WAGS Work: Taylor Sarcone
The WAGS Work Series aims to show our readers that we are more than the stereotypes you might be familiar with--we're creative, hard-working, driven, and willing to do whatever it takes to make this lifestyle work. We also hope to inspire women in all walks of life to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to working and creating the lives of their dreams. Please reach out to the women featured in this series if you have questions or want to learn more about what they do.
TELL US WHO YOU ARE, HOW YOU GOT INTO THE BASEBALL WORLD, AND A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR BOYFRIEND.
Hello :) My name is Taylor Sarcone & my boyfriend is Matt Thaiss. Matt has been with the Angels organization since he was drafted! I’m originally from New York City, and Matt is originally from New Jersey. We both went to the University of Virginia and met at an athletic function. I played softball and was co-chair of a student-athlete program that (lucky for me) Matt was forced into showing up to.
We’ve been together a little over five years and have grown so much throughout this adventurous ride. We have been long-distance during season each year…but that’s all about to change. I’m so excited that Koda (our Shepsky pup) and I will be able to travel this upcoming season. Woo!
TELL US ALL ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS, WHAT DO YOU DO, AND HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN WERKIN’ IT.
I’m a former educator turned certified life coach, and I cannot believe this is what I get to call “work”. I had been a teacher for four years, all at the elementary level. The summer leading up to the 2020-2021 school year was filled with a lot of unsettling emotions about going back into a classroom and I had this overwhelming feeling that I wanted to do something more. Throughout the year, I completed my life coach certification course, and started my coaching business. I launched a workshop focused on building flexible balance and loving yourself. The passion I felt during the workshop and when working with clients who were seeking confidence and self-love was more than enough to push me to leave the education field.
Now I help clients make positive changes to build confidence and a flexibly balanced life. So many people feel empowered when they believe in themselves and have the confidence to make decisions to directly and positively impact their lives. I am so fueled and fulfilled by the opportunities to work with such amazing humans and walk with them on their journey to be the best version of themselves. It’s only been about a year, but leaving education to be fully in control of my time and dedicate my energy to helping others feel good about themselves was more than worth it.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU/HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
About three years ago, my mom passed away from lung cancer and it rocked my world. I poured my worth into how I looked and constantly tried to fill the void of losing her. Nothing I did was a long-term fix and I thought I just hated being in NYC without her, so I moved to Florida. Although moving helped immensely, I still felt so stuck in my day-to-day, especially when Matt would leave for season. My mom always told me to work hard for myself, and build something for me because time is too valuable and no one will advocate for me the way I would. This stuck with me.
So, with her in my head, I took this chance knowing how dark and lonely I felt before. I wanted to help others hold onto the light at the end of their dark tunnels, because we all face our own darkness in very personal and unique ways, but we all have the inherent strength to get through it. Sometimes we just need a teammate on the journey and that’s what I wanted to be.
WAS YOUR SUCCESS IMMEDIATE OR DID IT TAKE TIME?
I’ve had some big & small wins along the way, but am definitely still in early stages of business building. Seeing the testimonials of clients I’ve worked with helps me remember that my success is measured in so many ways, although it was scary to leave my financial security as a teacher.
WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU FACED AND HOW DID YOU PERSEVERE IN THE HARD TIMES?
Since starting, I’ve had some obstacles pop up that have made me feel scared of the future, but I hold onto why I started in the first place. Knowing that I can help others feel good because I’ve made positive changes in my life to make me feel fulfilled every day, drives me. I am constantly having to change and adapt to business life, especially with Instagram as my main platform. Throughout this journey, there have also been many personal situations that have popped up and it’s hard to stay focused on business tasks when other realms of life are pulling me and triggering anxiety. When this happens, I try to give myself the day or two needed to reflect and recover, then I move forward with boundaries and being intentional with how I schedule in things that need my attention.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE WORK AND LIVING THE BASEBALL LIFE?
This business is giving me the opportunity to finally travel with Matt full time. When we first got together, we both agreed that we would stay long-distance and focus on our individual careers. I appreciated that so much, but after five years of distance, I’m so excited to be able to go with Matt next season. That’s the best part of my job. I can work wherever I feel is best for me, because as a life coach I don’t need any state certifications. I have ethical boundaries that I follow, but can work anywhere and with anyone. So….the balance piece is a “To Be Determined” answer because I haven’t traveled yet, but I have a feeling it’s going to be an easy transition as long as I practice what I preach and keep a flexibly balanced lifestyle.
HOW DID STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS IMPACT YOUR LIFE PERSONALLY, AND FOR THE TWO OF YOU?
Personally, having my own business added a lot of pressure in some ways because it’s all on me right now, but I’m overall a less stressed, happier, better balanced person. I don’t dread Mondays anymore and embrace each day, which is something I never thought I’d feel with “work”. Matt has been my biggest supporter and encourages me every day to keep pushing and working hard. We are both so excited that I have more flexibility to work where it feels best (AKA wherever baseball takes us :D).
WHAT’S A TYPICAL WORKDAY LIKE FOR YOU IN THE SEASON? IN THE OFF-SEASON?
In both seasons, I start my day before 6AM with a morning workout, meditation, and journaling. This is something I always wanted to do, but as a teacher I was always running out the door, having no “me” time until bed. Each day looks different depending on the projects going on. Every day I interact on social media and work on building trusting relationships with people I connect with. Some days I work on workshops that are launching, and others I have sessions with clients. I also have weekly meetings with companies I am contracted with as a life coach.
WHAT’S BEEN THE HARDEST PART SO FAR? WHAT’S BEEN THE BEST?
The hardest part has been accepting the fact that my security is no longer guaranteed and I need to bust it every day to build a business that I am proud of and resonates with others. This ironically is also the best part. I am in total control of my time, efforts, and energy and I love pouring it into my “work”.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON AND WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
Currently working on some workshops that will be launching within the upcoming weeks! There is a mindfulness program I am a part of that is launching this month and another workshop launching before the holidays! Less specifically, just working on creating meaningful content and connecting with beautiful humans that are seeking some positive changes.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER WAGS WHO HOPE TO START A SERVICE-BASED BUSINESS?
GO FOR IT. Do not let your fears, others’ opinions, or your season of life stop you from doing something you have your heart set on. Always seek growth and find ways to learn and you will never fail, but will only receive feedback for shifting in the future.
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU ONLINE / HOW CAN WE KEEP UP WITH YOU?
My website & Instagram!