Meet Tori Shareif-Taylor | Stylist & Digital Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tori Shareif-Taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tori, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
“Just be yourself”. Being yourself is in no way negative, but self acceptance is a mountain each and every one of us climbs every day. I believe the journey in finding ourselves may be our true happiness, while this conventional piece of advice is outdated and lazy. This phrase rolls off the tongue so easily by those who would like to think once we are comfortable with our true selves, we have reached the summit. Unfortunately, like all living things on this planet, we are not static. We grow, evolve, and change with every passing beat of our hearts. Growing up as a mixed race little girl, I was told that all I have to do is “be myself” and the rest will follow. However, growing up I was being pulled in separate directions by very different cultures. How was that little girl supposed to be herself? At such a young age how was she supposed to have it all together without a basic understanding of this complex life we live.

Of course she develops interests and engages in millions of after school activities, but those sports, hobbies, and new friends do not make her who she is. Back then, I tried to exude as much confidence as I could, but knew I didn’t feel truly comfortable with myself. My character felt suffocated like the center of a ten ring venn diagram. I soon realized that the climb towards self empowerment and acceptance would be rockier than I expected. The sweet girl had to learn that she could not please everyone and that led to dirty looks, rumors, passive aggressive remarks and of course, disapproval. When I started to actually pursue my own guilty pleasures and interests without feeling guilt, that is when I knew I had taken the correct trail. Being yourself is hard because unfortunately it’s going to cause people to dislike you, something I’ve always struggled with. But life isn’t about being liked or pleasing people. It’s about creating experiences and memories so that you can shape yourself. Each day there will be a different you, one that was curated by the day before.

So what is the secret to being yourself? It’s in accepting the fact that you’ll never really be yourself. To be human is to change and grow. How can you be yourself when you’re challenged by new experiences daily? Being yourself is not a definitive answer, nor a piece of advice that works for everyone. It is being proud of yourself in your darkest moments. Through all of the adversity and hardships being kind to yourself as you are to others.

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.
I’d like to say I’m a Jill of all trades. Through out my life I’ve been able to conquer many different career paths. From a painting instructor to a title winning cheer coach. I’ve been able to grow through each and every one of those experiences. I think that’s why I’ve been able to handle so many different roles. Currently I am working as a full time hair stylist as well as a social media director/digital creator. I believe that to much pressure is put on finding your “perfect” career. I think like if more about the things you learn rather than the things you commit to.

It was never easy, never once has choosing a career path been easy. But I don’t look at that as a negative thing at all. In fact I see it as being selective of my future. I’ve always refused to settle. Now I’m on to my newest chapter which is styling!

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that closed minded people always hate what they can’t understand. So make it easy on yourself and leave them confused. What I want the world to know about my story is that I’m still learning, growing and changing everyday. So stay tuned!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being a Colorado local I would definitely consider myself a foodie and I would take any visitors to my favorite spots all through out the 303!

For Breakfast/ Brunch a stop in at Tangerine in my hometown, Longmont.
The mimosas are amazing and all the food is so fresh with great variety. I would highly recommend the lemon pancakes and if you have a sweet tooth or the eggs benedict. Such a cool and refreshing atmosphere with a great energy.

Next for lunch I would head up to Greeley to stop into my college town to grab some gourmet tacos with a surprising twist at Luna’s Tacos! The pork belly taco! and adobo shrimp tacos are to die for! Plus their outdoor patio is so perfect to spend a warm summer day with a fresh watermelon margarita!

For a day out and a possible picnic I would bring my guests to the Butterfly Pavilion in Denver. All of the delicately placed flowers make you feel like you’re inside a Disney movie. Its a beautiful place and an absolute staple experience for visiting Colorado. And to follow the aesthetic of the day you would have the choice of goin to either the Denver Museum of Art and Science or the Denver Museum of Art.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Of course I would love to recognize my family! The people who inspire me every day to get a little better, try a little harder and to experience something new. To the people who have shown me kindness and patience. Gave me the knowledge on how to be kind to others. For that I am so grateful.

Instagram: tori_tay99

Image Credits
Emoon Photography