Meet Taylor Eads | Artist & Designer

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

Hi Taylor, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started general_consensus after realizing I was a horrible employee. By that I mean, I had no interest in dedicating time to someone else’s business, or corporation, if it didn’t directly affect my creative brain. I needed something that was my own. A space where the time spent in it had a tangible outcome made by the same hours of effort. Starting general_consensus also gave me my power back as a black woman in today’s political landscape. I live in Chicago and the houseless community, as much as the skyscrapers, had become apart of my view. Being born from poverty and having experienced disadvantages based on the way that I look or where I came from was a huge inspiration for starting my own business. It meant that I could create aid out of thin air, where others had failed. For every garment that is sold- an identical piece is created and given away to a houseless individual in order to give restitution to where parts of the culture are created and to inspire inclusivity in a way I had never experienced before; having what others have despite socioeconomic background.

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 am someone who believes that everything can be made into anything. I use recycled materials like tapestry blankets, sleeping bags and vintage curtains in order to respect a slow fashion model. I am most proud of the village_convertible – a piece made from tapestry blankets created with the houseless community in mind. I love garments that also offer utility and when a roof is not an option it’s important to have one item that can be used in more than one way. The village_convertible can be worn as pant legs, sleeves, a bag and a scarf.

general_consensus is a brand, focusing on design, whose purpose is to spread creativity and wealth where the powers that be have consciously not allowed it to reach. with every collection, whatever it’s subject may be, an identical collection will be produced to be donated in its entirety to those who may benefit from it the consumer.

It is the general consensus that the future of the industry is dependent upon the youth’s ability to revive it sustainability, individuality, originality, inclusivity and honesty. I see that happening every day and I want to be a part of the platform that provides a voice for those who need it.

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.
If you’re coming to Chicago we’re DEFINITELY starting our morning at Rudy’s Bakery and heading STRAIGHT to Village Discount. After spending way too long in there, with a trash bag full of half priced clothing, we’ll have an early dinner at Oven Grinder’s – the greatest restaurant this side of the Mississippi.

To end the night we’d see a Lars Von Trier film at the Music Box Theatre; take Clark St home and laugh at all of the frat bros hanging out of HVAC

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?
First, I’d like to shoutout Maya Umemoto Gorman. She has the ability to capture complete sentences through image and I am lucky to have been able to work with a fellow artist who has accomplished so much in such little time. Maya perfectly captured my last collection in a way that I would not have trusted anyone else to do.

I’d also like to shoutout Lucien Gratteri, my partner in crime. My former roommate and sewing guide, who taught me how to use a sewing needle. He is the most magical creature one could ever hope to meet, with talent and comedic ability that inspires me everyday.

Instagram: general_consensus

Other: https://depop.com/general_consensus,

Image Credits
Maya Umemoto Gorman