For over the past 20 years, we’ve celebrated the Valley’s best. From the top businesses and professionals to the people who make it all happen, Arizona Foothills Magazine’s annual Best of Our Valley contest recognizes Arizona’s crème de la crème across more than 400 categories. From the best doctors and best resort down to the best cup of coffee you can find around town, each Best of titleholder is chosen by those who know the city best – our readers.
Each week, we’ll be highlighting individual winners from Best of Our Valley 2018, who share their advice, insights and thoughts on what it means to be a part of this exclusive list.
The Best of spotlight is on Paula Taylor, who snagged Most Fashionable Tucson Resident. Congrats, Paula!
AFM: In a brief 2-3 sentences, please tell us a little bit about you —
I was born with fashion and retail in my blood both grandmothers had retail stores. I’ve spent the last three decades in the fashion and retail industry as an entrepreneur, business consultant, shop owner, professor, writer, visual merchandiser, retailer, stylist and producer It was often very hard in a smaller town not known as a fashion Mecca.
AFM: What does it mean to you to be a Best of Our Valley winner?
It is such an honor, I pride myself in using clothing and style as a tool to help define how we want the world to see us and to help us shine a little brighter. So glad my fellow Tucsonans see me as a fashion driver.
AFM: In your opinion, what is the best part about being the winner for Most Fashionable Tucson Resident?
Being recognized by friends colleagues and fellow citizens is the greatest gift. Tucson is such a special city. It’s why we launched Tucson Fashion Week and why I had my own boutique for almost a decade the city supports small business and creatives. Tucson is a city where anyone can follow their bliss and I am thrilled to be recognized as most fashionable as fashion is a key part of my life’s work.
AFM: Have you seen any benefits as a result of being a BOV winner?
So many emails and FB kind thoughts. I hope it might remind people that although I have been a little out of the spotlight this last year as I took a job in Portland. I am back in Arizona now, working on the next big project that I will launch in 2019.
AFM: How do you put your “best” foot forward every day?
With the most perfect pair of heels of course. I would tell my students on days they didn’t feel like coming to school or going to work , ‘Fake it until you make it darlings” All joking aside, just getting up, staying positive and putting a fantastic outfit on is a darn good start. Being kind, in this divisive world, and honoring the little things in life and those dear friends and family. Plus a major dose of hard work always keeps one focused on the positive.
Interested in participating or want to recommend a business, professional or individual for Best of Our Valley? Best of Our Valley 2019 is now accepting nominations. Click here to find out more!
