Taylor Custer Crosby – 20 Under 40

Women’s Business Council – Southwest
38 | Education: SMU

Taylor Custer Crosby uses her marketing experience to help connect women business owners to government and corporate supply chain opportunities.

Custer Crosby started her career at a marketing agency and went on to work for education technology start-up companies Study Island and OrgSync.

“I find it really fulfilling to be around entrepreneurial women and to watch their businesses grow. We have women business owners in all different industries from start-ups to $50 million-plus businesses,” she said. “I also really enjoy working with our corporate members from the major corporations headquartered in DFW. Now in my executive director of marketing position, I really enjoy having a say in the future direction and strategy of the council.”

As a creative outlet, Custer Crosby has made and sold jewelry since 2010. She started selling her earrings, necklaces, and bracelets on Etsy, then craft markets and local boutiques. Find her Taylor Custer Jewelry on Instagram, at Mosaic Makers Collective in Bishop Arts and the Galleria, and Marie Gregory in McKinney.

The Preston Hollow native gives back to the community as a member of the Junior League of Dallas and the board of the University Park Preschool Association. She volunteers at the Rise School, which serves children ages 6 months to 6 years with and without disabilities.

Toughest business/personal challenge:

I think it’s always tough to manage home and work life. When my daughter was born, I was very overwhelmed by this, as most first-time moms are. I really think employers and society-at-large need to provide more support for working moms. This would help to keep more women in the job market. I think there are a lot of women out there who would like to continue working, but when the support isn’t there, and employers aren’t flexible, it takes their skills and talent out of the workforce.

What would you tell an 18-year-old you?

Don’t be afraid to share your opinion and speak up. People would much rather hear an opinion than hear silence.

Fun fact that someone wouldn’t know about you?

I used to work at a summer camp in high school, teaching kids to water ski.

I also love photography and was the winner of a People Newspapers photography contest back in 1995 or 1996.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

My first job was babysitting which I did from the time I was in middle school. In high school, I also worked at a summer camp at Cedar Creek Lake. We primarily taught kids to water ski along with sailing, canoeing, archery, and team building. My first jobs were all related to childcare, which taught me a lot of patience and how to effectively communicate with others. At the summer camp, we also learned how to build children’s self-esteem through activities.

Where do you see yourself and/or your career 10 years from now?

 It feels like 10 years is both very far away and not too far away. In ten years, I hope that I am leading a marketing team, watching my daughter achieve her goals in sports/activities and school, and traveling the globe with my friends and family.

Which leadership skills were the most challenging for you to develop and why?

Voicing my opinions. One of my talents is harmony, which in a negative sense can prevent me from voicing my true opinion. I’ve learned ways to do this that are productive and to not just stay silent for the sake of keeping the harmony.

If you could buy a book (or rent a movie) for your neighbor, what would it be and why?

 I would give a neighbor The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. I love reading historical fiction and this book is set in Texas during the dust bowl and great depression. It’s such an important part of Texas history and one that I didn’t remember spending a lot of time on in school. It also spoke to me about survival and the human spirit.

What is your favorite local store?

I love Gemma Collection in Snider Plaza for jewelry and Hip Hip Hooray for children’s clothing. Bubba’s has been a lifelong favorite since I was really young. Also, Short Stop for sandwiches.  

How do you motivate others?

I think in order to motivate others, you have to first know what motivates them. I also try to connect with the people that report to me on both a professional and personal level. Knowing what they really care about, different causes can help to know how to motivate them.

What’s on your bucket list?

Traveling to all 7 continents, I only have 3 more to go. I would also like to visit all of the national parks. I have a plan this year to visit a few with my daughter, sister-in-law, and niece.