For once, the podcast heard the news before you guys did…
Spoiler Alert: I'm going to share it with you now too.
(there's actually two things I want to share with you)
So today's newsletter is a little outside of the norm–it doesn't include some wild unhinged story about sassy men spitting verses in saunas or my latest life download I have saving for you every week.
If it's your first time getting this newsletter 1) welcome 👋 and 2) you can always binge all past editions of the newsletter over on Substack here.
So, what's the news? 👀
Last month I made the downright decision to start a new business venture that has been taking up space in my brain since last fall.
This idea has popped into my mind on more than one occasion in the past 5 years. But after my identity crisis last summer (which has officially become a major milestone in my lifetime, like having a kid and getting engaged 😂), this idea presented itself again. And again. And again.
And this time, it feels right.
For the first time since this idea came to my mind, I finally feel capable of starting it–of launching and seeing it through with the skills, experience, and balls I've gained over the past 5 years to just go for it and do it extremely fucking well.
So here we are, First name / my friend.
I've owned and operated Chanel & Lee for nearly 5 years now, and I'm making the bold leap to start something new. And not just a new little side-hustle/passion project or a sub-brand of what already exists.
I'm starting a new business and I plan on making it bigger than anything I've ever done.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I'm starting an agency!!!!
That's right!!! A full-service brand and marketing agency.
I'm squealing. I wish words on a screen could accurately convey my excitement, but if they could it might look something like this…
I'm not going to write out all the why, and the how, and the path leading to in this newsletter, not today at least. However, if you're curious and want to know now, I dive into all of this in the most recent episode of Ironically Serious here.
But I do want to let you know that I'm taking you along for the ride as I bring this brand to life.
While I've announced this major step and have publicly committed to seeing it through… that's about all I know at this point. 🤣
Nothing else has been established yet.
And with good reason, you're probably thinking,
"Taylor, you just told us last week you're in a hustle season AND you're planning a wedding that's happening in 50 days, so how are you possibly launching a business now?”
To that I say touché LOL
However, this is all a CONCEPT. There's no agency name yet, no list of services, I don't even know when I'm opening the doors (although it will definitely be after April once the wedding is over).
But I know I'm not the only one who is always fascinated by brand creation and the thought process/ steps that go into launching a brand-spanking-new business from nothing.
So that's exactly what I'm doing–I'm documenting this business as it develops from the first stages to the opening launch, and I'm leaning on you for insights, opinions and feedback.
My goal is to create an agency for the people.
An agency that actually cares about your long-term success.
An agency that talks the talk AND walks the walk.
An agency that is run by someone who has been in your shoes.
An agency that serves with intention.
Not much is changing here, at Chanel & Lee that is, but you will definitely be hearing about the developments and (knowing me) there's bound to be some interesting takes along the way.
What you can expect is me sharing candidly and regularly on Instagram @chanelandlee and my podcast on every step in the process of bringing my agency to life.
(omg that's first time I ever typed ‘my agency’ and my heart just fluttered)
Which leads me to my next share that's a lot less sparkly than this one, but still just as cool:
Ironically Serious is back for a new season with the unhinged-solo episodes you know and love mixed with guest interviews with some of the most cool, powerful women running businesses and sharing their life stories.
Along with this fresh season, I just introduced a NEW mini-segment that will drop every single week 👇
Introducing: Straight Up–Biz Edition. Your no-bullshit guide to business savvy in 15 minutes or less. Unfiltered insights, real talk, and actionable advice to power your ambition, served neat. 🥃
My favorite part about this new segment? It's driven by your input. You can submit you business SOS questions and topics for discussion right here.
Every week I'll share a byte-sized episode you can listen to in the car, while you're working, during your workout, or whenever you have a quick 15-minutes to gain some chunks of knowledge.
First episode of Straight Up–Biz Edition drops next week 🙌
That wraps up today's newsletter, but if I could leave you with a little something to keep you thinking and fuel your motivation (as I always hope to do with Earn After Reading) here's one thing I've learned through the beautiful, scary journey of starting businesses you want to see succeed:
If you believe you can make it happen and you're willing to put in the work to see it through, it will happen. Period.
Hi, I'm Taylor Torres, accidental adulting expert and purveyor of all things unhinged. When I'm not navigating the rollercoaster of the real world, you can find me dishing out a weekly dose of humor, heart, and a dash of TMI right here in this little corner of the internet.
👉 Stalk Me (Digitally, Please):
Follow my life's unfiltered moments on Instagram @taytorres & @chanelandlee. Spoiler alert: It's not always pretty, but it's pretty entertaining.
Tune into my podcast, Ironically Serious, where I unravel life's wins and mess-ups, one episode at a time. It's like therapy but with more laughter and less couch.
Looking for strategies that break the mold? Visit my website at www.chanelandlee.com for business consulting that's as straightforward and impactful as my newsletter.
Love what you're reading? Become a subscriber and join a community that's just as wonderfully weird as you are.
💌 Holler at Me: Got a story wilder than mine? Challenge accepted. Email me at taylor@chanelandlee.com – I'm always down for a good ol’ jaw-drop.
P.S. Love this story and want to share the lesson with a friend?