SASKATOON – You might remember Taylor Layton. The Outlook, Sask. woman started her own curbside recycling business and won the 2013 Community Futures “Just Watch Me” video contest.
The contest is back and Taylor, 21, helped with the official launch on Wednesday, which was International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
Read more: Saskatchewan contestant wins ‘entrepreneurs with disabilities’ cash
Taylor was born with Down syndrome but that hasn’t hindered her. “I love my money,” Taylor said about the benefit of being her own boss. She loves to splurge on bling, makeup and nail polish, but over the years, she has built up her business savvy.
Her clientele at Taylor’s Recycling Pick-Up has jumped from the mid-20’s to 83 customers and her short-term goal is to reach over one hundred customers. She is also preparing to finish school and put more time into her business.
It’s a venture her mother, Eloise Layton, encouraged after Taylor struggled to find work in her rural community that would accommodate her disability. Even though the idea started with her mother, it’s become Taylor’s passion.
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“I love recycling, it’s the best job ever for me,” said Taylor.
Read more: Dreams come true for Sask. entrepreneur with a disability
Outlook has been nothing but supportive of her business, providing Layton with space at its depot where she could do her sorting. When she entered the contest last year, friends, peers and the public got behind Taylor and helped her win the contest.
She received cash and entrepreneurial support services for winning and when Global Saskatoon aired her story, others stepped forward. The Flaman Group of Companies gave Taylor a trailer to haul the recycling and she also received jewellery and a trip to Toronto from another company.
Read more: Dreams keep coming true for winner of ‘Just Watch Me’ contest
Taylor has advice for others putting their entrepreneurship skills and disabilities in the spotlight.
“You have to do it because you have to believe in yourself. Don’t be shy, you can do it. Follow your heart, just don’t give up, you can do it, find your power.”
The EDP ‘Just Watch Me” contest is open to entrepreneurs in rural Saskatchewan and Manitoba with disabilities or health conditions. Entrepreneurs submit a two- to three-minute long video telling their business story. A panel of judges will help select the top new and seasoned entrepreneurs and voting will then open to the public.
One of this year’s judges is Saskatchewan country artist Codie Prevost. Global Saskatoon anchor Julie Mintenko is this year’s ambassador for Saskatchewan and Global Winnipeg reporter Tamara Forlanski is Manitoba’s ambassador.
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