Kia Taylor shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Kia , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A “normal” day for me starts early, I’m up around 5:20 a.m., because before I design beautiful experiences for others, I need to set the tone for my own day. After school drop-off with my daughter, I usually hit the gym for an hour to clear my head and get my energy flowing.
Once I step into the Experience Center, the creative switch flips. My day can shift from walking clients through elegant setups to reviewing floor plans, coaching my team, or sketching design ideas for an upcoming wedding or corporate event. It’s a balance of strategy and sparkle, spreadsheets one minute, centerpieces the next!
Afternoons are usually reserved for meetings, brand development, and exploring collaborations with other small business owners. Evenings are my reset, I make time for family, gratitude, and a little journaling or quiet planning for the next day.
Every day is full, but it’s purpose-driven. I’m building something beautiful, not just visually but generationally — and that’s what keeps me excited to do it all over again tomorrow.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kia Taylor, and I’m the founder and creative director of Elegant Experiences, a luxury event design and décor company based in Randallstown, Md.
What makes Elegant Experiences special is that we don’t just decorate spaces , we transform energy. Every design tells a story, every event has intention, and every client leaves feeling seen and celebrated. Our motto is simple: we create experiences that feel as good as they look.
My journey started with a love for beauty and storytelling, and over time it’s evolved into building an ecosystem where creativity, business, and community meet. From working with local partners and fellow small business owners to mentoring young women who are stepping into entrepreneurship, I’m deeply passionate about using my platform to inspire and elevate others.
Right now, we’re expanding our brand, growing our event rental division, refining our Experience Center showroom, and collaborating with other creatives to bring luxury and authenticity into every celebration. For me, it’s not just about creating events; it’s about creating impact with elegance.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
God. Without question. Long before I had the confidence, the resources, or even the vision, God saw me clearly, every gift, every flaw, every purpose. There were seasons when I doubted myself or couldn’t quite see how the pieces of my life would come together, but He always could.
Even when I didn’t feel ready, He was already preparing me. Every challenge became a setup, every delay a lesson. The more I grew, the more I realized that God didn’t just see me, He called me. And every step of this journey, both personal and professional, has been about aligning with that calling and walking boldly in it.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell her, “You are not behind, you are becoming.”
Every storm that made you question your strength was actually shaping your purpose. Every delay was divine preparation. I’d remind her that it’s okay to rest, to cry, to outgrow people and places , because peace is part of the process too.
I’d tell her that one day, she’ll build a life that feels good on the inside and looks beautiful on the outside, and that she’ll inspire others just by showing up as herself. Keep your faith strong, your heart soft, and your standards high, God’s got you the entire way.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies our industry tells itself is that it has to be competition over collaboration. Somewhere along the line, we were made to believe that success is a solo sport, that sharing ideas, resources, or opportunities somehow diminishes our shine.
But the truth is, there’s strength in numbers. When creatives, planners, caterers, and designers come together, we elevate the entire experience, for our clients and for the culture. Collaboration allows us to dream bigger, learn faster, and build legacies that last longer.
I’ve learned that we don’t lose anything by helping each other win. In fact, that’s how we all grow.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. Because my “why” has never been about applause , it’s about assignment.
I’ve learned that true purpose doesn’t need an audience. When you understand that your work is ministry, not just business, you give your best because it honors God, not because it earns claps. The impact often happens in rooms you’ll never see and in hearts you’ll never meet.
If no one ever praised me, I’d still show up with excellence, because integrity, intention, and faith are their own rewards. The legacy I want to leave isn’t about recognition; it’s about reflection ? that when people experience my work, they feel God’s grace, love, and light through it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elegantexperiences.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/elegantexperiences
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/elegantexperiences
