Connect
To Top

Conversations with the Inspiring Taylor Rains

Avatar photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Rains.

Taylor, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Hi, there! I am so honored to be featured in VoyageDenver to share how I started in the world of social media. This all began three years ago, so let’s start at my favorite part: I met the love of my life, Austin Rains, at Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas. We were married on December 30, 2016, and moved back to my high school home town to work at a church my parents pastored, and later at the same high school, I graduated from.

The ironic part about all of this is, I had actually sworn to myself that I would never (ever) move back to that place … aaaaand God laughed 🙂 The town is Hardy, Arkansas, a very nondescript and homey place to say the least. It was beautiful and will always hold such a special place in my heart, but as most creatives get at some time or another, I was just plain BORED! We were an hour and a half from any Target, Starbucks or mall, and if I went to Walmart one more time I was absolutely going to go crazy. I was craving a creative outlet to challenge myself and have my own piece of the world where I could talk about fashion, beauty and help others all at the same time. At the risk of sounding completely dramatic, I started my youtube channel out of sheer desperation.

Some time passed and I went to visit my favorite local boutique, Jades Boutique. One of my students from the school was there and mentioned to the owner that I posted fashion videos and should do that for her… an idea that truly hadn’t crossed my mind! I ended up creating a few videos and modeling clothing for the boutique. I continued to keep up with posting pictures on my Instagram more regularly in addition to creating content. The best part, I think, was being able to meet people like Katelyn Clouse, a local photographer and now a great friend, and help showcase the amazing people and things our little town had to offer.

February 2019 rolled around and Austin and I were offered jobs in Colorado! Of course, I was enamored with all of the AMAZING shopping, so if we weren’t working and didn’t have plans, I was adventuring to new towns and shops. I came across Mackenzie and West, an absolutely stunning boutique located in Old Colorado City, and fell in love! I met the owners and shared with them what I did, and we really hit it off. The only problem? I didn’t have my friends to photograph me, and I had no connections in this new place. At the time, I had multiple photographers reaching out on Instagram wanting to collaborate, so I called the one I felt would be the best fit for the boutique and we ended up making a day of it. It was so rewarding to me that I could network and benefit everyone involved. The photographer, the boutique, my social media… it was the perfect situation. It was my way of bringing the small-town feel to this big, new place. Continuing in this direction, I have had the privilege of meeting and modeling for multiple photographers, boutiques and brands, and I get so much life out of bringing awareness to what this beautiful place has to offer.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The social media “influencer” world is still a relatively new concept. I certainly wouldn’t say it has been a smooth road, but I love a good challenge. The way I have perceived the whole thing is, it’s 2019. Everything I need is at my fingertips, so I am going to figure this out! I listen to podcasts, I pay attention to bloggers and influencers who I admire, I research, I reach out to people and ask questions, and I am quick to help others who are trying to do the same thing as I am. The challenging part I have found is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. I have to do what works for me and remain teachable. I don’t have a mentor per se, but I do take the time and energy to seek out the information I need, and I am constantly tweaking what I do and am trying what works for me.

To the women who are just starting out in this journey, I’d like for first make clear that I have in no way “made it”, or am under the impression that I have all the answers. What I am doing works for me, and it takes work to find your niche. That being said, we live in such an amazing time period… if this is what you want to do, there is no excuse! Everything you need is available to you. Do everything with excellence, be yourself, remain authentic and kind, and don’t let excuses get in your way. Seek it out and make it happen.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am known for sharing fashion and beauty tips on my online platforms. I am known for collaborating with local photographers and boutiques to showcase what they have to offer. The thing I am most proud of as a brand is that I have incorporated ministry into what I do. Ministry and people are my ultimate passion, so to provide excellent content and networking while also being a light for people has been the most rewarding thing for me. What sets me apart is my true desire to showcase others. I believe in supporting local, and if I am trusted to provide content, I will deliver! I will never leave anyone feeling as though I did not accurately represent the brand that they have worked so hard to build.

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Apps:
Tailwind app – this app posts for you on both Pinterest and Instagram. It pinpoints the highest audience engagement times throughout the day and will post for you. All you do is input your content and it will do the rest!

RewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.It – these apps work together to generate sales. I can utilize these apps to create shoppable content for my audience. Rewardstyle also helps me create affiliate links so I make a small percentage of income when I make sales.

Website:
Social Blue Book – I never knew what to charge people when collaborating, so I was missing out on a huge chunk of change! SBB is just like Kelly blue book, but for social media rather than cars. It helps you create proposals for deliverables and what to charge. It’s been a serious lifesaver. My only hangup is, you have to pay to update it if you gain any followers, so keep that in mind. I haven’t found anything else more helpful besides my friend Nathan Triska. I call him for all my questions. He’s amazing.

Podcasts:
LIKETOKNOW.IT Influencer Radio – this podcast is designed for influencers and has been more than helpful! I have learned so much here.

Shut the Should Up – my sweet friend Candace Payne and her cohost Jenny have created a seriously uplifting and FUN podcast. This is one I just love listening to for a good kick in the pants to stay positive and keep on keepin’ on.

Blogs:
Stylin’ by Aylin, Kate la Vie and Champagne and Chanel are my three favorites! I get tons of inspo from these ladies.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Ella Moyer, Arlee Aragon, Charlie Westlake, Katelyn Clouse, Hunter Wilson

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in