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Hi, my name is Le’Shawn Taylor. I’m 27 years old, and I own/run a record store named Vibes and Stuff Record Shop (Instagram: @vibesandstuffrecordshop)
I’ve been an avid record collector since 2012 and my knowledge began to expand as time went on. My love for 90s hip-hop help usher in a newfound love for making beats through sampling and that when the ball really started rolling for me. I was a regular at my local record store until they closed their doors leaving a huge void for me. A void so huge that i started to question myself about wanting to open up a shop in town on my own.
I opened up my store on September 2018 after months of much time, money and labor making the space I rented out the best I could. I had no business knowledge whatsoever besides the business start-up book I read a quarter of. I learned everything on the fly through trial and error. As time went on, people began to notice this little, independent shop that came out of nowhere. To my disbelief, I’ve seen my hard work pay off in the form of a following including heroes of mine that I look up to.
Fast forward - it’s 2020 and at this moment in time I think I’d done as much I could in my hometown of Valdosta. My sights were set on new home base that would be more beneficial for me. I’ve had my eyes set on Atlanta for quite some time. The music, the culture, the history. Most importantly, the more opportunities that I think ATL will provide me just makes the move more worthwhile.
With that being said, I happened to finally escape the lease that I was under and start to save up for the most important part of moving my business forward - a reliable work van. Record collectors know how much space vinyl takes up and how heavy they are. My current car has had its fair share of bruises due to loading it up with hundreds out at time and traveling hours on end. It isn’t the most reliable mode of transportation as well making work-related trips difficult. Ever since I’ve closed up shop I was fortunate to get a day job that’s a more positive environment than my previous one. I took a big drop in my pay for the job that I have now so it’s going to take a bit longer to get the amount to even start looking for a work van. People lately have been asking me how they can support the shop.
Having a safer, reliable vehicle that can help me continue to do what I love would mean the world to me right now. Every cent donated will go toward expenses for the car: gas, insurance, maintenance, etc.. Its in my nature to avoid begging people for things. I’d do everything in my power before I ask someone to help me. That’s just how I am. Since I’m taking a break from selling records right now, this is the next best thing if you want to help a brotha out. I appreciate everyone that has shown support for me and the shop so far.
I’ve been an avid record collector since 2012 and my knowledge began to expand as time went on. My love for 90s hip-hop help usher in a newfound love for making beats through sampling and that when the ball really started rolling for me. I was a regular at my local record store until they closed their doors leaving a huge void for me. A void so huge that i started to question myself about wanting to open up a shop in town on my own.
I opened up my store on September 2018 after months of much time, money and labor making the space I rented out the best I could. I had no business knowledge whatsoever besides the business start-up book I read a quarter of. I learned everything on the fly through trial and error. As time went on, people began to notice this little, independent shop that came out of nowhere. To my disbelief, I’ve seen my hard work pay off in the form of a following including heroes of mine that I look up to.
Fast forward - it’s 2020 and at this moment in time I think I’d done as much I could in my hometown of Valdosta. My sights were set on new home base that would be more beneficial for me. I’ve had my eyes set on Atlanta for quite some time. The music, the culture, the history. Most importantly, the more opportunities that I think ATL will provide me just makes the move more worthwhile.
With that being said, I happened to finally escape the lease that I was under and start to save up for the most important part of moving my business forward - a reliable work van. Record collectors know how much space vinyl takes up and how heavy they are. My current car has had its fair share of bruises due to loading it up with hundreds out at time and traveling hours on end. It isn’t the most reliable mode of transportation as well making work-related trips difficult. Ever since I’ve closed up shop I was fortunate to get a day job that’s a more positive environment than my previous one. I took a big drop in my pay for the job that I have now so it’s going to take a bit longer to get the amount to even start looking for a work van. People lately have been asking me how they can support the shop.
Having a safer, reliable vehicle that can help me continue to do what I love would mean the world to me right now. Every cent donated will go toward expenses for the car: gas, insurance, maintenance, etc.. Its in my nature to avoid begging people for things. I’d do everything in my power before I ask someone to help me. That’s just how I am. Since I’m taking a break from selling records right now, this is the next best thing if you want to help a brotha out. I appreciate everyone that has shown support for me and the shop so far.