We recently connected with Gayla Parks and have shared our conversation below.
Gayla, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
When I was feeling down or depressed about situations that were occurring, I would keep in the back of my mind that I have a purpose. I believe that God has a path laid out for all of us. When things seemed negative, I would turn it around. I would think to myself, “it could be worse”. The rough patches in our lives will pass. We can’t give up and let ourselves feel helpless. You pick your chin up and do what you can do. Not doing anything will lead us nowhere. Therefore, I would push further and find something that gave me purpose. Happiness is a choice. I chose to not let the situation bring me down, but to figure out how to make it better.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I met a lady named Maria Haycraft who thought I would be a great candidate to teach UV resin workshops at ArtLink Studio. It’s a non-profit art studio located in the downtown area where I live. The joy of teaching something so creative and fun was a definite game-changer. I started to teach watercolor and acrylic as well as the UV resin. I started to find my purpose again.
As time went on, Maria asked me to join the board for ArtLink Studio. After a year, I became the board president. I strive to make ArtLink the best non-profit art studio it can be. The community deserves a place to go and find their purpose just like I did.
Along with teaching, medical science, and art; I also love coffee. When an opportunity arose to buy a coffee shop located around the corner from the art studio, I just knew I had to take it. Maria and I decided to take the leap and buy the coffee shop together. We are working now to perfect the shop and bring people even more joy with a great tasting coffee. We are naming the coffee shop Mug Shot Coffee Co. I can’t wait to start this new adventure and hope that more opportunities to bring happiness to the community come my way.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Having the skill to prioritize and know when to say “no” are very important. When you are already busy with the work it takes to start a business or grow your brand, this ability is essential. As a giver, I want to please everyone. I don’t like to let others down or miss opportunities, but trying to please everyone can be counter-productive. It’s important to find a good balance and know your limits.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents are amazing people. Their work ethic and reliability have been a huge inspiration in my life. My dad worked for 40 years at the same industry until he retired. He rarely missed a day of work and was up at the same time every morning. At one time, my mother worked 3 jobs to provide for my siblings and I when times were rough. The fact that they never gave up when times were hard and always showed endurance have molded me to be the person I am today. They are huge role-models to me and I have so much appreciation for them and their support in my goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.parkscreations.net
- Other: www.artlinkclarksville.com www.mugshotcoffeetn.com
