In Conversation with Nancy Taylor

Tell us about your background:

Founder and creative Director of époque évolution a functional fashion apparel brand. Proven apparel executive with extensive design and business development strategy experience within the active wear and athleisure industries within privately held and publicly traded companies. Creative innovator and multidisciplinary visionary, that excels in understanding current business landscape and driving business growth. Lives at the intersection of fashion, movement, and innovation. Excels at inspiring, leading and building teams to ensure a product's design will meet the competitive needs of a global marketplace. Builds strong relationships and enables aligned strategic vision. Demonstrated results, aesthetic translation of current market trends needed to win and gain market space. Leadership philosophy influenced by strong belief in enabling effective teams; customer advocacy and social responsibility.
I started my early career as an entrepreneur with a premiere bridal Salon in the San Francisco Bay area. I transitioned into active apparel heading up the design team for Athleta supporting the growth for $30M to in excess of $800M. I have a fondness for growing brands and transitioned into supporting small and mid sized brands with strategy and design. In 2018, I launched époque évolution. I sold the brand to Lolë brands in 2022 and am staying on as creative director and also leading their design team.

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

How much funding you actually need to succeed. If I had known, I may not have started my business.

Best career advice you've ever received?

Do what you love and everything else will follow

What leadership qualities are important to you?

Honesty, transparency, and commitment

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far? 

Earlier, it was understanding the corporate culture and political savvy needed in large organizations. Later it was understanding how to raise capital and the extra challenges as a woman.

And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?

Black straight leg trousers

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-taylor-b839198/

Website: https://epoqueevolution.com/

Instagram: @epoqueevolution