In March, Keren was selected as a CNN Hero for her creative efforts to help youth and leverage the professional skills of hundreds of women writers. Keren has directed the production of more than two dozen WriteGirl anthologies, which have been awarded 64 national and international book awards.
Keren serves as a Community Champion and facilitator for the Annenberg Foundation’s Alchemy Program, helping guide nonprofit leaders to organizational success. Keren is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including the President’s Volunteer Call to Service Award, Business & Professional Women’s Community Woman of Achievement Award, Soroptomist International’s Woman of Distinction Award, and commendations from Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Keren is an assemblage artist and mosaicist. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from the University of British Columbia, a Piano Performance Degree from the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto, and a Diploma from the American Music and Dramatic Academy, New York City.
Occupation: Nonprofit Director
Website: https://www.writegirl.org
Twitter Handle: @kerentaylor
What are three words that best describe you?
Passionate, creative, energized
Tell us why you’re awesome in two sentences or less.
I live to inspire others to ignite their creativity and kindness. I’m on fire, but I also love quiet conversation at the edge of a calm lake.
What are your three biggest indulgences?
Ice cream anywhere/anytime, spontaneous road trips and luscious body lotions and potions.
What’s currently your favorite…
Restaurant: The Park Restaurant – Echo Park, LA
Food: Sushi, always
Cocktail: Cinnamon Whiskey (on the rocks)
Shopping destination/store: Crate and Barrel (Pasadena), Face Stockholm (NYC) & Gastown in Vancouver
Fashion item: Any dress from Matrushka Construction (Silverlake, LA)
Place to hangout: Anywhere my sister is
City: Madrid
Travel item: Zipper mesh bags – they are genius
Beauty product: “Winter” (perfume by Dasein Fragrance. Pine/Sage. Amazing.)
Skincare product: La Roche-Posay facial moisturizer – Toleraine Ultra
Hostess gift: MIP (Made in Provence – Dry Rose wine from Provence)
Home décor item: My gigantic piece of labradorite I got from the Tuscon Rock Show. Everyone needs a bit of earth in their home!
Book: “Practicing The Power of Now,” by Eckhart Tolle (The whole “Be Here Now” concept is more complex than you might think, and this book really guides you through practical steps to get there.)
Website: BrainPickings.org
Magazine: Colors (International magazine – very compelling!)
What’s the ONE thing you absolutely can’t live without?
The internet. I love it. Imagine, the world at your fingertips. It’s incredible.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Slow internet access!
If you could have dinner with anyone (living or not) who would it be?
Oprah. One-on-one time with her would be fantastic. I cannot quite imagine the conversation, but I can feel the energy – we would love each other.
What does it mean to you to have a strong, engaging brand and how has having one helped you?
WriteGirl started as just an idea on a single sheet of paper, and it’s tremendously exciting to have watched it grow into a vibrant community. I identify closely with the vibe and the values of WriteGirl. It is an oasis of positivity for teen girls and for women, and a space that I love to inhabit. It is still evolving, which any brand needs to continue to do, and I look forward to all that is ahead. I give greatly to WriteGirl, in terms of my time and energy and heart, and it gives even more back to me in the form of inspiration and joy.
What is your #1 tip for fellow women entrepreneurs?
Select your partners and collaborators carefully. Not every individual or company, no matter their skills or enthusiasm, is the right fit for you and your brand or project. Search for people who align with your core values, but have experiences or skills that will enhance yours. Be willing to let go, early, if things don’t feel right.
1. The Illuminated Rumi
This book of spiritual poetry is a magnificent meeting of ancient tradition and modern interpretation that uniquely captures the spiritual wealth of Rumi’s teachings.
$22.50, https://www.amazon.com
2. CAFETIERE (French Press)
This stainless steel coffee press makes even the hardest mornings a little more bearable, not to mention chic.
$93, https://www.freud.eu
3. Leuchtturm Notebook
A notebook that is equally suited for the desk and for use on the move. Available in an array of fun colors.
$18.95, https://www.amazon.com
4. Aveda Shampure Shampoo
Cleanse and fortify your hair with Aveda’s Shampure, infused with a calming mix of 25 pure flower and plant essences.
$13.50, https://www.aveda.com
5. Dasein Winter Fragrance
WINTER fragrance is hand blended in small batches and has notes of blue spruce, black cardamom, forest pine and french lavender.
$85, https://www.daseinfragrance.com
6. Labradorite Slab
Keep yourself grounded with a beautiful and colorful piece of the earth on display.
$285, https://www.bonanza.com
7. Toleriane Ultra
Soothe and comfort irritated skin daily with this rich and smooth moisturizer to keep your skin looking calm and balanced.
$36.99, https://www.laroche-posay.us
8. Incase Backpack
Stay organized on the go with this compact backpack, better yet, stay comfortable as well!
$74.99, https://www.amazon.com
I would have to agree that slow internet access is my pet peeve too. What would we do without super slick, fast internet? I love that Starbucks has Google internet now 😉