From CDM to NYC, There’s No Stopping Tayshia Adams
From your girl-next-door, Orange County local to an icon of the entire Bachelor franchise, Tayshia Adams is making her mark in more ways than one. Tayshia Adams Bachelorette Host
Adams has experienced just about every role in Bachelor Nation, starting in 2019 as a contestant on Colton Underwood’s season. Shortly after, she starred in “Bachelor of Paradise” and eventually ended up replacing Clare Crawley as the 2020 star of “The Bachelorette.” After finding love and getting engaged to Zac Clark at the end of her season, you’d expect Adams’ stint with Bachelor Nation to be over一but not quite.
Adams, along with Kaitlyn Bristowe, co-hosted this past season of “The Bachelorette,” starring Katie Thurston. Although Adams felt it was very unexpected for her, she explains, “I’ve been with the franchise for a couple of years now, and I just created a really good relationship with them一I feel like I was there at the right time.” Not only acting as a host but also as mentors to Thurston, former Bachelorettes Adams and Bristowe helped guide her through this unique experience that not everyone can relate to一both having lived it before. Adams notes, “I wish I had a mentor or female host on my season because it’s someone that can relate, and there’s nothing like talking to a girlfriend. I was really happy we were able to do that for Katie.” Adams’ positive energy and authentic advice allowed for a change of pace on the 17th season of America’s beloved reality show. “When I was presented with the offer, I thought it was the opportunity of a lifetime, and the franchise is something that has really played a role in the woman I am today. I felt like it was the right thing to do,” says Adams. Hosting is something Adams has always wanted to do, and now that she’s found this starting-off position, it’s a career path she certainly wants to continue to go down. And it seems she’s on the path to success, as both Adams and Bristowe are confirmed to be co-hosting another season of “The Bachelorette”一the upcoming 18th season starring Michelle Young. You can also find Adams co-hosting the Bachelor Nation podcast, “Click Bait,” which discusses juicy gossip and the latest entertainment news. Tayshia Adams Bachelorette Host
With almost two million Instagram followers, Adams has remained true to herself through her entire journey to stardom一her bubbly yet strong personality, infectious smile and real-life Disney princess aura all included. “I have a really good support system that keeps me very grounded and humble, but also my faith is something I constantly rely on, on a daily basis. With that, it keeps things in perspective and allows me to just be me,” Adams notes. Being the second Black Bachelorette and also the first who is biracial (she is half African-American, half Mexican), Adams recognized the platform and representation she would showcase to others. “Since day one of being a contestant on the show, I just wanted to be myself and represent women who looked like me, but also have people realize I’m more relatable to them regardless of what we may look like, where we live or what we’re into,” Adams explains. Over the past two years, crucial, tough and educational conversations have been amplified not only on “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” but across our country as well. The importance of inclusivity and representation of minorities is strong and loud, and it’s clear that long-standing shows and systems have had to reevaluate their priorities and processes. Adams believes in having a voice and speaking up when something isn’t quite right; she hopes to have a hand in shaping future casts and behind-the-scenes happenings to ensure representation is apparent in all aspects. The show’s 19 years on TV has predominantly showcased a white cast; the franchise, however, now has an opportunity to be a diverse platform that sparks cultural conversations while representing minorities who make up our country. With two female hosts and a more diverse cast, the show is taking its responsibility seriously by heading in a positive direction. Adams says, “As much as I wish I could change everything overnight and have it be a certain way, I know that the franchise is progressing daily, and I’m really proud to be a part of it.” Tayshia Adams Bachelorette Host
Currently, you can find Adams living bicoastal in both Orange County, California and New York City (where fiancé Clark resides). Sounds like the best of both worlds, right? Adams confirms it most definitely is一New York City being a lively destination full of culture and Newport Beach being where she grew up and where her family lives.
As a west-coaster and foodie at heart, Adams gushes about her favorite restaurants when out in her hometown: “We have a little Zinc Cafe in Corona del Mar; do not skimp on the French toast一you better get the French toast.” She mentions Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen, Bear Flag and Buddha’s Favorite as other favorite local spots. “For dessert, go to Sidecar Doughnuts in Costa Mesa一my favorite donut shop in the world. I love donuts; I actually was eating those donuts when I got the call to be “The Bachelorette,” so they are very, very sentimental donuts to me.”
While Adams is busy traveling for work, partnering with brands for collaborations, shooting magazine covers, taking her hosting career to the next level and so much more, the couple has had to learn to balance the real-life aspect of the relationship after the fairy-tale reality show ended. Making it a point to plan a date night every Friday evening, the two foodies love trying out new restaurants and exploring the city by foot. The couple also loves weekend staycations around the city. “We’ve definitely learned how to navigate both of our careers一being present there but also being very supportive of one another,” she notes. Away from the spotlight and the paparazzi, they are a normal couple simply trying to navigate the ups and downs of a relationship. Adams plans to soon make New York her permanent residence to feel more grounded. “I’m not gonna lie; it’s tough having two different closets,” Adams laughs.
If there’s one thing she’s learned throughout her journey, it’s to be fearless, and she encourages others to do so. “If you want to do something, try it out and do it. If it fails, okay. Keep going; we’re not told enough that failing is okay,” explains Adams. Acting as a role model and inspiration for young girls across the nation, Adams demonstrates poise, confidence and kindness. “Us women are so strong, and there’s so much going for each and every one of us, but there’s enough room for us all,” Adams says.
Tayshia Adams Bachelorette Host
Photographed By: Tae Kwon
Styled By: Brian Meller
Makeup By: Joslyn Soliman
Makeup Provided By: Face Atelier
Hair By: Xander Gallindo
About the author
Taylor is a graduate from the University of Southern California with a degree in journalism. She is our Los Angeles and Orange County editor. You can find her dining at a new restaurant, in the ocean or planning her next adventure. Say hello!
Born in South Korea, Tae Kwon immigrated to United States. Promptly after receiving BFA at Iowa State University, he moved to New York City to learn photography from master photographers in the industry. During his 20 years in NYC his work took him to all corners of the world. Tae recently moved to Los Angeles but misses his fresh bagels. www.taekwonphoto.com
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Tae Kwonhttps://localemagazine.com/author/taekwonphoto/
