity to shoot with some top fitness brands including: FILA, Sports Authority and Danskin for Wal-Mart. My second spread will be out in next months Fitness Magazine, and I have a couple of great jobs lined up in my favorite city in the world. Some days I have to pinch myself because I never thought that working as a full-timer in this crazy industry would even be a possibility, especially in my late twenties. Most of you know I used to be a full-time PE teacher. I literally had the greatest co-workers in history and loved my kids, but a part of me was missing. I had some wonderful opportunities during my time as a teacher. I was allowed to go to L.A. for a week to work for E! News, but on the flip-side I missed a huge audition for a pilot TV show called “Bounce”, now known as “Hit The Floor” on VH-1. There were so many ups and downs, but moving to Oregon and starting work as a fitness model was a pivotal time in my life. That is when I realized and truly knew that there was a greater plan. It was definitely not easy leaving a great and stable career, but at the end of day I have my education and the experience. A Master of Science Degree that I definitely plan on using again in the future, but for now I will continue to follow my heart. No one can ever take that piece of paper away from me. If there is something out there that you have always wanted to do or a job to go after my advice to you would be GO FOR IT wholeheartedly! Often times we talk ourselves out of things because we are scared, but don’t be. There is so much out there for us if we can simply get out of our own way the risk will be worth the reward. You will be told no, it probably will be a struggle for a little while, but when everything finally come together the result is glorious!
Take this new brilliant Under Armour campaign #IWILLWHATIWANT starring Misty Copland. A soloist in the American Ballet Theatre. She was told no. It was not an easy road, but she defied every stereotype to become the best dancer of our generation. My hats off to UA for showcasing this woman’s beauty, strength and most of all that women can achieve their dreams no matter what stands in their way.
See Misty showcase her skill and athletically beautiful body in this new ad:
Here are some behind the scenes of an extremely life changing moment in my life where I decided to just GO FOR IT during the Wilhelmina Fitness Contest. This contest has boosted my career into a place I never thought possible. I am continuing to learn and grow everyday. Working with new clients, and re-booking with old clients. Life is a journey that should be enjoyed. I have recently gotten some e-mails from women asking how to get into the industry. So stay tuned for some tips on castings and wardrobe to test shoots and makeup.
Love and Go For It,
Taylor