Anyone else insanely happy that scrunchies and hair turbans are very in right now? They are perfect for making your hair look done without requiring tons of effort which is completely my style. I was beyond excited to meet this month’s local Meet a Mom, Taylor Ard from East of These. East of These makes gorgeous hair turbans, scrunchies and accessories made locally in Lakeland. The vibe is fun, fashionable but most importantly made with a purpose. We spoke with Taylor about her amazing products, her family and her goals.
What is your name and what is your company’s name?
I’m Taylor Ard and I am the owner of East Of These. My business name is a play on words from the phrase in the Bible, “the least of these.” Although we primarily serve businesses, schools, and organizations with our services, we want the core of our business to be on a mission for serving those who are in great need within our community.
What is it that you do?
East Of These is an accessory apparel brand that designs, sources, and produces custom products while employing local recovering women
Tell us about your career.
I went to college in my hometown in Charleston, SC, and majored in Religion and Psychology. I was planning on going into the counseling field but decided that my passion to artistically create was what I felt led me to bring to the world. While I was pregnant with my children, someone gifted me a sewing machine. Learning this new skill was the perfect distraction for me during my very sick days of becoming a mommy.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is its bridge to my community. Creating custom products for my local clients is a way to celebrate our city. Bringing women in need to a place of connection with those in power to help and provide opportunities lights my heart on fire!
How do you juggle work with mommyhood?
I am still trying to figure this one out! I think being as organized as possible with my time is helpful. Setting appropriate boundaries internally and externally has been time-consuming on the front end, but overall pays off.
What’s your favorite thing to do with your family?
Our family loves being at home together! We love games over the dinner table. We also enjoy spending time with our community at Trinity Presbyterian Church
What do you love about living in Polk County?
Polk County has grown so much in the time that we have moved here! It is exciting to see our county grow and flourish!
What’s the best advice you have received?
The best advice I have received is to seek God’s purposes and direction for my life. With desiring this, I believe that all of the ups and downs of life can be used for my good and enables me to rest in the hope that my life is much bigger than my plans for it
You can purchase East of These products at Scout and Tag as well as on their Etsy site HERE.
You can purchase East of These products at Scout and Tag as well as on their Etsy site HERE.
Follow them on Instagram or Facebook by clicking below
