How Entrepreneur and TikTok Phenomenon Taylor Rousseau Built Her Empire
Taylor Rousseau, best known by the handle @itstaylorrousseau on TikTok, is a woman who sees what she wants and goes after it.
In addition to amassing a million followers on the platform with her creative and relatable content, she's also an entrepreneur who owns the fashion brand Geaux Savauge, an online lash boutique called Wild Lashes and even a mobile bar in Texas. Essentially, she dreams big dreams and makes all of them a reality, and we got the chance to chat with Taylor about how she does it all and how she got to where she is today.
Sweety High: What initially drew you to TikTok as a platform? Has the kind of content you post evolved and changed over time? In what ways?
Taylor Rousseau: Initially, TikTok pulled me in just like anyone else. It was the it app to have, and just like everyone else, I had to see it for myself. Then over time, I grew to love creating these videos, which should be no surprise, because I've always loved being in front of a camera.
My content has sort of grown and changed over time, only because the trends have changed. I started out doing POVs, which were originally what I was known for, and at the time was the on-trend thing. Not only did I enjoy the acting part of making those videos, but I liked the challenge of creating a story in 60 seconds. Now, although my content has changed a lot, I love throwing in a good POV here or there. My content now consists of fashion, lifestyle, vlogs and a little bit of beauty. My content consists of just a little bit of everything, shall we say!
@itstaylorrousseau##datenight 🤍🥂
SH: What was the first video you posted that made you realize you'd really taken off?
TR: My first-ever viral video was a transition makeup video. It only got 2 million views, but at that point, I had only been posting for maybe a week! That was the moment I thought, "Hey, maybe I can make a career out of this." That was probably about two years ago—if that!
SH: Did you ever imagine that you might gain a million followers? What do you think it is about you and your channel that's gotten you to this point?
TR: Honestly, no. I never thought I would be where I am today. I think multiple things played into getting me where I am today, God being at the top of that list. I truly 1000% would not be where I am today if it wasn't for the part that God played in it. He truly has blessed me in more ways than I can count. I think between that and all the things I've experienced and done in my short lifetime make me relatable. I keep my page real, authentic and, most importantly, me. I think people respect and love that. Because it's not very common nowadays! Oh, and let's not forget about the fashion videos. I would be lying if I said that a lot of my followers aren't here for fashion. We love that!
SH: You've also got your own clothing store, beauty store and a bar. How did you get into all of those ventures? How do you balance them all with being an influencer?
TR: I've known my whole life that I wanted to work for myself—make my own hours, be my own boss, take off when I want and, as a bonus, no one would get to tell me what to do or how to live my life. Ultimately, I make my own schedule and rules. With that kind of mentality, the options are endless and the sky's the limit.
I started all of my business simply by loving what I do and having a passion for it, and of course research—countless hours of research. Once my boutique got off the ground, I started the lash bar business. After that got off the ground, I moved on to the mobile bar business—and trust me when I say that won't be that last business by Tay! I seem to come up with more ideas every day about new businesses I could start, which is awesome, but it's become quite hard to manage all the ones I have now, with a little bit of trial and error. I'm starting to master the art of time management, which is the biggest key to running multiple businesses, creating content full-time and making time for a social life. Now that I've learned to-do lists are my best friend, that has changed my life tremendously. I cannot get through a week without them!
SH: What's the coolest thing you've been able to do because of TikTok?
TR: Truly the coolest thing I've been able to do because of TikTok is reach thousands of people. That is absolutely insane to me, and people take that for granted. I don't. My ultimate goal being on this platform is to help those women who need someone, to speak for those who don't have a voice and stand up for those who are afraid to stand up for themselves. If I can help or reach one person who needs it, that by far would be my greatest accomplishment!
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
TR: "You will know them by their fruits." (Matthew 7:16)
It is my ultimate goal in life to be known by others as a good, genuine, honest person who isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes in. At the end of the day, I want people to know me by my fruits. That is my main goal of being an influencer, and that will never change.
If you loved our interview with Taylor, be sure to also click HERE to read what Tyler Nolan had to say about TikTok (and his love for country music).