We’re excited to share this resident feature originally published in Clearwater Living Magazine, spotlighting Taco ‘Bout Pins co-founder Jay Richmond and his daughter Sophia. Rooted in family, creativity, community, and a little entrepreneurial spirit, their story offers a glimpse into the people behind the brand and the values that inspire what we do every day.
The Richmonds, Rooted in Clearwater and Growing Together
The Richmonds, Rooted in Clearwater and Growing Together
Side by Side Through Life’s Adventures
By Christine Jordan | Photos by Madness Photography & Family
There is something special about the bond between a father and daughter, especially when it is built in the small everyday moments that often become the biggest memories. For Clearwater residents Jay Richmond and his daughter Sophia, life is filled with softball practices, beach walks, music, laughter, and a whole lot of love.
Jay, 44, moved to Clearwater 15 years ago from New York City and quickly found himself drawn to the area’s natural beauty and relaxed coastal lifestyle. Today, Clearwater is not just where he lives. It is home for both him and his 11-year-old daughter Sophia, who has spent her entire life growing up in the community.
Sophia is the kind of young person who leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets. While she may be a little shy at first, her personality shines once she feels comfortable. Jay describes her as kind, loving, intelligent, and refreshingly honest.
“She’s always been at the top of her class and excels academically,” Jay shared. “But what I love most is that she is genuinely a good person.”
Sophia’s talents go far beyond the classroom. She has a natural gift for singing and performed as the lead in both her fourth and fifth grade school musicals. She is also entering her fifth season of softball, a sport she quickly grew to love after several of her friends joined a Clearwater league a few years ago.
“She loves the team building, the physicality of the sport, and of course winning,” Jay said with a laugh.
For Jay, watching Sophia develop confidence both on and off the field has been one of the most rewarding parts of fatherhood. He especially enjoys the strong sense of community that comes with youth sports.
“From the coaches to the parents to the players, it really feels like a family,” he said. “Watching Sophia build her skills and grow as a player has brought me so much joy.”
The Richmond family’s days are often filled with simple traditions that have become meaningful rituals over time. Bike rides together, conversations during drives to softball practice, and evenings exploring Clearwater are all part of their rhythm.
Before softball practices and games began filling their schedule, Jay and Sophia shared a Friday night tradition that remains one of their favorite memories. Nearly every Friday, they would head out together for dinner followed by a walk along Clearwater Beach or through one of the local downtown areas.
“We just genuinely enjoy spending time together,” Jay said.
When asked to describe his relationship with Sophia in three words, Jay chose fun, open, and rewarding.
“Fun because we always have a good time together. Open because we have an honest relationship, even when conversations are difficult. Rewarding because I’m incredibly proud of the young person she’s becoming.”
Their home is also filled with four-legged family members who have become unforgettable parts of their story. In 2022, Jay and Sophia adopted Ava from a local shelter. It did not take long for Ava to prove she belonged exactly where she was.
Only days after adopting her, Jay took Sophia swimming at a neighbor’s pool while Ava stayed nearby. Nervous that Sophia was in the water alone, Ava jumped into the pool and pulled Sophia toward the edge to safety.
“That pretty much secured her place in the family forever,” Jay said.
A few years later, the family adopted Daisy, a pug who quickly became Ava’s inseparable sidekick. Together, the two pups add plenty of personality and chaos to the household.
While much of Jay’s life revolves around being a dad, his own passions and creative spirit remain a huge part of who he is. He enjoys yoga, photography, kayaking, birding, bicycling, history, geography, and music. One of his favorite activities is singing and playing guitar with Sophia.
“Music is something we really connect through,” he shared.
Jay’s career path has been anything but traditional, something he hopes will inspire Sophia as she grows up. Over the years, he has worked in event management, photojournalism, and even mixed competition music for cheerleading squads across the country. After Sophia was born, Jay became a stay-at-home dad for two years before eventually finding his way into the promotional products industry.
In 2023, he and a former coworker launched their own business, Taco ‘Bout Pins, a creative company specializing in custom pins and promotional products.
“Our company name is really just a glimpse into the creativity we try to bring to what we do,” Jay explained.
Running his business from home has allowed him to stay deeply involved in Sophia’s life over the years, from weekly school lunches and field trips to school pickups and softball games.
“It’s important to me that Sophia sees there are many ways to build a life and career,” Jay said. “You do not always have to follow the traditional path. I hope she finds whatever truly makes her happy.”
For Jay, fatherhood is not defined by one single life-changing moment. Instead, it has been shaped by years of experiences, lessons, and intentional choices.
“I try to give Sophia all the guidance I received growing up, along with the things I wish I had learned myself,” he said.
And as Sophia continues growing into a confident young woman with big dreams, one thing is certain. The foundation they have built together in Clearwater is filled with honesty, laughter, creativity, and unconditional love.
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