Written by Tanisha Taylor, Financial & Life Coach
Tanisha Taylor is an inspirational leader in financial, life, and ministry wellness. Her journey, sparked by a childhood money encounter with her grandfather, has led her to a profound understanding of the impact of money on individuals' lives.
As we begin a new year, take a moment to discover who you are in a fun and playful way. It's the perfect time for joyful reflection. Imagine a day with yourself, free from all the titles and descriptions of what you do and who you are to other people. Who are you? I can't wait to see what you discover. Okay, I’ll go first: Who is Tanisha Taylor?
I'm just a fun-loving woman with a youthful personality who enjoys every day. It's a Thursday afternoon, and I'm on my way to volunteer. Volunteer work is one of my favorite things to do. I'm a mentor for the Value in Action program, where I help senior class students with workforce initiatives. This week, my mentor assignment paired me with two outstanding John Marshall High School students. The project for the day was to listen to and evaluate their "Who Am I?" presentations.
The two students impressed me with their thoughtful reflections on who they were and what they aspired to become. It was such a beautiful experience to see the time and effort they put into understanding who they are and why. On my ride home, my mind raced with that question: Who are you? Why was it so easy for the youthful students to articulate their thoughts in their presentations?
I decided to reach out to Ariana de Rel to help write the narrative. She owns the Write My Life business, which made perfect sense. We met at one of my favorite places in my hometown, Twinsburg, at On the Square Nutrition. After eating my favorite protein waffles topped with bananas, strawberries, and a drizzle of chocolate and caramel, I was ready to talk.
The joyful light: A narrative profile of Tanisha Taylor
From the moment you meet Tanisha Taylor, you are captivated by her ability to light up a room, not just with her laughter but with an undeniable sense of purpose and joy. She carries a vibrant energy that leaves people saying, "It was just nice to be with her." For Tanisha, this is no accident. "I think that when people are in your space, you should create a joy or a pleasurable moment," she says. "Not a fake feeling, but just like a good feeling. I love when people say they felt good being in my presence." Tanisha explains that this is deeply rooted in her faith. "We are ambassadors of God's love," she says. "People should be left with a feeling that makes them want to connect with faith, beliefs, and joy."
A life fueled by joy and connection
Tanisha's passion for bringing joy into the lives of others extends to her community work, her relationships, and even her hobbies. Whether working out in a group fitness class or volunteering in her many roles, she thrives on the energy of others. "I love people," she says. "I get energy from them. If I had to choose between being alone or being with others, it's always with people. I love team environments and being a leader that naturally happens to me." Tanisha attributes some of this natural leadership to being the eldest child, a role that taught her responsibility for her younger siblings and the importance of guiding others.
Anchored in faith
Central to Tanisha's life is her faith, a cornerstone that has guided her since she accepted Christ at a young age. By her late teens, she began to grasp the depth of her belief. "Around 16 or 17, it connected for me," she recalls. "It was like, wow, this Christianity thing is real." That steady faith has remained constant, shaping her motivations and approaches to life. Tanisha's faith inspires her desire to help others. "What motivates me is helping people. When I hear someone's goals or dreams, I get so excited like it's my own," she says. Whether it's a new project or seeing a dream fulfilled, Tanisha finds joy in the process and purpose in the outcome.
Beyond the pursuit of money
Though Tanisha has spent much of her career in financial spaces, working in many banking and financial industry roles, she quickly notes that money has never been her primary motivator. Instead, she's driven by impact and achievement. "Money has never really driven me," she shares. "I wake up and think about impact and purpose. Your name means something, and you start to see its importance as you age. I want my name to represent joy, love, and tenacity."
Laugh out loud
If Tanisha could imagine a day with herself, she would choose the funny and playful version of herself. It's her love language to laugh and bring joy to people. Differences between people don't matter. We have a common universal language in laughter. Laughter creates instant bonds, dissolving language, culture, and age barriers. A shared laugh can spark lifelong connections and memories. She has many stories that will make you laugh. She thinks of laughter as your soul's sunshine. Let it light up your life, whether it's a deep belly laugh or a gentle giggle; every laugh is a celebration of life. So laugh freely, laugh loudly, and never stop searching for joy in every moment. Watch YouTube here.
Praise with a joyful noise
As she laughs, you can hear the music in her heart. Do you hear that sound? She loves to worship and praise the Lord. With a big smile, she states, "It's the best part of who I am." She learned this at a young age and carried it into her fifties. Good praise makes a difference. Her love for music brightens her mood, and it's my happy place. Watch YouTube here.
Safe place home and privacy
She believes in the old-school mindset of privacy and safety in the family. She is a wife with children, a grandchild, parents, and brothers. She believes in private life, and it has been a challenge to share private moments in social spaces, but it's a work in progress. She loves her family and wants them always to be safe and to find safety in their relationship with her. She laughs at the moments they share.
Advice to her younger self
If Tanisha could advise her younger self, it would be to embrace creativity and playfulness. "I was such a planner," she reflects. "Everything was calculated and planned, and I think I missed moments to be playful and creative. Now I see that great things come out of play and imagination." She's passionate about helping young people see the value of joy and imagination. "Don't lose your childlike nature," she advises. That's what brings happiness and creativity. Your imagination and dreams are gifts from God to do great things."
A vision beyond herself
As Tanisha grows, she's increasingly aware of the larger world and her place in it. "I'm starting to see God's world," she says. "It's so much bigger than the small spaces we occupy. I want to see and experience that beauty and not limit myself to where I've come from." For Tanisha, the journey is about more than personal growth. It's about leaving a legacy of joy, faith, and purpose, a life well-lived that inspires others to do the same. She said, "When people see the name Tanisha Taylor, I want them to think she was a child of God, a believer, and she treated everyone with love and kindness." This is Tanisha Taylor: a woman whose light shines brightly, whose faith guides her path, and whose joy is a gift to all who meet her.
Tanisha Taylor, Financial & Life Coach
Tanisha Taylor is an inspirational leader in financial, life, and ministry wellness. Her journey, sparked by a childhood money encounter with her grandfather, has led her to a profound understanding of the impact of money on individuals' lives. Her mission, 'Control your money relationship, 'is a testament to her dedication to helping others create healthy and sustainable relationships with money and business.
