By Cecily Jackson
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Tayler Person sells swimsuits, collects business suits for domestic violence victims, interns at NASA and keeps a busy schedule as a sophomore at Towson University.
“It’s hard balancing everything but this is when time management is key,” said Person, taking a break for an interview at the University Union. “I used to play volleyball for most of my life so I always had to have time management. So, this is like kicking it into overdrive.”
“I learned that some things I will just have to say ‘no’ to and, it helps that I set reminders on my phone for when I need to get certain things done by,” she explained.
A native of the African-American, middle-class suburban community of Glenarden in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Persons said she enjoys her time at Towson. She selected Mass Communication for a major while embracing entrepreneurship.
“It was between the University of Maryland and Towson University but I felt that Towson was a better fit for me because of the great Mass Communication program that they have,” said Person, a graduate of Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville.
At Towson, Person got involved with collecting business attire for domestic violence victims. What piqued her interest were the stories of people she knew who were involved in domestic violence. She attended events on campus about this issue and found herself wanting to “really do something to help.”
The clothing drive she developed is called Suits for Survivors.
“Suits and business casual clothing were overlooked when it came to providing things for domestic violence survivors,” an observation that Person said she realized while attending the many events on the issue.
Flyers promoting the clothing drive decorate the campus, especially around the University Union. She also has donation boxes in key places for students to fill. And, Person said she uses such Social Media platforms as Instagram and Twitter to promote the effort.
The goal is to collect suits and business casual clothing that are either new or gently worn, items that are usable for other people to wear. Once a box is full, Person said she personally takes the items to the House of Ruth, which is a Social Service organization in Baltimore, or to the domestic violence ministry at First Baptist Church of Glenarden, in Kettering. While she tries to donate the suits as often as once a month, Person admitted that some months are more successful than others.
In addition to the clothing drive, Persons said she operates her own swimwear store called Hayley’s Collection that’s advertised through @hayleys_collection on Instagram. Persons started the venture in early May after being inspired by Hayley Johnson, a young girl who suffers from a genetic condition known as Trisomy 18. A percentage of the profits is donated to a child with Trisomy 18.
All the swimsuits are bought wholesale and Persons sells them for $30 to $40; beach towels are $50.
Persons also works as a mentor for Students Achieve Goals Through Education, a mentoring program that works with freshman and transfer students. In addition, she leads CAB Marketing, which is the Campus Activities Board at Towson, and is a member of Venture for Entrepreneurship. VFE is a Towson community for entrepreneurs who wants to connect with each other and network.
At NASA, Person is a paid marketing intern. Her mother helped her secure the position in the Human Resources Department.
Tammie King-Kelly, who is the coordinator for Students Achieve Goals Through Education, describes Person’s maturity.
“Watching her grow from being a freshman to her sophomore year, she has accomplished so much,” said King-Kelly. “She was able to attend a Fortune 500 type of conference last fall in Detroit where she was able to showcase her talents and listen to famous speakers who are successful in their career such as Serena Williams and Kevin Durant.”
SAGTE mentor Maya Jenkins added, “Since working with her in college, I have seen her begin to stand out amongst her peers and show strong leadership. She does really great work on and off campus and is a great role model.”