Meet Taylor Smith

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

Hi Taylor, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I founded Boomhaus Creative Agency, the journey began not in the marketing realm but as a boutique record label in the mid-2000s. At that time, the music industry was undergoing a seismic shift toward digital platforms, and our mission was to help emerging artists navigate this new landscape and get their music heard. As we worked closely with these artists, it became clear that success in this evolving industry required more than just great music; it demanded a strong, personal brand and strategic marketing.

Recognizing this need, we made a pivotal decision to pivot away from the traditional music industry. We saw greater potential in helping artists establish themselves as brands, expanding their careers beyond the music itself. This shift allowed us to broaden our focus, and soon we found ourselves working with a diverse array of brands outside the music industry. What started as a small venture snowballed into something much larger, fueled by our passion for creativity and innovation.

One of the driving forces behind Boomhaus was the desire for autonomy—to create a space where we answered only to our clients and had the freedom to craft unique, impactful strategies. Today, that same spirit continues to guide us as we partner with brands across industries, helping them tell their stories and connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career in the creative space began in 2004, right out of high school, with a clear vision of becoming a music engineer and producer. I knew that the traditional college route wasn’t the best fit for me, so after a year, I shifted gears and attended Full Sail University in Orlando. That experience was transformative. Full Sail’s approach taught me to work in unconventional situations at any hour—something that’s been a cornerstone of my work ethic ever since. I still recall those 2 AM recording sessions, which I always joke about, but in reality, they were critical in shaping my approach to the creative process.

While my initial dream was to work at EA Sports in their music department on the sync team, life had other plans. After graduating, I returned to Los Angeles and landed a job as a recording engineer for a prominent West Coast producer named BOSKO. That role was an eye-opener. I had the technical skills, but I had to learn how to connect with artists on a deeper level and bring out their best in the studio.

Then came an unexpected opportunity—a colleague was leaving an internship at Universal Music and asked if I wanted to take his spot. Now, going from a full-time job to an unpaid internship might sound strange, but that move opened more doors than I could have ever imagined. I worked in the A&R department under Shawn Suggs, who encouraged me to leverage my engineering skills. Before I knew it, I was editing tracks, creating ringtones, and eventually engineering sessions for artists on the label. That internship even led to a gold record at 22, a milestone that I’m still proud of today.

However, working in the music industry also taught me a lot about navigating corporate politics. It’s not just about being a good creative—you have to understand the business side of things, how to read the room, and maneuver through the complexities of a corporate structure. That knowledge has been invaluable in how I’ve structured Boomhaus today.

After years of freelancing, working in TV and film sync, and managing artists, I realized that my true passion lay in storytelling and marketing. A documentary on hip-hop and a deep dive into the work of Wieden+Kennedy, the agency behind Nike’s iconic campaigns, sparked something in me. I fell in love with the idea of crafting narratives that could shape how brands and products are perceived in the marketplace. That realization was the catalyst for transitioning from music to the world of creative marketing.

Of course, starting an agency in an oversaturated market has its challenges. The journey hasn’t been without its share of trials and tribulations. There have been countless times when I’ve pitched to clients and heard the word “no.” It’s disheartening, especially when you pour your heart and soul into a pitch, but every “no” is a chance to refine your approach, to get better, to stand out in an industry where it sometimes feels like you’re speaking a language no one understands.

Being a creative and a business owner often feels like walking a tightrope between your artistic vision and the practicalities of running a business. It can be a lonely path, but it’s also incredibly rewarding when you find the right clients who believe in what you do. My time in the music industry was just a segue, positioning me for where I’m truly meant to be today—leading Boomhaus, where we craft impactful narratives that resonate in the hearts and minds of audiences.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had someone coming to stay in LA for a week, I’d want to give them a real taste of what makes this city so special to me. First stop would be Los Feliz and Silverlake—there’s just something about that old Hollywood vibe that really sparks my creativity. It’s like stepping into a different era, and I can’t get enough of it.

I’ve become a sucker for the simple things, so we’d definitely have to take a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway. There’s nothing like cruising along the coast with the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other. It’s the kind of experience that just never gets old.

Now, if we’re talking food, you’ve got to keep in mind that I’m vegan, so my picks are Crossroads and Gracias Madre. Both spots are absolute musts—they’re the kind of places where you can savor every bite and feel good about what you’re eating.

If this trip happens to fall on a weekend, then we’ve got to hit up the Melrose Flea Market, which is a Sunday staple. And if it’s the right Sunday of the month, the Rose Bowl Flea Market is another great spot. But I can’t forget about the flea market at Long Beach City College—that place is amazing, a real hidden gem.

Being born and raised in LA, the typical tourist spots don’t really do it for me, but I’d definitely suggest checking out the views from Mount Olympus on a clear night. It’s a spot that offers some of the best views of the city—just you, the stars, and the sprawling lights of LA.

For hanging out, I’d take them to the west side. Main Street in Santa Monica and Abbot Kinney in Venice have this laid-back, cool vibe that’s perfect for just kicking back and enjoying the day. Whether we’re grabbing a coffee, checking out the local shops, or just soaking in the atmosphere, it’s a great way to experience the local flavor of LA without all the touristy stuff.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Reflecting on the journey that led to the creation and growth of Boomhaus, I’m deeply aware that it’s been a collective effort. There’s a long list of individuals to whom I’m incredibly grateful, as their guidance, support, and belief in me have been pivotal. If I were to highlight a few, I’d have to start with Jheryl Busby, whose influence as a music executive laid a strong foundation for my understanding of the industry. Preston Dawson and Taira Daniel, both creative producers, have been invaluable sounding boards and collaborators whose insights shaped many of our early projects. Rob Graham, an advertising executive, offered strategic advice that helped us navigate the complexities of brand building. Charlotte Jacks, a creative entrepreneur, and Shane Smith, a talented dancer, each brought their unique perspectives, pushing the boundaries of what we could achieve.

Of course, this list could easily continue because so many people have played a crucial role in Boomhaus’ evolution. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a huge shoutout to every client who has taken a chance on us, especially in those early days. Their trust and partnership have been the cornerstone of our success, and I’ll always be thankful for their belief in what we could accomplish together.

Website: www.boomhauscreative.com

Instagram: @boomhaus

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/boomhauscreative

Twitter: @boomhaus

Facebook: facebook.com/boomhauscreative 

Image Credits
All images captured by Taylor Smith