How Tanya Taylor Built a $25 Million Fashion Brand Without Giving Up Control

Frances
Jul 29
2 min read

Inside one founder’s finance-meets-art mindset, strategic scaling, and secret alter-ego venture

From Finance at McGill to a $25 Million Self-Funded Fashion Label

Canadian-born designer Tanya Taylor parlayed a finance degree from McGill University into launching her self-funded, eponymous brand in 2013, after studying fashion at Central Saint Martins and Parsons School of Design.

Her journey took her through early internships at Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s label, setting the stage for a brand grounded in both business fundamentals and bold artistry.

Now, with an annual run-rate of approximately $25 million, Tanya Taylor ranks among the rare fashion brands that have scaled without venture capital—fully bootstrapped by Taylor herself.

3 Strategic Practices Fueling the Brand’s Growth

1. Profit and Control First

Taylor has always prioritized profitability and brand autonomy. Running her label without external investment, she relied heavily on direct-to-consumer relationships and wholesale partnerships with retailers like Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Shopbop. That tight control over margins allowed her to avoid dilution and pursue long-term stability.

Growjo estimates her company's revenue at ~$21.7M, with strong per-employee performance—about $228,000 per head—and rapid growth in staff size.

2. Inclusive Design Drives Sales

In 2017, Taylor introduced an extended size range (US 0–22) under her Extended+ program. That led to a 12% uplift in wholesale performance, representing around 35% of her e-commerce volume without adding retail price premiums. Her active Instagram campaigns invited customers to help guide styles, combining inclusivity with lean production.

3. Launching Delphine: A Creative Second Act

In late 2024, Taylor introduced Delphine, a glam-focused eveningwear label inspired by her youthful, party-girl alter ego. Positioned as a fresh yet complementary venture, Delphine leverages the infrastructure she built over a decade. As she describes it: “like a new brand without new-brand problems”. This creative outlet fuels her energy while remaining bound to her original profit engine.

Mental Models That Matter

Taylor has spoken often about how mindset influences outcomes. She told Newsweek: authenticity and consistency are the bedrock of a personal brand's success. On The Kara Goldin Show, she framed entrepreneurship as a mindset challenge—staying curious, disciplined, and willing to pivot when needed.

Wider Industry Impact & Brand Longevity

Taylor celebrated her brand’s 10th anniversary in 2023 with a star-studded launch at The Carlyle—just as her flagship on Madison Avenue opened and became profitable in its debut year.

During the pandemic, she shifted into creating silk and organic-cotton loungewear and even produced tens of thousands of masks for hospitals—adapting quickly while deepening her commitment to sustainable, mindful design.