Today we’d like to introduce you to Loryn Taylor.
Hi Loryn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My business journey officially started a little over a year ago, but looking back, I think the seed was planted way before I realized it. Growing up, one of my favorite things to do was visit little shops downtown and attend local markets and festivals. There was something so special and inspiring about seeing people do what they love instead of following a traditional 9-5. I would always joke and daydream with my mom about how fun that would be, but it felt like such a far fetched dream so I never took it seriously. Fast forward to early spring of 2022, I started to feel a little lost in my career path. I was just notified I’d be getting laid off from my job and spent the next few months unemployed before starting my current job in education. During that time, the thought would come back to me on and off, but I was very quick to dismiss it. It wasn’t until the summer of 2024 that I decided to take it seriously and I began quietly researching how to start a business. I had no idea where to begin or what kind of business I wanted and while I learned a lot online, I was so overwhelmed that I set the idea aside with no intention of going back to it anytime soon. On September 21, 2024, my mom dragged me to this event she saw on facebook, not knowing what it was or that I had been secretly doing research. The moment we got there, something clicked and it felt like instant confirmation that this is what I needed to do! For the first time, I confidently walked around not with a “maybe one day” mindset, but a clear “this will be me”. So I excitedly went home, reopened all those tabs and got to work! I remember staying up past sunrise every night for weeks developing my website, slogan, and logo, anything to make this a reality. I gradually started telling my close friends and family who were incredibly supportive, offering loving advice and feedback which really helped me get things together. In November, my dad had a friend offer me an online ad, which required my website to be active. I was nowhere near ready, but he helped me to realize that striving after perfection was impractical so despite feeling unprepared, I took a breath and clicked the button. My company Lo & Co. officially launched to the public on Thanksgiving night, 2024! It was a slow start and over the next few months, I felt discouraged. My friends and family were my only orders and for a while I thought I made a huge mistake. It wasn’t until June of 2025 that I did my first event. My grandma saw a flyer for a Juneteenth celebration so I emailed last minute and was surprisingly accepted as a vendor. That market was a huge turning point for me, it’s where I began to see all the hard work and sleepless nights pay off! Running a business in person is such a different experience than selling online. I am now 8 markets in and booked every weekend through the rest of the year! I am the happiest I’ve been in a long time and every market I attend, meeting new people and exploring new places, reminds me exactly why I started this journey in the first place.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has definitely had some bumps in the road. I always heard people say that starting or running a business is hard, but no one ever explains just how hard it can be. I never realized how many roles I’d have to take on…owner, manager, photographer, model, editor, coordinator, the list goes on and on. I also didn’t account for the stress that came along with looking at numbers and data, managing social media, trying to raise brand awareness, balancing long days and nights all while maintaining my regular job. It has been challenging, but I am learning to take things one step at a time, and celebrate the small wins along the way. With the help of my Faith, family and friends, I have made it through every hard day so far and every obstacle has shaped both me and my business into who we are today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Lo & Co. ?
My business, Lo & Co. is an online boutique. We offer a range of women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories and home goods – all at affordable prices. I personally curate or make all the pieces I sell, going for things that are cute and fun yet modest and comfortable. I love accessorizing and feeling confident in what I wear, but I know how expensive that can be. The goal of my shop is to make it easier for others to experience that same feeling without breaking the bank. Something that sets my business apart from other boutiques is the attention I put into every piece I have and every customer I come in contact with. Whether I’m creating outfits, styling my pieces for photos, or talking with people at markets, I love making each shopping experience feel both personal and special. I am most proud of how I built my company from the ground up and got it to a place where I can feel content but also strive for growth. Above all, I want readers to know that my brand isn’t just about products, but celebrating everyday confidence and creativity by helping people look and feel their best in an accessible way.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I first and foremost give credit to God who has guided me through every decision, milestone and challenge. I am quite literally ‘living on a prayer’ and would not be where I am without a firm foundation. Up next, I give credit to my mom, dad, stepdad and grandma who have selflessly been there for me, supporting and cheering me on. And lastly my friend April. I went to her when I was ready to give up, feeling like I was in too deep. She told me to finish what I started and those words have stuck with me ever since.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shop-loandco.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/shop_loandco
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/shoploandco
