From the world’s iconic fashion runways to the covers of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, Taylor Hill is an American supermodel with more than 24 million Instagram followers. Hill was discovered at 14, marking the beginning of her meteoric rise in the fashion industry. She recounts her journey into the modeling world with nostalgia and gratitude. "I was scouted at a very young age, off to New York to start this exciting career path, and then signed with IMG. It's been a transformative 14 years, half of my life spent in the whirlwind of fashion," Hill described. Her exposure to diverse cultures and experience in the fast-paced fashion industry propelled her to start her own business.
Driven by her deep love and profound loss of her late labradoodle Tate, Hill entered the burgeoning pet industry as an entrepreneur. In loving memory of Tate, she founded Tate & Taylor, which aims to simplify the pet market by fostering a community for pet owners. This venture aims to enhance the lives of pet lovers, a mission that resonates with many.
The seed for Tate & Taylor was planted when Hill faced overwhelming choices and conflicting information upon entering the pet care arena with Tate. 'Walking into the pet industry felt like stepping into a storm of over $143 billion market size. It was vast but confusing, crowded yet isolating,' Hill reflected. This realization sparked her mission to create a more navigable space for pet owners, seeking to alleviate the stress and confusion in the existing market.
Hill's business strategy is to curate a holistic experience for pet owners. One of her primary goals is to promote ethical brands that align with her vision of quality and transparency. Among her top picks is, Floof, a science-driven dog grooming brand founded by Michael Kim. The brand specializes in dermatologist-tested products for sensitive pets. Another favorite is Springer, led by a female entrepreneur, which offers a unique, all-in-one water bottle that simplifies hydration for pets on the go.
Furthermore, the profound impact of her personal journey with her dog, Tate, particularly his battle with lymphoma, has shaped Hill's business ethos. This intimate experience revealed the harsh realities of pet healthcare, sparking her unwavering commitment to support related research and care initiatives. 'Witnessing my dog's illness firsthand opened my eyes to the dire lack of resources and support for pet owners facing medical crises,' Hill passionately shared.
Tate & Taylor actively supports the Buddy Fund at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, which assists pet owners in managing the costs of cancer treatment—a cause that deeply resonates with Hill and many others. Hill is also an ambassador for Animal Aid USA, which rescues and relocates animals from kill shelters to loving homes.
Hill envisions Tate & Taylor as a vibrant community platform where pet owners can share knowledge, access expert opinions, and discover safe and effective products for their beloved animals. By aligning her business with impactful causes, Hill sets a new standard for corporate responsibility in the pet industry, a vision that inspires hope for a more compassionate and informed pet community.
Taylor Hill's expansion from fashion icon to pet industry innovator showcases her dynamic personality and ability to thrive across diverse sectors. This evolution is a vivid example of how skills and insights from one professional arena can seamlessly pivot into entrepreneurial success in another. While continuing her successful modeling career, Hill is improving the pet industry and setting a trail for others to integrate their passions with purposeful business ventures. She exemplifies how dedication and a steadfast desire to make a significant impact can drive innovation and foster community building in any industry.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/angelachan/2024/05/13/supermodel-taylor-hill-ventures-into-the-pet-industry-with-tate-and-taylor/?sh=15c61f1d7221