Taylor Long

Founder and CEO @ Nomads Swimwear

About

Taylor Long is the founder, designer, and CEO of Nomads Swimwear. She obtained her degree in Fashion Design from the University of Cincinnati's DAAP program. During her studies, she began working as a plus-size model. During her years as a model, Taylor has shot with major brands such as Target, Soma, and Beyond Yoga and modeled internationally in Australia. She quickly realized that fashion design schools generally do not teach or encourage students to design or pattern for plus-size bodies, even though the average American woman is size 18-20. During the early stages of her modeling career, she also noticed the direct correlation between the lack of inclusive design education and how it led to mediocre plus-size offerings and, in some cases, no offerings. For swimwear bookings, Taylor modeled dated and modest suits made of polluting fabrics. For her UC senior capstone project, she designed swimwear that was everything she didn't see on the market - luxe, size-inclusive, sustainable, and timeless. With the overwhelming positive feedback from the collection, Taylor launched Nomads Swimwear right out of college. Driven by Taylor's creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, Nomads Swimwear has quickly become a standout brand in the size-inclusive swim space. Since its launch in July 2020, the brand has been featured by prestigious publications such as Forbes, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, and Business Insider. Its luxurious pieces and unique design aesthetic have caught the eye of major retailers like Anthropologie and Shopbop and set a new standard for size-inclusive, sustainable fashion. Nomads' pieces, made in small batches using cutting-edge biodegradable and compostable fabrics, have received widespread acclaim. Taylor's accolades include landing a spot in Andreessen Horowitz's coveted A16Z Talent X Opportunity accelerator and the LinkedIn accelerator program, the AMEX100for100 program, and receiving numerous grants.

Country

United States

City

Los Angeles

Industry

Apparel & Fashion

Skill

Fashion Design, Social Media Marketing, Trend Analysis, Sewing, Fashion, Marketing, Sales, Modeling, Microsoft Office, YouTube, Adobe Creative Suite, Instagram, Customer Service, Telephone Skills, Leadership, Time Management, Communication, Personal Styling, Pattern Making, Styling

Experience

Founder and CEO

Nomads Swimwear

2019-7 - Present · 7 yrs 3 mos

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Nomads is a Black woman-owned swimwear brand based in Atlanta, GA, creating sustainable, destination-inspired, size-inclusive swim and resort wear for sizes XS-5X. Since our launch in July 2020, we've been featured by Forbes, Harper’s Bazaar, Essence, and Instyle and have become a breakout brand in the contemporary, size-inclusive swim space.

Plus-Size Model

Ursula Wiedmann Models & Talent

2017-2 - Present · 9 yrs 8 mos

Greater Atlanta Area

Model for brands such as: Rue La La, Rue 107, Bustle, Beall’s, etc. Shoot E-Commerce and Editorial. Complete test shoots to keep book/portfolio up to date. Maintain great, professional relationships with clients.

Plus-Size Model

Option 1 Models & Artists

2018-10 - 2023-7 · 4 yrs 10 mos

Greater Chicago Area

Model for brands such as: Target, Soma, Jockey, etc. Shoot E-Commerce and Editorial. Maintain great, professional relationships with clients.

Fashion Design Intern (Red Carter & Dolce Vita Sport's Wear)

Amerex Group LLC

2016-8 - 2016-12 · 5 mos

Greater New York City Area

Sketch ideas to then be made into tech packs and sampled for the upcoming assortment. Source fabrics and trims for upcoming assortments. Create CADS, tech packs, and line sheets. Update tech packs, and measure and organize samples. Assist with fittings. Discover inspiration for upcoming collections.

Design and Merchandising Intern

Donna Salyers Fabulous-Furs

2016-1 - 2016-4 · 4 mos

Covington,KY

Assist the design and merchandising team make patterns and tech packs, measure and organize samples. Contribute in style-out meetings and help style and assemble looks for catalogue photo-shoots, as well as provide makeup and hair touchups to models. Create trend analysis presentations and trim cards. Sketch ideas to then be made into tech packs and sampled for the upcoming assortment.

Personal Stylist

Nordstrom

2014-7 - 2016-2 · 1 yr 8 mos

Cincinnati,OH

Use directive selling skills through cross, team and on-line selling to promote key items, latest trends, new arrivals and replenishment basics. Build lasting relationships with customers by helping them build a wardrobe that fits their lifestyle. Also contacting them to follow up on purchases, suggest new merchandise and invite them to upcoming events. Demonstrate leadership in home based department while selling throughout the entire store Set and achieve personal daily, monthly, yearly and special event goals.