LAUNCHING:
TAYLOR WEISS
Company:
Voice Box
THE BIG QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL TITLE?
Entrepreneur/student. Founder of Voice Box. My company, Voice Box, is based around empowering and encouraging women to use their voice and make waves in our current society. Our first pin "Janet" represents all of the strong and powerful women out there! 5% of the proceeds on all Janet merch goes to the ACLU/Planned Parenthood.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD AND WHAT CHANGED?
As a child, my interests varied and I wanted to be something new every week! I went from wanting to be a veterinarian to wanting to be a fashion stylist (that was my Rachel Zoe phase). As I got older, my interests changed and I moved towards movies and television. For a period of time I wanted to have a career in set design and decoration. As of now, I have no clue what my career will be, but it will definitely be something creative where I can express myself. My main goal is to continue participating in the feminist movement by either working or creating a company of my own.
WHAT ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE?
Right now I am still in college/university! In three years I will graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in marketing.
WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
The best career advice I have ever been given is to do what you love and to not rush into anything just because you may feel cornered, or obligated to.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY?
My role model is hands down Gloria Steinem. She is 83 years old and still fighting for equality. She is such an inspiration to me and so many others. Steinem is a journalist, feminist, reporter and activist. She has created two magazines and helped found the Women's Action Alliance as well as the National Women's Political Caucus. On top of that, she co-founded the Women's Media Center and was the president and co-founder of Voters for Choice. She continues to inspire women all around the world, including me!
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT?
The best thing about my current working environment is that I can work from home. I have an online store, so there isn't a strict schedule or "9-5". I am also able to connect with so many talented and creative people through my Instagram page.
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR DAILY WORK ROUTINE IF YOU COULD?
My daily work routine is very flexible. I'm in school for most of the day, so my work starts when I get home. My website and Instagram are my main "job". One part of my routine that I would love to change is the amount of time I spend focusing on the number of likes or comments I get on a post. I think it is very hard to not pay attention to your follower count.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PROFESSIONALLY IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?
In five years I'll be 23 and a college graduate. I hope to have a job working at a feminist brand or
company, working in their marketing department. Even better would be if I had my own feminist
company! In five years my goal is to have a career that takes part in making the world we live in a more equal and accepting place.
DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN BE THE SAME PERSON AT WORK AND IN PRIVATE?
Yes, I do.
WHERE AND IN WHAT ROLES ARE WOMEN IN THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AT YOUR COMPANY?
I don't work at a company, so there really aren't any women roles in leadership (except for myself). I do have to say at my university there are many amazing female professors!
DOES DIVERSITY MATTER TO YOU?
Yes, diversity is extremely important. It is vital for children to grow up feeling like they are represented in the world. In order to achieve this goal there needs to be diversity in every industry, from television all the way to the beauty industry.
HOW GOOD IS YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE?
I think my work life is balanced. I have a flexible schedule, where I can really focus and work on my own time.
WHAT QUALITIES DOES BEING IN YOUR ROLE NECESSITATE?
My business is really all up to me. I do everything, so I take on every role! My business requires me to be focused, creative and inventive. Having a business that is largely online based also requires you to have a tough skin. Everyone on the internet is not always warm and welcoming, so it's important to let things roll off your back.
ANY FINAL COMMENTS?
Never give up on your dream, because with a little bit of hard work, your dream can become a reality! Make your way over to: voiceeboxx.com