Blending Passions, Breaking Barriers: Angel ‘Andrea’ Taylor on Scaling a Business with Purpose"

“In 2024, one of the most challenging obstacles I faced was managing the rapid growth of Soulful Sounds while maintaining our quality of service. As our popularity grew, balancing the surge in event bookings with creating a strong social media presence became incredibly demanding. There were moments when the workload felt overwhelming—juggling multiple event bookings, developing our online brand, and ensuring each client received our signature level of entertainment.”

Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today! Could you share with our readers a bit about who you are and what you do?

Hello! I’m Angel ‘Andrea’ Taylor, co-owner of Soulful Sounds, a business I co-own with my husband, Jeff. With my bachelor' s-prepared registered nurse background, I’ve developed a strong attention to detail, professionalism, and a passion for service—qualities I bring to the forefront in our events business. I've built a unique career that bridges healthcare and entertainment. My nursing background has taught me how to read people, adapt quickly, and create meaningful experiences—skills that translate perfectly into our entertainment business. Whether I'm caring for a patient or orchestrating an event, my passion for connecting with people and creating moments that matter is at the heart of everything I do.

This year has flown by, and we’re just a few weeks away from a brand-new year! As you think back over 2024, what would you say is your biggest lesson learned, and how did it shape your decision to move boldly into your next chapter?

This year has been transformative, especially through my participation in the NASDAQ Milestones Circles program. Being selected not only as a participant but also as an upcoming mentor was a pivotal moment that reinforced my belief in continuous growth and paying it forward. One of my biggest milestones was completely redesigning Soulful Sounds’ website and strategically pivoting our business model to aggressively target corporate clients. This wasn’t just a website refresh—it was a calculated move to expand our market reach and establish Soulful Sounds as a premier corporate entertainment provider.

The biggest lesson I learned this year is that strategic reinvention requires both courage and precision. By reimagining our digital presence and focusing on corporate events, we've opened doors that once seemed closed. The NASDAQ program taught me that networking, continuous learning, and being willing to reshape your approach are crucial to business evolution. As a nurse entrepreneur, I’ve always understood the importance of adaptability, whether in patient care or managing a dance floor.

Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited to leverage these experiences. As a new mentor in the NASDAQ program, I’m looking forward to guiding other entrepreneurs and sharing the lessons of resilience and strategic thinking that have been instrumental in my journey. My goal is to continue breaking barriers—in healthcare, entertainment, and business leadership.

Resilience is such a powerful theme that speaks to the fierce spirit of women, but we sometimes face setbacks that can feel overwhelming. What was one obstacle in 2024 that pushed you to dig deeper and keep going, and what did you learn about your strength in the process?

In 2024, one of the most challenging obstacles I faced was managing the rapid growth of Soulful Sounds while maintaining our quality of service. As our popularity grew, balancing the surge in event bookings with creating a strong social media presence became incredibly demanding. There were moments when the workload felt overwhelming—juggling multiple event bookings, developing our online brand, and ensuring each client received our signature level of entertainment.

The turning point came when I realized I needed to approach our social media strategy with the same precision I use in nursing—methodical, strategic, and patient-focused. I developed a systematic approach to content creation, learned to batch-create content, and found creative ways to showcase our services. This challenge pushed me to become more intentional and more creative about how we present Soulful Sounds to the world.

What I learned about my strength is that growth isn’t just about taking on more; it's about scaling smartly while maintaining core values. My ability to adapt, prioritize, and stay focused under pressure has been my greatest asset in expanding our business while keeping the quality of our service exceptional.

That's amazing! So listen, we know that resilience is not always about bouncing back—it’s sometimes about growing through the mess! Is there a time when you turned a difficult situation into an opportunity for personal or professional growth?

Last year, we faced a significant booking challenge where we had multiple events scheduled simultaneously. At first, it felt overwhelming, but I chose to see it as an opportunity to expand our team. We strategically hired additional DJs who aligned with our company’s vision, creating a more scalable business model. This wasn’t just about adding staff; it was about building a team that could maintain the high-quality experience Soulful Sounds is known for.

This experience taught me that growth often happens when you step out of your comfort zone and trust your ability to structure your company to support expansion. Just like in nursing, where teamwork and precise protocols are critical, I applied the same principles to our entertainment business. I learned that true leadership is about creating opportunities for others while staying true to your vision.

Okay, before we go, I have one last question—well, it’s actually two! Looking ahead to 2025, how will you use what you’ve learned to create a better tomorrow for yourself? And what advice would you give to women who are also looking to strengthen their resilience for the new year?

Serving North Carolina, South Carolina, New York City & Beyond
Specializing in Corporate Events, Weddings & Luxury Celebrations

Looking ahead to 2025, I’m committed to continued growth and intentional expansion. After completing the NASDAQ Milestones Circles program and becoming a mentor, I’ll be focusing on strategic business development, particularly in the corporate events market. I’m applying the lessons I’ve learned about scaling our business and building a strong team. My nursing background has taught me the importance of continuous learning, and I’ll apply that to both my healthcare career and our entertainment business.

As for advice to women looking to strengthen their resilience, I’d say: Embrace your unique journey. Resilience isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Don’t be afraid to blend your passions, whether that means juggling multiple careers like I do or pursuing paths that others might not understand. Learn to see challenges as opportunities for growth and develop systems that support your goals. Surround yourself with supportive networks and, most importantly, believe in yourself.

How can people connect with you?

On the web: www.soulfulsounds.com

On Linkedin: LinkedIn - Angel Taylor LinkedIn

On Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/soulful.sounds1

On Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@soulfulsounds8077

On Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/soulfulsoundsnyc/

Email:ataylor@soulfulsounds.com