Meet Taylor Johnson | Writer & Producer

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

Hi Taylor, why did you pursue a creative career?
From my childhood, I always knew that one of the gifts I’d fulfill in the world would be storytelling. Everything around me, whether good or bad, had meaning. They exhibited some form of truth, and I felt it was my purpose to spotlight that. I find much joy in my ability to touch audiences on a deeper level though real, raw, and relatable stories. In my experience, being a writer is more than just putting words on paper. It is about seeing an opportunity to leave greater impact.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When you know who you are, you’re able to produce the fruits of your labor. Growing up in a small town deep in the south, I lived by this motto. Without proper resources to help me connect the dots of my dreams in the industry, I had to find another way. That way was self identity and self-expression. If I wanted to be a writer, I had to first understand who I was as a human and the stories I wanted to tell as a being. As a black woman who not only takes pride in her heritage, I find extreme passion in the stories that lie under our feet. We are a culture of silver spoons, section 8, agriculture, ballrooms, courts, fields, and a host of other characteristics that capture the art of our lives. Being a good storyteller takes time, but to be a great storyteller takes perseverance. I believe in a movement outside of myself that has everything to do with creative activism for different organizational groups, such as feminist, black lives matter, the me too movement and a host of other monumental forces. It is my goal to birth real, raw, and authentic stories that allow communities to come together for change and express their identities and confidence to what matters most to them. It is the art of power holders whose voices publicize self-representation. It is my belief that humanity resides in the power of who we are, and that is the impact in which I’d like to leave on paper.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s something about flowing waters and palm trees that does my heart all of the good. If one of my best friends were to visit the area our trip would lead us to Charleston, South Carolina. If we were bonded together for a week, I’d make this one to remember. Starting the beginning of our week off with historical education, visiting museums and horseback carriage rides as we sightsee the city. Throughout the week, we’d make our way to pottery classes, creative workshops, and maybe even the aquarium. And, as our week comes to an end, we’d spend those final days at Folly Beach during sunset, watching the waves say goodnight to us. The breeze that would rush past our ears will be our reminder of why the week was worth it. Oh, and we’d be eating seafood the entire trip. Haha. 🙂

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many people that have supported me along my journey. I will forever give thanks for their genuine souls. While I am not able to name them all, I must say, it is my close knit that has been my greatest support. To my mother, Charlene Johnson, my father Virgin Johnson Jr., and my brothers Trey Johnson and Anthony Givens, thank you for being who you are in my life. It is your guidance, your nurturing, and your love that has helped shape me into the woman I am today. Without you, this version of me would not exist. To my best friend, Calhoun “Cal Cal” Cornwell, you are a light. Words would never be able to express how grateful I am to have you as a friend and business partner. Throughout this journey, you’ve pushed me beyond limits that I never thought I could reach. All of those long nights of missing out on sleep just to read my first drafts or opening my eyes to new adventures in life has made our friendship cherishable. And to God, my father, my provider, my protector, my peace, you deserve ALL credit for my existence. Christ blew breath into me and saw a good thing. He created me for a time such as this. Without him, I am nothing, and with him I am everything that I am now, and forever to come.

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