Chicago City Wire

Taylor’s Tacos, located on Taylor Street in Chicago's Near West Side, is more than just a taco shop. It encompasses a catering company, an event space called Taylored, and a nonprofit named Tacos Create Community, NFP. The founder and CEO, Taylor Mason, recently shared her journey from being an athlete to becoming an entrepreneur after winning the Beyond Basketball pitch competition.

Mason did not initially plan to enter the food industry. While at Pepperdine University as the cook for the women’s basketball team, she realized how food could unite people. After graduation, instead of pursuing opportunities in Spain or Los Angeles, she returned home to assist her mother and contribute to the family business teaching basketball fundamentals. Under her guidance, the business achieved over $900,000 in sales.

Upon returning to Chicago at 22 years old, Mason noticed a lack of safe spaces for queer Black women. She began organizing events where she served tacos that combined Chicago style with traditional Mexican street taco culture. These gatherings grew popular due to their simplicity and flavor.

Mason's relationship with her business has evolved significantly over time. Her wife Maya has been instrumental in helping maintain balance between work and personal life. After ten years of dedication, Mason now finds time for hobbies like DJing while continuing to grow Taylor’s Tacos.

Last year brought new opportunities through Beyond Basketball—a program supporting women- and BIPOC-owned businesses by providing capital ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 for top participants. This support goes beyond financial aid by offering resources necessary for sustained growth.

Working with the Chicago Sky was once on Mason's vision board but is now a reality. Future aspirations include collaborations with Brandy and All-Star Weekend events while uplifting those around her because she believes success is not competitive; everyone can benefit together.

Taylor’s Tacos stands out due its commitment towards community engagement—it offers more than meals; it provides spaces where people connect without distractions like phones present so they build lasting relationships rooted within cultural connections giving back what they receive daily from patrons alike!

The Chicago Sky supports this mission wholeheartedly: "We can't wait see where future takes them."

Ways you can support Taylor’s Tacos include visiting on Taco Tuesday or booking catering services attending events spreading word participating 'Tacos Goals' initiative which encourages setting goals finding accountability partners achieving milestones earning free tacos along way!