Taye’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, family, and staying true to one’s vision. From a small town in North Carolina to carving out his path in the fast-paced entertainment industry, his story is filled with lessons on resilience, faith, and ambition.
Growing up in a close-knit family in North Carolina, Taye describes his childhood as “normal” but deeply impactful. “It was just me, my mom, and my younger sister. We were very close and protective of one another because it was always just us.” Despite having a large circle of friends and spending time with his cousins, Taye recalls preferring solitude. “I was a spoiled child with an interesting mouth,” he says with a laugh. “But I was always content being by myself, and that time helped shape me into who I am today.”
Even from a young age, Taye felt a pull toward something bigger. “North Carolina was too small for me,” he shares. “I knew my adult life would be in a major city, and I’d be working in the music industry.”
Taye credits his mom and grandparents for instilling in him the values that continue to guide him. “The love they gave me was all the motivation I needed. I strive to make them proud every day.” He also reflects on his first leadership role as a 4H teacher at the age of 18. “I had my own classroom, and those kids changed my outlook on so much without even knowing it. They’re all grown with families now, but they’ll never understand how much they impacted me as a young adult.”
The dream of working in entertainment was always in the back of his mind, but it wasn’t until Taye watched I Want to Work for Diddy that his vision became clear. “That show was a game-changer for me. I saw it and thought, ‘That’s what I want to do!’”
Breaking into the industry wasn’t easy. Social media was still in its infancy, and platforms like Myspace and Black Planet weren’t ideal for networking. “It was tough,” Taye recalls. “You couldn’t just reach out to people the way you can today. It took a lot of persistence to find the right connections.”
Once he got his foot in the door, Taye threw himself into learning everything he could. “The fast pace and excitement behind the scenes drew me in. I studied shows like I Want to Work for Diddy and even The Devil Wears Prada to prepare myself. Whenever I was around other assistants, I asked questions and soaked up as much knowledge as possible.”
Through the ups and downs, one of the most valuable lessons Taye has learned is to never take anything personally. “The entertainment industry is cutthroat. People will step on anyone to get ahead, even those they know and love. You have to stay grounded and focus on your own journey.”
Family remains at the heart of everything Taye does. As the backbone of his family, he takes pride in leading by example, even when life doesn’t always go as planned. “It means so much to me. I care deeply about how my family sees me. I’ve always done my part, even when it wasn’t easy.”
Balancing work and family has been a challenge, especially as a father and grandfather. “Schedules, flights, and long hours make it hard to always be there, but I make it happen whenever I can. I’m grateful my kids and grandkids understand.” The values he hopes to pass down to them are simple but profound: “Never give up on your dreams. Nothing is impossible if you stay focused and let God guide you.”
These days, Taye works as a Business Operations Supervisor for a vacation club and is building an adult entertainment company. “My motivation is creating an empire for my grandchildren. I want to leave something behind for them that lasts long after I’m gone.”
Despite his busy schedule, Taye has found a routine that keeps him grounded. “My day starts at 5 a.m. I’m at work by 7, hit the gym at 3:30, then go home to shower, eat, and rest. It’s a cycle, but it keeps me focused,” he shares with a smile.
When asked about staying motivated, Taye is clear: “It’s all about my determination to build financial wealth for my grandchildren. They’re my driving force every single day.”
As someone who’s learned the value of patience and persistence, Taye offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. “Everyone wants overnight success, but instant success doesn’t guarantee longevity. Focus on building something that lasts. Trust God’s timing and stay patient. The right doors will open when they’re meant to.”
Reflecting on what success means to him, Taye’s perspective has evolved over the years. “Success, to me, is having a healthy mind and body, a roof over your head, and being surrounded by people who love you. It’s about the little things that truly matter.”
If he could share one piece of wisdom with his younger self, it would be this: “Don’t rush anything. Learn to walk away from situations God is telling you to leave, and most importantly, love yourself.”
As for the legacy he hopes to leave behind, Taye’s focus is clear. “I want my family to be proud when they say my name. I want them to smile and know that everything I built was for them.”
Taye’s story is one of resilience, faith, and a commitment to building something meaningful. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about creating a legacy that inspires others to dream big and stay true to themselves.
