Hope Road

Imagine my delight a few months ago when I stumbled across the modest, trendy stylings of a brand-new clothing company, Christa Taylor. Their purpose is to promote “empowered traditionalism.” I have really enjoyed reading the site’s blog, too, written by Christa herself. It wasn’t until recently, when I joined the Facebook group and added Christa as a friend (per her request of her blog readers), that I realized how young she is - 20, almost a year younger than I am! And she is already the founder and owner of her own revolutionary company.

It was Christa who inspired me to begin this category on “Young Women to Watch.” Not only is she trying to set a new standard and provide new choices in fashion, but she is focused on more than clothing and outward beauty - at least 30% of all her company’s profits go to poverty and social justice causes; right now, focused on a specific orphanage in Cambodia.

To help you get to know her a little better, I asked Christa if she would be willing to answer a couple of questions for me, and she was kind enough to do so. Here are her answers:

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How does your faith in Christ influence your purpose and goals with Christa Taylor fashion?

I’m a Christian, who just happens to be a fashion designer. Hence, my desire to serve and honor Christ influences my vision for the company and the clothes. It’s an inseparable part of me, the way I think, the way I dream.

How have you been able to accomplish starting your own very unique fashion company at such a young age?

My parents are amazing, they have instilled within their children a drive to “change the world.” I come from a long line of entrepreneurs, so it was fairly natural to want to use business and fashion to accomplish that goal. There is a lot of responsibility, and pressure, at times, but I have many wise counselers and encouragers. It has been through their assistance that I have come thus far.

It’s all about harnessing the energy and drive of the young, with the wisdom and experience of the old.

What advice would you give to other young women regarding pursuing their dreams and passions?

I would give an encouragement and a caution. The Lord never gives us conflicting obligations. Meaning, He won’t ask us to do things that conflict with one another. If you have a passion for a certain project or mission, by all means - pursue that; write that book, start that home business, be the change. But remember, as women, our greatest call is to be a helper, we are most fulfilled there. If there comes a time when you have to change your mission to that of your husband’s, be prepared to let go.

YES, dream - YES take the baby steps necessary to climb the mountain, but in all your dreaming and the projects that come out of it - don’t forget your greatest mission possible.

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Wow! Thanks so much for sharing these answers, Christa. I hope that you, my readers, glean some insight from her words, and most of all from her devotion to Christ, as I have. And be sure to check out her site. Another “Young Woman to Watch” is coming, hopefully in the near future!

Filed under: Biblical Femininity on November 19th, 2007