“There are many women and men who I look to for guiding examples, from their stern business savvy to their emotional intelligence; I am always learning.”

Katerina Taylor

President and CEO. DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. Kansas City Kansas. Texas Wesleyan University/ Argosy University. BBA Marketing/MBA Finance. United Way, New Life Church

Who are your biggest influencers & mentors personally & professionally and explain why? My mother because she taught me everything I know, including how to make people feel welcomed and being sarcastic! (personally)

Juanita Baranco because she is a fierce business woman, and you notice her femininity and beauty, but you know she’s much more than that. You can’t help but know. (professionally)

There are many women and men who I look to for guiding examples, from their stern business savvy to their emotional intelligence; I am always learning.

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3 things that we should know about you? I don’t take myself too seriously and neither should you.

I love great clothes, shoes and handbags but I’m pretty frugal when it comes to everything else. However, I’m a good tipper and proud of it. Service based business employees work hard and it’s important for us to recognize that. I always have a song ready if anyone pulls out a karaoke machine. I guess that is more of an example of me not taking myself seriously, so I’ll say I am huge Warren Buffet fan.

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Slim Studio, Atlanta’s Premier CoolSculpting Center, provides CoolSculpting procedures with superior results, delivered by medical professionals with concierge service.

What fuels your drive? My family, my sisters and nieces and my dad’s legacy. My dad started a business and which turned into several businesses which resulted in changing and impacting an entire community. I am not sure my reach will ever be as wide as his but I strive to try.

What exciting project are you working on? I am still working on my CEO Lipstick line as well as my partnership with Kendria Taylor on our Indigenous Blackgirl line, a celebration of our Native American Heritage.

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Double Board-Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Larsen, established Buckhead Plastic Surgery as a boutique practice to offer world-class, personalized service to women and men throughout the Southeast. Dr. Larsen’s compassion and talent are complemented by his elite training with some of the nation’s finest plastic surgeons.

Books you've enjoyed and what's the takeaway from that book? The Memo by John Hope Bryant and it’s about Capitalism and Socialism. A great read and it’s for everybody to read. It is helping me take a look at the actual way I view myself in the world’s economy. Not just me but my family and legacy.

What's been your most successful approach in building business relationships? I really try and answer every call and text message but that is challenging. So making sure I am connecting with people even on social media to send a note of congrats or a note of thanks is important. Sometimes a cocktail is necessary.

LUX Med Spa enjoys a reputation for providing a range of aesthetic services in an environment that’s both warm and professional. We offer state-of-the-art, nonsurgical cosmetic treatments provided by a team of medical and aesthetic specialists.

What are the lessons you've gained that have profoundly shifted your direction in business? Self-care is also a part of my job, because it that doesn’t happen my entire body of work will likely be average. I’m not average so I have to make sure I am always running at 100%. That’s hard to do so sleeping well and eating right has to be a priority.

Sugarcoat values cleanliness and is committed to elevating the industry’s standard level of cleanliness and sterilization to provide our clients with an unparalleled experience. Expect to fall in love with our differentiator when you step into Sugarcoat.

Pressing goals that you'd like to accomplish? Reach my financial savings goal to purchase a home. Launch my business with my Twin Sister Indigenous Blackgirl. My mother is Native American and we’ve spent a lot of time with our Native relatives in Oklahoma growing up, so really supporting our heritage in this way is really very special for me. Grow the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, our reach and access for our members.

Your mantra? My mantra has changed over the years specially after turning 40. People will like you, dislike you, or be indifferent to you, but always do what’s makes the more significant impact for everybody.

What type of digital magazine or periodicals do you enjoy? Money, O Magazine, anything fashion related or business innovation related.

Nana's is a family oriented, Louisiana/Maryland style diner. Our goal is to provide fresh, hot, and comforting food that will make you feel at home, while giving you a little peak inside the cuisine of Louisiana and Maryland.

Interviewed by: Maryan Aiken. Publisher. Founder. CEO. CityBox Media. Listening to Spotify. Love & Hate. Michael Kiwanuka

The Dior Mavens are stylishly captivating. She is a fashionista in her own right. She exudes wellness & beauty and she fully celebrates the moment of who she is now with her chosen field. She is a ground breaker, a catalyst and an influencer. She is an entrepreneur, a business leader and she is recognized for her business engagements, sense of style, community & philanthropic involvement.