Born in Gulfport, Mississippi, and calling Mobile, Alabama, her hometown, Taylor is the daughter of the distinguished Dr. Myrick L. Nicks and Attorney Shantrell Henderson Nicks. Carnival blood runs deep in the Nicks family, with Taylor’s brother, Mason Nicks, having reigned as the Junior King for Prichard Carnival Association in 2022. In 2023, Taylor served as Nobel Lady in the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association’s Royal Court.
Reflecting on her family’s Mardi Gras journey, Taylor fondly recalls their introduction to the festivities. “We were new to Mobile Mardi Gras until I was invited to ride the St. Paul’s float in the Floral Parade,” she shares. Since then, the Nicks family has been an integral part of the Mardi Gras tapestry, attending parades, sponsoring charity balls, and leaving an indelible mark on the carnival legacy.
Expressing her admiration for Mobile’s historical significance, Taylor emphasizes the city’s role in the Civil Rights movement. She pays homage to the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association (MAMGA) and its mission, highlighting the importance of African American contributions to Mobile’s history. “Nothing exemplifies that legacy of endurance more than the people of Mobile, AL, a place that was at once a staging ground for the Civil Rights movement, as well as a source of African American cultural pride, the birthplace of Mardi Gras, and a place that has come to define black excellence in both commerce and in the arts,” she tells us. “I have the upmost respect for the contributions of Queen Alexis Herman, former U.S. Secretary of Labor to two United States Presidents. Thus, I am excited to serve in a role that she once held.”
A proud alumna of St. Paul’s Episcopal High School, she currently pursues a Bachelor of Arts in Social Entrepreneurship with a minor in Ethics at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. With a stellar 3.82 GPA, Taylor has earned the Dean’s Academic Scholarship and garnered accolades such as inclusion in the President’s List and membership in the Sigma Nu Tau Entrepreneurship Honor Society. Post-graduation, Taylor aspires to attend law school, becoming the third-generation female lawyer in her family.
But beyond the halls of academia, Taylor’s realm extended to mentorship and tutoring. She finds solace in the arts, sports, and travel, with a particular love for Orlando Magic games, theater productions at Rollins College and Broadway, and exploration of diverse lands.
Mobile Bay holds a special place in Taylor’s heart, shaping the person she has become. Revering the area as the Bay of the Holy Spirit, she sees it as a testament to the deep cultural and historical significance that Mobile Bay holds. It is both her beginning and her springboard—a foundation that propels her forward with the strength of familial bonds. “Together, my family and I revel in the abundant festivities each season brings, drawing inspiration from the vibrant blend of art, music, sports, and the historical roots that make our Bay area a haven of both fun and cherished traditions,” she shares.
An “It Girl” with a fashion sense that merges timeless sophistication with cutting-edge trends, Taylor’s wardrobe for Mardi Gras is nothing short of regal. Curated by The Lux Firm and Ace and Allen, Mobile-based companies, her looks are a testament to elegance and contemporary flair. Renowned designers Nardo Imam of Nardos and Patricia Richardson of Patricia Ann’s Regal Regalia contribute to her Mardi Gras ensembles. Her family’s crest adorns her train, a symbol of a legacy to be passed on to future monarchs.
But what makes Taylor’s reign even more special? The fact that she gets to share in the joy alongside one of her best friends and fellow Carnival queen, Elizabeth Helmsing. Their friendship, rooted in shared laughter and a mutual love for fashion, has weathered the years. “We first met in sixth grade during PE at St. Paul’s,” Taylor recalls. “In high school, we were always chatting about fashion, swapping style tips, and talking about new trends. It was a big part of our friendship and how we connected!”
Taylor and Elizabeth have loved catching up with each other and their old classmates at recent Carnival events. “Our class was always very close, so it’s wonderful to see everyone connecting and acting like no time has passed,” she happily reports.
As Queen Taylor LaKell Nicks graces the Mardi Gras stage, she embodies the spirit of celebration, elegance, and benevolence. Her journey is a testament to the enduring legacy of Mobile Mardi Gras and the rich cultural tapestry of the Gulf Coast.]
