Susan L. Taylor

Susan L. Taylor is a distinguished American editor, writer, and journalist renowned for her transformative role in shaping African American media. Born on January 23, 1946, in Harlem, New York, she began her career as a licensed cosmetologist before founding Nequai Cosmetics, one of the first companies to create beauty products for African American women. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to Essence magazine, where she served as editor-in-chief from 1981 to 2000, guiding the publication to become a leading voice for Black women .

Beyond her editorial achievements, Taylor is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment. In 2005, she founded the National CARES Mentoring Movement, originally known as Essence CARES, aiming to provide mentoring, healing, and wellness services to Black children across the United States. Her dedication to community service has earned her numerous accolades, including over a dozen honorary doctorates and the Congressional Black Caucus’ Phoenix Award .

Taylor's writings, particularly her monthly column "In the Spirit," have inspired generations with messages of self-love, resilience, and spiritual growth. One of her notable quotes is, “Thoughts are energy, and you can make your world or break your world by your thinking” . Another powerful reflection is, “Seeds of faith are always within us; sometimes it takes a crisis to nourish and encourage their growth” . These words encapsulate her philosophy of empowerment and the transformative power of positive thinking.