For today’s Meet Us Monday post, we’re going to introduce you to Taran McGuire! Taran has worked at Paddington Station since February of this year, starting out at the main store and then moving over to Inspired by Oregon.
1. Where did you grow up?
I’ve lived in the valley for most of my life and was born in Talent. My family has also lived in Ashland and Rogue River, and I went to Grants Pass High School.
2. What is something about you that would surprise people?
I was born in a teepee in the middle of a thunderstorm. My family didn’t know what to call me for about a week until Dad opened up this book of Celtic mythology and saw the name Taranis, who was the god of thunder and lightning. That’s where my first name comes from! My middle name is Ailim, meaning tallest tree in the forest. My stage name when I perform is Green T.
3. What is the best meal you ever had?
I was visiting my grandparents in Colorado for Thanksgiving and was snowed out. I ended up having to turn around and drive all the way home and had Thanksgiving leftovers with two of my good friends. It was some of the best food I can ever remember having because I was so grateful!
4. What is your favorite time of year?
I like the summer because I don’t like being cold at all. I also sometimes get seasonal depression in the winter, so I love when the sun is out all the time.
5. Where is your favorite spot in Ashland?
I love Lithia Park, especially the Japanese gardens.
6. What are some of your hobbies?
I play lots of different instruments and enjoy performing regularly. Aside from music, I’m also really creative. I like to draw and write and I have boxes of crafts that I enjoy working on.
7. Tell me about your favorite pet you’ve ever had.
I’ve had so many great pets! When I was a kid, we had a blue heeler named Sally and she would always lick my face. Musky was a Japanese bobcat and she was such a scoundrel! At the farm right now, we have three dogs and two cats and my girlfriend and I recently rescued a little kitten named Piper.
8. Who has been the most influential person in your life?
Probably my dad, Scott, who also goes by Hawkeye. He has a very neat perspective on nature, spiritualism, and life and it was wonderful to grow up with that. He would play music all the time and it made me want to learn to play lots of instruments.
9. What is a mantra you like to live by?
I have ADHD so it’s been hard to prioritize things, and I wrote a song about it called “Pay My Dues.” The chorus is, “I wanna do what I want / My time is worth it to me / I’ve got to do what I’ve got to / To pay my dues.”
10. What is your favorite thing about working at Paddington Station?
It’s been tough to find a company that really values the work that I do. I love being here because I feel motivated by the people who acknowledge me and make me feel valued.
