We had the good fortune of connecting with Taeleen Woodard and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Taeleen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
For creatives like me, there’s not really ever a choice. You either do your own thing, or die slowly. Maybe I say that a little tongue-in-cheek – I’ve found real success, and found ways to inject some soul into the greater business world in Denver, but the truth is still just what it is. I think we all need an outlet for expression, and I’m lucky enough to be turning my passion for design and photography into something that people are connecting with.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
“It’s a hard-knock life” might be overstating it, but I’ve had to work hard to get where I am today. Working class roots can give you a classy story, no doubt, but that’s not to call it any fun. The truth is we’re all lucky, to be born into a 1st world life, and I’m going to tell you to leverage your privilege to your best benefit without a drop of guilt. Life is hard enough, take every edge you can get. If you don’t have to work food service for years like I did until you get your break, just own it. But that doesn’t mean it’s all cutthroat. I firmly believe we have a responsibility to each other on this planet, and not only that, but cooperation will get us all further. I’m a big fan of the charity New Story, and donate every month. They’re working to end homelessness through 3D printed housing! So cool. Still, talking about “breaks” makes it sound like I’ve got it made, and just to be clear, that’s not the case. I’m doing better than ever, and skies are blue ahead, but this is just another step on the journey. I’m not sold on “school-work-family-retire.” I think we all need to be aiming higher, and finding the time and space to really live the lives we’re here for.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First thing that comes to mind is good coffee. I am an avid fan of slow-pour brew methods and quickly gravitate to any local spots that know the know. Amante, Middlestate, Metropolis, Corvus and Bardos all come to mind. Be sure to hit Kachina Cantina for some authentic Native American tacos and the Denver Art Museum for the latest exhibits.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My co-conspirator and creative partner, Joshua Stelling, keeps me focused every day. He writes, I illustrate, and the pair of us is always more capable than either of us alone. Of course he’s in the right place for it – we’re engaged! If it’s allowed, I’d also like to shoutout to my professional design team downtown. Without them, we’d never keep up with the drag race of design challenges that is digital work in Denver.
Website: https://www.taeleenwoodard.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phthaeon/
Other: https://joshuastelling.com/
Image Credits
All photos were captured by me.