Today we’d like to introduce you to Michellita Taylor.
Hi Michellita, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
How I started? This is a loaded questions. As a little girl I struggled with self-confidence in myself. From how I look to how I sounded-they would serve as barriers to my overall gowth and ability to reach my fullest potential. Although, I managed to maintain a level achievement as a young girl, my teen years proved to be challenging. Relationship with friends, family even my mom would be laced with insecurities, perfectionism and isolation. Ironically, during my highschool years, leaned into the pageant world and found myself earning the crown as the 1997 Miss Sandalwood. Little did I know, this would help shape my confidence, sense of self and enhance my ability to forge healthy relationships. In addition, this program would catapult me into the world of what I define as “Communication Confidence.”
What once served as a barrier now served as a catalyst for my desire to elevate my communication skills and self-confidence. This emerging change took me on the journey of being in multiple pageants, graduating from college with bachelor’s degree in Communications and then a Master’s Degree in Communicative Science Disorders in Speech-Language Pathology. My experience in this profession open doors for me to work in both the classroom and television, but pageantry was not left behind. During my years in education, I proudly started my scholarship pageant and youth programs targeted at developing communication skills, etiquette skills, modeling and professionalism for youth. Where I am today is a result of my saying yes to improving myself and then paying it forward.
Today, I am the owner of Taylor Made Voices, LLC. where I specialize in speech therapy, vocal coaching, and professional communication services. In addition, I am the host of my radio show, “In the Know” that airs on The Victory Station in Jacksonville, Florida. Finally, my most recent accomplishment is I am the former Ms. Black Florida USA 2025, After 25 years, I found myself lost in my identity and confidence again. After a a baby, and dealing with post partum, I knew I needed something that would help me reconnect with my inner self. Women go through mulptiple changes in life and we must be honest and seek support in areas that will uplift and fill us. This pageant did that for me. My platform was, “Thrive After Baby, Supporting Mothers Emotional Health and Well-being Postpartum.” As a result of this platform, I established my non-profit, The Mama Mila Legacy Foundation. The Mama Mila Legacy Foundation is dedicated to empowering mothers and their children to grow together in grace, confidence, and creativity. Through programs in etiquette, the arts, and pageantry, we cultivate lifelong bonds, foster self-expression, and instill values of leadership and refinement. Our mission is to create a legacy of poised, purpose-driven families who inspire and uplift their communities through elegance, excellence, and empowerment.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My road was not always smooth. When my father passed away when I was completing my final semester of my undergraduate degree, it was hard for me to see the point of it all. I was a daddy’s girl and making him proud was very important to me. But to be honest, his relationship with God was so admirable that although I knew he would not be present to see me graduate or live my life, his example of dependency, discipline and dedication were the traits I adopted and this in turn was a way for me to continue to honor him and his legacy.
We’ve been impressed with Taylor Made Voices LLC., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Taylor Made Voices LLC., is a firm that specializes in areas built to enhance communication skills, including personalized coaching for corporate professionals, brand messaging, and targeted communication strategies. Our vision is to produce Fearless, Bold, and Authentic communicators that feel and sound confident. As a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist, Taylor Made Voices LLC. (TMV) has the unique opportunity to support with and wothout a medical diagnosis and integrate both science and social elements needed to enhance a person communication confidence. Services we offer include the following: speech therapy, vocal coaching, voice education, interview and public speaking skills , and pageant coaching.
We empower professionals to communicate with confidence and authenticity, refining their voice and presentation skills to stand out in any setting—whether in the boardroom or on stage.
I am proud that we a client confindence, reliability and a high referrral rating in the community.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I often remind my community and clients that I was deathly afraid to speak and sing publicly. Because I am now a professinal singer, speaker, therapist and radio host, many find it hard to fathom that I was shy, terrified and always opposed to speaking in front of people. I hated the sound of both my speaking and singing voice. I would be overwhelmed with nerousness that presented as a shaky voice, sweating, upset stomach and vocal paralysis. Honestly, there are still moments where I get nervous, but I remind myself that my authentic self must show up in those moments because that is the person that will be most effective for this experience. I remain prepared, calm and reminded that my voice matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TaylorMadeVoices.com
- Instagram: Taylormadevoicesslp
- Facebook: Taylor Made Voices LLC
- LinkedIn: Michellita Taylor, MS, CCC-SLP
- Youtube: Taylor Made Voices
