Welcome to the Christian Business Growth Podcast where faith meets entrepreneurship. Each episode, we uncover the strategies, stories, and spirit-led insights that help Christian business owners align their goals with God’s call. From practical tips to real-life testimonies, we explore what it takes to build a business that honours Christ, serves others, and impacts the Kingdom.

CONTACT

• serendipityds.317@gmail.com
• 214-232-2276
• SerendipityDS.com

In this episode of the Christian Business Growth Podcast, Rev. Lyle interviews Sandra Taylor Moore, a designer and entrepreneur who shares her journey of faith and business. Sandra discusses how her early experiences shaped her career, the importance of relying on God for guidance, and the value of building genuine relationships in business. She emphasizes the significance of networking, connecting with others on a personal level, and being a blessing to those around her. The conversation highlights the integration of faith in business and the joy of helping others.

 

“I consider it a ministry and a gift.”
“God shows up when we rely on Him.”
“Put the phone down, people.” 

Understanding the Journey:

Sandra’s journey began in high school, where she grappled with the daunting question of what she wanted to be when she grew up. With her mother’s encouragement, she discovered a passion for design, a field she initially thought was unattainable due to financial constraints. “I consider it a ministry and a privilege,” Sandra explains, emphasizing that her work is more than just a job; it’s a calling.

The Role of Faith in Business:

After experiencing personal struggles, including a divorce, Sandra turned to faith as a guiding light. She began attending church and teaching Sunday school, realizing the importance of incorporating faith into her life and business. “I needed Him to be my everything,” she shares, illustrating how her relationship with God strengthened through adversity. Her faith not only guided her through challenging times but also influenced how she interacts with clients.

Networking with a Purpose:

Sandra believes that her business and personal life are intertwined. She approaches networking not from a sales perspective but as an opportunity to build genuine relationships. “I want to talk about who is Lyle. How did Lyle become who he is?” she says, highlighting her focus on understanding people beyond their business roles. By doing so, she fosters a deeper connection that often translates into referrals and collaborations.

Creating Connections:

Sandra’s approach to client relationships is rooted in authenticity and care. She emphasizes that every interaction, regardless of a client’s budget, is valuable. “I just do it to make a connection with a human being because I love humans,” she states. This philosophy has led to numerous referrals, as clients appreciate her willingness to help, regardless of their financial capability.

Being a Light in the Business World: Sandra’s story is a testament to the power of integrating faith into business practices. She shares how she often prays with clients, creating a supportive environment that encourages open conversations about life beyond design. “I just take it as an opportunity to meet new people every day,” she explains, showcasing her commitment to being a positive influence in her community.

Conclusion:

Sandra Taylor Moore’s journey illustrates how faith can profoundly impact business growth and personal fulfillment. By fostering genuine relationships, embracing her role as a helper, and integrating her faith into her work, Sandra has created a thriving business that reflects her values. Key takeaways from her story include the importance of authenticity in networking, the value of building relationships over sales, and the transformative power of faith in both personal and professional realms.

Rev. Lyle:
Hello and welcome to the Christian Business Growth Podcast. Today we’re here with Sandra Taylor-Moore. She’s with Serendipity Designs, and she’s going to tell you a lot more about that. So Sandra, tell us how you got started in business. How did God get you into business?

Sandra Taylor-Moore:
Well, whenever I was really young and I was in high school, you know they always ask the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I hate that question for kids who have just graduated from high school because they don’t know what they want to be.

I would tell my mom I wanted to be a lawyer, and she said, “I don’t think so.” Then I wanted to be a psychiatrist, and she said, “I don’t think so.” She worked for Mary Kay Cosmetics, and her secretary was going to design school at El Centro.

My mom came home one day and said, “I know what you should be. You should be a designer.” She said that because if I was bored at your house, I would rearrange your furniture. If I was really bored, I’d go into your closet and put outfits together.

I didn’t know there was a career in that because we didn’t grow up with that kind of money. So I pursued it, and it’s been the love of my life. I don’t consider it work. I consider it a ministry. I consider it a gift and a privilege.

Rev. Lyle:
So do you do clothing and houses, or do you just focus on houses? What’s your specialty?

Sandra Taylor-Moore:
I opened a drapery workroom after working for another workroom for quite some time. Some of the girls there weren’t being treated very well, and they wanted someone to get them out of that situation. They asked me to do it, and I didn’t really think I could, but I did.

At that time, I wasn’t really being led by God. I was being led more by myself and by helping other people, because I’ve always been a helper. God definitely blessed those girls and blessed me with the ability to walk away from a very bad situation.

Rev. Lyle:
How did God start to work in your life more intentionally? You mentioned you were going by yourself and then started listening to Him more.

Sandra Taylor-Moore:
When I got divorced from my first husband, I wasn’t going to church. I wasn’t doing anything like that. I thought maybe church would be a good place to meet people.

I went to a lot of different types of churches, which really opened my eyes to the true faith of Jesus Christ. When I met my most recent husband, I knew his daughter would be in my life, and I felt it was important for her to be in church. I started going all the time, teaching Sunday school, and became a whole different person.

That marriage didn’t last, but I needed Jesus to be my everything. My father committed suicide when I was 13, and now that I have enough years on me, I can look back and see where God was the whole time, even when I didn’t recognize Him.

Rev. Lyle:
So what’s God currently doing in your business?

Sandra Taylor-Moore:
People just call. I don’t do a lot of advertising. It’s mostly word of mouth. I can usually tell pretty quickly when I’m working with Christians and when I’m not, because I’m in their homes.

People tell me about their kids, their marriages, their lives. When they’re hurting, I’ll ask if I can pray with them. I pray right then. Sometimes I’ll send them a song afterward.

I love meeting new people every day. My mom said I’d be good at that because I love people. I call it collecting people. I just see God bring people into my life and take people out, often protecting me without me realizing it at the time.

After my divorce, God gave me a scripture from Joel about restoring what the locusts had eaten, and He did. When we rely on God, He shows up.

Rev. Lyle:
What would you say to someone who’s afraid to openly live out their faith in business?

Sandra Taylor-Moore:
I used to worry about offending people, so I stayed quiet. But how can you be a blessing if you don’t speak up?

I’m not trying to recruit people into Christianity. I’m trying to show the love of Christ. I invite people to serve, to volunteer, to connect. I just try to be a friend.

People ask me all the time why I’m so happy. I’m blessed. I read something recently that said instead of looking for friends, go be a friend. I really liked that.

Rev. Lyle:
You’re also a great networker. How do you approach networking differently?

Sandra Taylor-Moore:
My business and my life are one. When I do a one-on-one, I don’t want to talk about business. I want to know who you are. Are you content? Are you joyful?

Most of my referrals come because I care about people. Not everyone can afford what I do, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t valuable. I’m not looking for people who can spend money. I’m looking for people I can encourage.

I love humans. All their flaws, all their mess. I want people to know what God has done in my life.

Rev. Lyle:
What do you do when you walk into a new networking room?

Sandra Taylor-Moore:
I look for the person sitting alone. They’re either new or introverted. I go introduce myself and ask what brought them joy recently.

I try not to jump into cliques. I believe we miss our purpose when we do that. It’s not about us. It’s about other people.

Rev. Lyle:
How do you follow up after meetings?

Sandra Taylor-Moore:
I invite people over for lunch. We just talk. Sometimes it’s young people, sometimes multi-generational groups. People open up because they feel safe.

If someone can’t do that, I still encourage in-person meetings. Coffee, lunch, serving together. We’re busy, but we’re also lonely. Loneliness can be fixed with encouragement.

Rev. Lyle:
As we wrap up, how can people get in touch with you, and what final wisdom would you leave with us?

Sandra Taylor-Moore:
You can email me at serendipityds.317@gmail.com or call me at 214-232-2276. My website is SerendipityDS.com if you want to see my work.

For young designers, go work in the field and do internships. For clients, it’s important to talk about budget upfront. Quality work costs money, but honesty saves everyone time.

Rev. Lyle:
Thank you for being with us today.

Sandra Taylor-Moore:
Thank you.