Published March 07, 2025
By : Staff Writer
Having grown up in her mother's hair salon and being a professional hairstylist, Terrina Taylor is no stranger to the business world. During the pandemic, she began researching online payment systems, as her salon primarily operated as a cash business.
Upon reviewing her merchant statement, she realized that her salon was paying more for payment processing than necessary for customers whose payment information was stored in their system.
This prompted her to seek alternative, all-in-one solutions for businesses looking for a transparent, secure, and growth-oriented payment partner that goes beyond just processing payments.
Taylor was a recent guest on Afro Media's Chicken Boxx podcast, which features weekly discussions on various topics relevant to our daily lives.
As the chief executive officer and founder of The Payments Connoisseur, she offers a superior alternative to generic, one-size-fits-all payment processing companies.
Taylor believes every company should have a merchant account tailored to its needs.
Many small business owners are unaware that when they sign up with companies like PayPal, Stripe, and Square, they essentially sign up as sub-merchants. Taylor aims to inform and educate business owners about alternative payment solutions.
As a merchant account provider, Taylor's company partners with merchant banks and helps business owners navigate the underwriting process upfront, providing a security guarantee for their businesses.
This partnership also offers The Payments Connoisseur valuable insights into their clients. Underwriting serves as a protective measure for both companies and underwriters. Read on...
"A business mentor once told me, 'What doesn’t get tracked can’t be managed, and what can’t be managed can’t be improved.' Financial literacy is the foundation of long-term success, and small steps like tracking expenses and reviewing finances regularly can make a big difference."
As a lifelong learner passionate about technology, I always look for ways to improve business operations. My journey into the fintech industry started while running my salon.
I was using Square to accept credit card payments and noticed something that piqued my curiosity. When I stored a client’s card on file, the fees were higher than when I swiped it in person. That small discovery led me down a rabbit hole of research into payment processing. I quickly realized that many small business owners were overpaying without understanding why. That’s when I knew I had to do something. I launched The Payments Connoisseur to educate and equip businesses with the knowledge and tools to make smarter, more cost-effective payment processing decisions.
The Payments Connoisseur helps businesses understand how to accept credit card payments correctly.
Many small business owners don’t realize that different payment systems charge other fees, and some cost way more than they should. We teach businesses why having a real merchant account that fits their needs is better than using a one-size-fits-all option like Square or PayPal.
Our goal is to help solo entrepreneurs, small businesses, and minority-owned companies save money, stay secure, and set up payment systems that grow with them.
Unlike big payment companies that treat every business the same, we take the time to help business owners understand their options.
We don’t just set up payment systems—we teach business owners how to make smart money decisions when accepting payments. Our clients get one-on-one support, clear pricing with no hidden fees, and expert advice on how to save money and avoid overpaying for credit card processing.
We provide businesses with the right payment solutions based on what they need. Our services include setting up merchant accounts, providing credit card processing equipment, and helping businesses lower payment processing costs.
We also teach business owners about staying up to date with digital payment trends and following important rules to keep their businesses running smoothly.
Our network includes over 15 value-added services, so whether a business needs better security, loyalty programs, or online payment tools, we have options to help it grow.
As a lifelong learner, I always seek ways to grow and create new opportunities.
When I discovered that business certifications could open doors to more opportunities, especially government contracts set aside for minority and women-owned businesses, I was very interested.
These certifications provide credibility and show that my business meets high standards for integrity and professionalism. They also allow me to participate in government and corporate supplier diversity programs, giving me access to contracts and partnerships that might otherwise be unavailable. This means I can serve more businesses with trusted, high-quality financial solutions while helping other small businesses do the same.
For Women’s History Month, I encourage women entrepreneurs to:
As a business owner, it’s crucial to document every dollar—whether a major expense or a small purchase from the dollar store. We need to know exactly where our money is going and where there’s room for improvement.
