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Taylor Rice of South Austin on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Taylor Rice. Check out our conversation below.

Taylor, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Trying a new craft! At the start of this year, I made a rule for myself: try at least one new thing every month. It’s usually a hands-on, creative endeavor, anything from tattooing to cake decorating. The hours just disappear. The best part is that it’s not just about the skill, it’s about the stories and connections that come with it. I’ve met people I never would have crossed paths with, discovered passions I didn’t know I had, and learned to appreciate the beauty in both what I love and what I’ll never do again. It’s a constant cycle of curiosity, creativity, and connection.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the one-woman force behind Moon Devil Threads, where every stitch is made on my 100-year-old chainstitch embroidery machine. Each garment I create is completely one of a kind, blending old-world craftsmanship with modern, personal storytelling. When I first set out to learn this craft, there was almost no information available online about these antique machines so I spent months teaching myself every detail, from threading the needle to troubleshooting its quirks.

Today, I work with clients all over the world, but my heart lies in collaborating with brides and grooms to create custom embroidered suits, denim jackets, and heirloom pieces that become part of their wedding story. These garments show up everywhere from engagement shoots, to walking down the aisle.

Beyond weddings, I also create embroidered jackets and garments for anniversaries, special milestones, or simply because someone wants a piece of wearable art that reflects who they are. Every design is tailored to the wearer’s personality and story, so no two pieces are ever alike. For me, the magic is in turning fabric into something that not only looks beautiful but also holds deep personal meaning. Something you can wear, cherish, and pass down!

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My parents, without a doubt. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have parents who not only understood my creative drive but actively nurtured it. My mom spotted it early. By the time I was three, she knew I’d need to work with my hands when I grew up. They signed me up for every art camp, class, and lesson they could find, making creativity a constant in my life. My dad shares that same passion (he loves oil painting), so as I’ve recently taken it up myself, it’s become this special way for us to connect. Now my goal is to become a professional oil painter, and I know I wouldn’t be on this path without their belief in me long before I fully believed in myself.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self not to force herself into a mold that was never meant for her. I grew up in a place where most people fit neatly into a certain way of living, dressing, and thinking—and I didn’t. At the time, it felt lonely and isolating, like there was something “wrong” with me. Looking back, I can see I wasn’t a weirdo at all; I just hadn’t found my people yet. I’d tell her that the very things that make you different are the things that will one day make you magnetic, and that your world will get so much bigger than you can imagine.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Learning to oil paint. I’ve collected portraits for years. One day, my dad asked why I didn’t try creating my own. I took him up on it, and I’ve been hooked ever since. My paintings aren’t ready for public eyes yet, but I’m deeply committed to the process. It’s slow, meditative work, and I’m in it for the long haul. When I first started embroidering, I stitched for 8+ hours every single day until I was at a professional skill level (I can be a bit obsessive when I fall in love with something). Whether it takes months or years, I’ll keep showing up to the easel until I can create pieces worthy of hanging alongside the ones I’ve admired for so long.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I’d stop worrying about the algorithm immediately. As a small business owner, social media is both a blessing and a curse. It’s an incredible tool for connecting with customers, but it can also turn into this constant guessing game, trying to please a mysterious algorithm that feels like shooting in the dark. If I only had ten years left, I’d focus entirely on creating the work I love, sharing it in ways that feel authentic, and letting go of the pressure to “perform” online. Art deserves to be made for people, not for a machine’s approval.

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