Meet Skylar Taylor | Marketing Creative Director, Founder

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

Hi Skylar, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
The most important lesson I’ve learned as a founder and serial entrepreneur is this: know yourself better than anyone giving you advice. Everyone will have something to say mentors, investors, friends, strangers but at the end of the day, you are the one living your vision. You’re born alone and you’ll leave this earth alone, so you better get clear on who you are, what your gift is, and how you’re meant to show up in the world. That inner compass? That’s your legacy. That’s your brand. And when it’s grounded in self-awareness, it becomes unstoppable.

What I’ve also come to understand is that mental health isn’t optional it’s foundational. Just like marketing, accounting, or product development, taking care of your mind is a non-negotiable business pillar. Problem-solving and critical thinking, the core of entrepreneurship require energy, emotional regulation, and clarity. If you’re not pouring into yourself, how can you pour into your team, your product, or your customers?

Entrepreneurship isn’t just a career it’s a journey of self-discovery, and real success comes when you commit to becoming the best version of you. That’s the version your business needs. That’s the version the world needs.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Taylor Melrose was born from necessity, refined through intention, and built with love. As the Founder and Creative Director, I created this brand not just as a product line, but as a statement about beauty with purpose, personal care as daily ritual, and formulas that speak to real skin needs without compromising luxury or identity.

What sets Taylor Melrose apart is that it’s not chasing trends, we’re setting new standards. We design ingredient-conscious skincare that performs, feels indulgent, and meets the moment for people often overlooked by the mainstream beauty industry: those with dry, sensitive skin, people of color, LGBTQIA+ folks, and anyone who wants their skincare to reflect who they truly are.

This didn’t happen overnight. I grew up in my mom’s salon, fascinated by transformation and obsessed with the power of products. I was that kid reading Vogue, Cosmo, and People magazines cover to cover, captivated by beauty campaigns and storytelling. My love of design led me to art school, where I studied graphic design and found my niche in packaging for powerhouse beauty brands. But eventually, I knew I had something more to say, so I threw my hat in the ring in 2019 with Taylor Melrose.

It’s been anything but easy. From balancing a day job while building the brand, to self-funding, to learning how to scale without losing the soul of the business, every step has demanded grit, creativity, and vulnerability. I’ve had to unlearn perfectionism and embrace progress. I’ve had to advocate for myself in rooms where no one looked like me. And I’ve had to trust my gut when the advice didn’t align with my vision.

But I’m proud of the returns. Proud of the notoriety, yes, but even more proud of the community we’re building. Of the people who DM us saying our products made them feel seen. Of the moments when we’re on shelves or in homes, representing not just skincare but representation, restoration, and real care.

What I want the world to know is: Taylor Melrose is more than a brand—it’s a movement. A legacy in the making. A love letter to the underrepresented, the sensitive, the bold, and the beautiful. We’re here to stay. And we’re just getting started.

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.
This one’s easy. I’m a creature of habit, but make it curated. My week-long LA itinerary is equal parts indulgent, inspiring, and grounded in good vibes only.

Mornings start with caffeine and clarity Verve Coffee or Dialog Café in West Hollywood are my go-tos. Then I tap into the endorphins with a session at StrongHouse Fitness or a community run with WalkGoodLa because mental stamina and physical strength are both non-negotiables.

Midday, it’s all about the eats. A slice of spicy pepperoni from Prince Street Pizza on Sunset is mandatory, or if we’re feeling like more of a slow burn, Sightglass Coffee or Tartine in the Sycamore District (La Brea + Willoughby) is a whole mood. Sonoratown tacos? Don’t play yourself, go.

Dinners? Here’s where we level up. Cecconi’s, Bestia, Beval, Terroni on Beverly, Catch steak, SOHO house. Absolute hitters. If we’re keeping it classic, I’ll take you to Dan Tana’s for their chicken parm and some ice cream to seal the deal. Ysabel, Mother Tongue and Mr. T in my neighborhood! Let’s just say, if you know, you know.

Wanna sip something unforgettable? V Wine Room in WeHo is intimate, vibey, and the owner Adam’s hospitality is second to none. Don’t sleep on Barcari in Silverlake either, it’s that effortlessly cool spot you’ll want to gatekeep but can’t. Desserts: Susie Cakes or Porto’s.

Now, if we’re talking nightlife, LA’s got layers. Rooftops, lowkey lounges, all the way to eastside grit. Golddiggers in East Hollywood is one of those gems that hits different. Hotdog Sundays in Silverlake on you guested it Sunday 4pm – 12am. Track your favorite DJs (mine are DJ R-Tistic and DJ Mos) and let them guide the night. And yes, there will be dancing. Sunset at EDITION has always had my heart and Brandon Anthony’s Love Jones or Prime Fridays.

For culture and wind-down vibes, we’ll finish at The Getty or a stroll down La Brea because nothing balances out the party like a little art and a reset.

Bonus tip? Use the BLK Events LA on instagram by Jocelyn, she curates the culture-forward, community-centered spots that actually reflect LA’s brilliance. And if you’re tapped in with Soho or Raya, those apps will make sure you’re sipping next to someone interesting.

Bottom line? LA isn’t just about being seen, it’s about feeling connected. That’s what I show people when they visit. It’s a love letter to the city, written one experience at a time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow! what a powerful question. One that truly calls for deep reflection. I’ve always believed that while entrepreneurship requires an unshakable sense of self, no one succeeds alone. So many people, organizations, and moments have poured into me over the years, and I carry their wisdom, love, and lessons with me every day.

First and foremost, I have to give the deepest thanks to God and my family. Their unwavering love, belief in me, and spiritual grounding have been the anchor to everything I’ve built. Without that foundation, I don’t know that I would’ve had the strength to show up as an innovative, resilient, and forward-thinking businessman.

Looking back, I can’t ignore the early influences elementary school teachers, a kind librarian, and school administrators who saw leadership in me before I could even fully define it. They nurtured my creative mind, encouraged my penmanship, and made me believe that being different wasn’t just okay, it was a superpower. In moments of high-stakes decisions or stress, I often find myself mentally revisiting those simpler times, grounding myself in the values that shaped me: self-love, empathy, excellence (not perfection), and the courage to shine my light in rooms that recognize my brilliance.

Fast forward to the present, and I’d be remiss not to shout out Disability:IN, who unlocked a major chapter in my journey. Through them, I was introduced to Leonard Greenhalgh, a transformational professor of management at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, and Ella L. J. Beth Smith, whose influence left a permanent mark on my heart and leadership style. They didn’t just see potential they activated it.

Organizations like the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the GLAAACC Business Evolution Program, the Target Forward Founders Accelerator, and my powerful mentor sessions with Mark Bertolini whose business acumen and human-centered thinking inspire me daily, have all contributed deeply to my growth. And I can’t forget Coach Gilbert Buchanan, who’s been a grounding force and strategic voice throughout this journey.

Each of these individuals and communities has helped shape me into a remarkably well-rounded founder, and they’ve given me the tools to lead Taylor Melrose with confidence, compassion, and clarity.

To anyone reading this who’s just starting out: build your vision, but also build your village. Success is sweeter and more sustainable when it’s shared.

Website: https://taylormelrosebeauty.com

Instagram: @skylartaylordesign / @taylormelrosela

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skylartaylor

Image Credits
Taylor Melrose