Faculty and Staff Members

South Florida Fashion Academy was founded in 2018 by Taj McGill, who originally rose to prominence as a celebrity fashion stylist. As a Fort Lauderdale native, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in fashion design from the Art Institute and has used her dynamic, multifaceted expertise to build the region’s leading fashion, beauty, and business dual-enrollment, private school for creative students in grades 6th through 12th. As a state of the art high school dual-enrollment program, Taj has been able to build a team, culture and study body that offers the industry’s best tools, strategies and courses that enable students to unlock their potential and harness their crafts in the fashion, beauty, arts and business sectors.

SF/FA was originally conceived when Taj tapped into her natural entrepreneurial instincts and merged her love for impressionable, creative kids and fashion to create an innovative academy for middle and high school students. As a mother of two and lover of the Arts, the concept of creating an innovative educational institution that nurtures creative kids and their love for fashion, beauty, and business was something she knew could empower the next generation of creatives in the various fields of fashion and beauty. Instead of asking for a seat at the table, Taj did what she has often been known to do– she created her own table and started her own school. Since then, she has scaled the academy from the ground up with a passionate and dedicated team and staff into a successful school offering a variety of specialized programs. In fact, Taj has always valued and believed in entrepreneurship so much that she developed and launched the SF/FA Business and Entrepreneurship program in 2023. Taj’s primary goal with the academy is to provide students at an early age with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to develop their fashion or beauty passions into businesses from concept to creation and become knowledgeable, profitable business owners.

Taj’s expansive career isn’t limited to just one industry– she also has a background as a media personality and digital radio host having previously founded and hosted Talk is Chic Radio. Through her own media platform, she often spotlighted emerging artists and interviewed iconic figures dominating the fashion and beauty industries. In addition, Taj previously hosted Style in the City, a networking gala and fashion showcase annually held at Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Impressively, she has always found a way to consistently tap into her creativity and build businesses that deliver unique value and offer a positive staple in the industry and local community.

Overall, Taj is a firm believer in continuously and proactively cultivating an inclusive culture and educational atmosphere in which students of all backgrounds and walks of life feel confident and safe enough to embrace their creativity. Taj is also an advocate for enforcing programs that uplift mental health wellness, emotional intelligence development, and fitness with the belief that these core fundamentals enable students to receive the best education possible.

Taj is continuously recognized for her dedication, hard work and impact on the South Florida community, especially when it comes to education and fashion. She has received a variety of humble recognitions including being named 40 under 40 Leaders of Today & Tomorrow by M.I.A. Media’s Legacy Magazine.She was the Innovator of the Year recipient of the Annual Thelma Gibson Awards and currently serves on the Presidential Advisory Board for Women’s Chamber of Commerce (WCC) of Miami-Dade County. In addition, she was given her own official “Taj McGill Day” on April 18th, 2023 by Broward County Commissioners for her positive and uplifting impact within the community. Taj was also a recipient of the Robert Roscioli Heritage Award.