Taylor Tookes: Inside the Quest to Break Barriers and Redefine Petite Representation in Fashion

As a part of our series about pop culture’s rising stars, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Taylor Tookes.

Taylor Tookes is best known as a model that is breaking barriers within the fashion industry. Not letting her height stand in her way, she became the first short model to grace the cover of a high fashion magazine in March 2024 when she appeared on the cover of Instyle Magazine and she is the first petite black model to walk in New York Fashion Week. Discovered by the CEO of Glamnetic just 2 short years ago, Taylor has catapulted to the top of the fashion industry. Since then, she has been part of campaigns for Palladio Beauty, Fresh Print T Shirt, Love Your Melon, Bloomingdales Coomi, and Walmart. In addition, Taylor has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Marie Claire as a model in NYFW. She has graced the runways of New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Orlando. Very passionate about diversity and inclusivity in the fashion world, Taylor is an advocate for petite models and has started an Instagram based campaign called Height Revolution. A world music and language nerd, she speaks Korean, English, and Spanish and is learning Italian and Hindi. When not working, Taylor enjoys listening to music and can name at least one song from every country in existence.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

Thank you for having me. :) I grew up in Miami in a heavily religious household. I did not feel as if I could speak up and use my voice due to the trauma I’ve endured from that but modeling and fighting for models like me has definitely helped me find my voice.

Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?

I think seeing how hypocritical the fashion industry was definitely a big thing for me. It was always “diversity! Inclusion! We stand with everyone!” but not enough showcasing it. In fact, I’ve never seen any short model make it big, especially when it comes to a short model who is a person of color. It’s as if they refuse to give us a chance and seeing that only made me want to fight for girls like me even more, as well as demand and create a space for short women in fashion.

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

Probably making history as one of the first short models to walk in NYFW. Going into it, I had no idea that would happen. I had no idea I would be modeling for a petite brand either… I had no clue that even existed, but I’m glad I know now! After the show, they pulled me and 4 other models aside and told us “You guys just made history!” and I was absolutely over the moon.

It has been said that mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Not sure if this is funny but I guess I can look back at this now and laugh. But I remember paying an “agency” to represent me when that’s not what you’re supposed to do at all… I had no clue, so my parents ended up paying that agency like $3k a year to keep me signed. I had no clue they were a scam. So yeah, lesson learned. Don’t pay these people to represent you! They’re supposed to earn money from your bookings!

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

I can’t say anything just yet (Aaaa it’s killing me!!) but I’m working with pretty rad magazines who are very well known. You’ll see me on the cover soon, just as you’ll see me doing international fashion weeks next season too!

As a rising star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated and overcome obstacles in your career?

To be so real with you, just knowing exactly what I want keeps me motivated. I don’t mind obstacles because I have tunnel vision. If an obstacle comes up, I kind of just push past it like it never happened in the first place. Knowing what your ultimate goal is helps because — you can’t fail yourself and just stop so suddenly. You have to actually reach that goal. You’ll be so proud of yourself when you do.

We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?

Me too! I am ALSO very interested, and I love this question! For one, I think we need to come to terms with the fact that this world is so diverse. It’s not fit for just this person who is this size or that person with that color hair. There’s a variety of people — 8 billion and none are the same — so I think that’s what should be shown to us! That brings me to my second reason — people have every right to see someone like them on the big screen, in the stores, on the billboards. Why shouldn’t they? They exist, don’t they? I want people to know that someone like them is out there, they exist, and they can make it too. I also believe it can inspire someone to see someone else just like them. Like for me, I always get these sweet messages from my followers telling me they never knew high fashion modeling was possible for someone like them (someone who is 5’1) because the fashion industry looks down on and excludes those who are not at least 5’9 and up. I was once approached by a girl who quit modeling because the industry made her feel so insecure about her height, but she started again once she found out there is a community of petite models, now fighting for our spot at the table. We exist!! You never know who you may inspire.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?

1. Always bring your own shoes! I think any model will agree. We get asked for our shoe size ahead of time, but our shoe size is never present. There are cases where models have to learn to walk in smaller size shoes or bigger size shoes and sometimes, we may end up falling on the runway or we get told we walk “too stiff”. So, it’s always good to go with the basics and bring your own shoes that can match with anything. Preferably black and nude shoes!! Always!

2. For black models, always bring your own shade of foundation. This part of diversity and inclusion is something that really needs to be addressed once and for all in the industry. But for some reason, it’s either a hit or miss when it comes to matching our skin tone. Usually a miss, which is sad because it’s 2024! But oftentimes, models will be told to bring their own foundation or come with their foundation base already on. It shouldn’t have to be this way but bring your own foundation to be safe!!

3. Always bring a snack on set! Set hours are usually really long. Sometimes they’ll feed you but maybe it’ll be something you can’t have like pizza or fried chicken. Or sometimes there are so many people on set that there is no food left! So, bring your own snack just in case you go over your scheduled time.

4. Never pay any agency to represent you! If an agency asks you for money up front, they are not legit! There are so many amazing agencies out there who don’t do this. Which just means they’re legit.

5. Don’t be afraid to talk to people backstage! It can be intimidating to talk to others first, especially if you’re shy or it seems like they all know each other already. But from my experience, no one is going to tell you to shut up or leave them alone! Some of the coolest people I’ve met have been people I’ve met on set. So definitely start a conversation with someone. It could blossom into a life-long friendship.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

Definitely take breaks when needed. You don’t have to work 24/7 (this is something I am still coming to terms with and can’t quite help haha) but it’s okay to take breaks.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

I would have to say my own movement, Height Revolution. I started Height Revolution with Marissa Rose, who is actually a 4’11 petite model and one of the girls I made history with in NYFW in 2022! We basically created Height Revolution to demand our spot in the industry. We are always down to call out anything hypocritical in the fashion industry regarding the diversity claims and of course, we want to inspire and empower other short girls too. Overall, we want people to know that short models are here to stay, and we deserve a spot in the industry too! Because short girls exist and don’t walk around naked so we need clothes & representation too!

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

My parents for sure. If it weren’t for them, I would probably still be trying to reach my dreams. They’ve made a ton of sacrifices to help me out in the beginning of my career — financially and timewise. My mom was the one who really introduced me to modeling by putting me in a runway class when I was 12. My dad is one of my biggest cheerleaders who gets overly excited when I tell him about something new I’ve accomplished. I am very grateful that they support what I’m doing. I would not be here chatting with you now if it had not been for my parents’ role in my career.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“You are who you assume you are.” This has helped me so much and I think it’ll help others too. Instead of seeing yourself as someone who always fails and can never and will never be able to accomplish their dreams, try seeing yourself as that person who has already accomplished what you want. Or at least see yourself as the person who WILL without a doubt. I think mindset is everything and I think that is the biggest thing that determines whether or not you’ll be successful.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

Oh my god, TAMRON HALL! I will try not to nerd out with this answer, but I LOVE her. I’m a talk show girly and I literally grew up watching The View, The Ellen Show, Wendy Williams… I would come home from school and sit in my grandma’s living room and just take it all in. Talk shows are like a comfort thing for me and I just love that type of stuff so much. Tamron Hall is my favorite talk show. When I watch her show, it feels like I’m chatting with an older friend. She’s so personable and warm — I just love her!!

How can our readers follow you online?

You can follow my journey on Instagram at @taytookes

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!

About The Interviewer: Eden Gold, is a youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of the online program Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast. Being America’s rising force for positive change, Eden is a catalyst for change in shaping the future of education. With a lifelong mission of impacting the lives of 1 billion young adults, Eden serves as a practical guide, aiding young adults in honing their self-confidence, challenging societal conventions, and crafting a strategic roadmap towards the fulfilling lives they envision.

Do you need a dynamic speaker, or want to learn more about Eden’s programs? Click here: https://bit.ly/EdenGold