In this interview of Miami Talks, blogger and rising Influencer, Taryn Walker opens up about personal style, social media struggles and what she thinks Miami could use a little more of. Here is what Taryn had to say:
How Taryn got launched into the creative industry:
My whole life I always found myself to be more of a creative-minded person. I always wanted to work in a field where I could express my creativity whether it be interior design... I'm super passionate about fashion as well, but I guess I would say it happened kind of when I didn't have any other option, which is kind of a blessing in disguise because I don't think I would've pursued it otherwise. I moved to Norway to be with my fiance and because we were waiting for my visa, I couldn't work, I couldn't go to school, I couldn't do anything -- and then I'm not the type of person to sit around so it dawned on me… This is the perfect opportunity for me to start a blog. I'm very passionate about fashion, interior design, styling events, so even though I was thrown into it, it was the best thing that ever happened to me.
What Taryn says about style:
The most important part of an outfit is hands down the accessories. Accessories are what makes or breaks an outfit. I am all about accessories; it's what makes an outfit fun, interesting and appealing. It can dress an outfit up or it can dress an outfit down. My outfits change according to my mood. I can be boho chic one day and the next day look like I walked out of a European magazine with a blazer with trousers… it really depends on my mood and where I'm going.
I eventually want to get to the point where I blog full time; however, my schedule tends to be pretty crazy especially when life is lived between two different continents -- but that's my dream. My favorite part of blogging is definitely sharing my sense of style with everybody, which is something that's so unique to the individual. Any time anyone takes interest in my style and I can help to inspire them… Whether it's just through an outfit, a hair accessory... Whatever it may be, that's what ultimately makes me happy.
What Taryn would change about the blogger community:
I feel the worst part of about what I do, and it's hard to even say because I really thoroughly enjoy [blogging] but if I have to pick, it’d have to be being in front of a screen very often. I'm a really active person and I'm a big believer in meeting people face to face the more traditional way. This whole new era of meeting people through screens and constantly being in front of a screen especially for work, such as my blogging -- that's something that still to this day kind of gets to me. I sometimes have to take a bit of a break and step back because I'm trying to be more in the moment.
I'm originally from Tampa, Florida. After being brought up in Tampa my whole life and then moving to Norway for four years and then now being in Miami, this is a place I recently call home for sure. The one thing I love about Miami is definitely the mixture of people. The mixture of backgrounds and cultures. This is something so unique that you can't find anywhere else in the United States of America. Miami is definitely a place of its own; just mixed with such fun-loving, open people and yet everyone comes together and it makes for a great little city.
What Taryn would like to add to the Miami scene:
The one thing about Miami that I don't like is that for us having such a mixture of cultures -- if I'm being completely honest -- I feel Miami has this very standard styling, whether it be fashion or interior design. You can go anywhere in America and everybody knows what a typical Miami outfit or house may look like and I wish there was just a bit more variety when it comes to Miami and that's something I would really love to add to this market. My style can range anywhere from boho-chic to European and I think Miami could have a different take on style altogether.
For myself, I can honestly say [that it is not hard to stay grounded] because throughout my life I've been put in a lot of positions where someone may not remain or feel grounded at some point. However, I feel I've always been able to maintain some type of level head and I really do contribute that to growing up in a small town. I grew up in a small town an hour north of Tampa and the second I go back home to visit, it just brings you so back down to earth. I really don't think I would have it in me to not be grounded.
How Taryn stays above the pressure:
As a blogger, you definitely feel the pressure for sure; however, whenever I do start to feel that pressure, I really try to tend to take a step back and breathe and tell myself that I'm doing this because this is something that I'm passionate about and that I find fun in and whoever I can inspire through my own styling is good enough for me. If I'm never the top at my game, it doesn't matter. Remember that I'm doing this for fun and it's not all about likes and fame. You have to remember exactly why you got into this.
This would definitely be Natasha Oakley for sure. Laura Stone is another favorite of mine along with Negin Mirsalehi.
The advice Taryn gives to beginning bloggers:
I would definitely say to stay true to yourself. I really honestly feel that I could be further in the blogging world if I maybe wasn't so loyal to this one rule I have. It's not worth giving up my individuality for likes or followers. That rule is to stay true to yourself. Meaning, do not take on every paid collaboration just because it's a paid collaboration. Like myself, for instance, I do not work with a brand no matter how much money they are willing to pay me or product they are going to give me unless I truly stand behind it and it is something that I would wear. It does not matter how much money you offer me. Whatever I post is 100% what I stand behind and what I truly do use.
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