Episode 73: Karin Taylor, Founder Of Mandalay Farms, Shares How To Keep Moving Forward Without Knowing What’s To Come

Embrace the Pivot with Dr. Cheryl Robinson

When pivoting, it’s easy to second guess yourself or make excuses why you shouldn’t do something. Karin Taylor, founder of Mandalay Farms, shares how to keep moving forward without knowing what’s to come.

South Florida’s Karin Taylor does it all. She’s a single mother of five, just launched a series of podcasts and is founder and owner of Mandalay Farms, a private oasis where you can connect and interact with a variety of animal ambassadors. The 20-acre property in Jupiter Farms, Florida is home to a Noah’s Ark like menagerie of over 70 domesticated and exotic animals including horses, donkeys, pigs, kangaroos, goats, emus, otters, a variety of birds, lemurs, porcupines, and an assortment of reptiles.

Taylor worked as a model and actress. She got her start as a dancer at Walt Disney World in the Electric Light Parade and launched her modeling career at the age of 18 when she was discovered by the Ford Modeling Agency in Miami Beach. Her career really took off after she posed as June’s Playboy Playmate in 1996, an experience she describes as positive, respectful, and a place she found lifelong friendships. After Playboy, Karin went on to land guest starring roles on “Baywatch” and “Malcolm & Eddie”. She guest hosted for E! Entertainment Television, appeared on HGTV’s “Smart Design,” and in Horace Brown’s music video for the song “Things We Do for Love.”

Taylor discovered the healing power of animals after the loss of her daughter, Hunter, to Trisomy 13. A few years later, she purchased the 20-acre property, now known as Mandalay Farms, to mark a new chapter in her life and connect with her children through horses. It was the tranquility of the farm and healing power of the horses that inspired her to learn more about equine therapy. That lead to her being certified in Equine Assisted Learning (EAL). She also founded the nonprofit Mandalay Farms Zoological Society to serve at-risk youth, children in foster care, and individuals with special needs through science-based animal interventions.’

Taylor is now also taking on yet another venture with the launch of several podcasts. Her goal is empowering women who are on their own individual journeys. Some of her first guests included former Playboy Playmate Ulrika Ericsson and second wife of former President Donald Trump Marla Maples – both women who shared their own journeys of life’s transitions.

For more information on Mandalay Farms, please visit MandalayFarms.com and follow them on Instagram @mandalayfarms and Facebook @MandalayFarms where Taylor frequently posts news about happenings at the farm, as well as animal photos and videos.