Taylor Burghard
Taylor Burghard is a young American entrepreneur and businesswoman. Born on August 31, 1998 in Columbia, Missouri, she is the daughter of veteran, businessman and politician Duane Burghard and former school teacher and businesswoman Mara Judy-Burghard. Taylor began her business career as a toddler in her parents' business, MacXprts (assisting them in selling computers by demonstrating that they could teach her computer skills). Both she and her younger sister, Jordan, spent (and continue to spend) many hours assisting their parents after school and on weekends.
In early 2011, at a computer art contest held at MacXprts during a recycling event, Taylor began creating jewelry from the remnants of computer parts. Several attendees at the event (including a number of the employees at MacXprts) were impressed by the results, and her first company, TekChick Designs, was subsequently formed to market and sell these products.
In less than 4 months, the company went from an art project to a jewelry manufacturing business with multiple retail partners and a national distribution contract. Taylor and her business have already been featured in articles in local newspapers such as the Columbia Daily Tribune and, in late September, 2011, TIME magazine for Kids.
A student at the Columbia Independent School, in early 2011, Taylor received an award for her performance on the National Latin Exam and was subsequently inducted into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). In the summer of 2011, she was accepted into and participated in Duke University's TIP program.
An avid water enthusiast from a very early age, Taylor enjoys just AbOUT every water activity imaginable. In early 2009 she became one of the youngest PADI certified scuba divers in American history.
Taylor lives with her parents and younger sister (Jordan) in Columbia, Missouri.