Meet Mark Mathews

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mark Mathews. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mark, thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
During Covid-19, living with my parents is where my training began. In order for me to stay with my parents, I had to let go of the things I thought I needed and start to understand the value of not having anything. Once you learn to slow yourself down, the world around you will slow down, also. Self-discipline is an art form that you have to constantly work on. It all starts with accountability, becoming aware that God and the Universe are always going to be testing you. In order to pass that test, you must practice self-discipline. This process took me a while to learn, for my intuitive nature is ‘I have to get it now by any means necessary,’ which is what caused so much chaos in my life.

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?
For you as a reader to understand the KEEP PACE journey, people have to go back and read the origin story of PACE (People Accepting Change Everywhere). This raw story was too much at the time I expressed myself to the world; the emotions and feelings I had bottled up were too intense. Now we have become aware there is no cure for mental illness; we just have to KEEP PACE. That acronym stands for Promoting All Causes Everywhere because not just one cause, but all causes are important that focus on building healthy mental health. The time and energy invested have taken their toll on me, because of the sacrifices made to call myself one of the pillars of the world who has fostered conversations about mental health issues. In 2014, mental health was taboo, looked down upon in society as if it didn’t exist in our daily lives. Over time, we have witnessed the effects of mental health issues and illness. We are going to keep this real simple: nothing in this world can take away from the community work I have done in helping others deal with their mental health issues. “Mind, Body, & Keep Pace” Mental Health Fashion Show on Saturday, May 30th, 2026. The show’s main physical location will be the Judy K Jolliffe Theatre in Kalamazoo, with the Black Arts Cultural Center (BACC) serving as the official host and art curator.

Led by Fashion Director Laura Argentati, the 6-hour format (3 PM – 9 PM) will feature

high-impact fashion show, live performances, a curated Art Market with vendors, a wellness

focus address, and a full evening reception with heavy appetizers and alcohol service for guests. The event aims to raise awareness and funds for local mental health initiatives, blending art, fashion, and wellness advocacy, in partnership with key community groups like the Edison Neighborhood.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I try not to look back, only forward. Major K. Kendall Mathews, a.k.a. the Mayor, would say, and I quote: ‘Don’t allow the past to catch up with you!’ Allow yourself to ask questions, even if they might sound silly, and don’t always try to win an argument. Sometimes it’s better to let that person express themselves and just listen. Don’t allow others to dictate your story and take power over how you feel.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
I have accomplished a lot at a young age; sharing time and energy with a genuine soul is the one thing missing in my life. I want to travel the world with a woman who loves me as much as I will love her, knowing that time doesn’t exist when we are together! “I wrote a non-fiction book; memoir called ?QuestionMark?
and a total of 6 zines authors live forever!”

Mark L

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Jake Girolami, UNITZEROMEDIA, Anthony Bovo, Nick Novo, Brennan Hannapel, Denise Valent, Claire Malla, Colleen Sully, Jamari Taylor, Margaret Head, Janette M. Evans

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