Meet Dacia Parker

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dacia Parker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dacia, thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?

I think my ability to communicate effectively has been shaped more by presence than performance. It didn’t come from studying public speaking or following a formula—it came from listening. From paying attention.

Early in my career, I worked in retail, ran photo labs, and spent time with clients talking through their vision. I learned that people want to be seen. They want to feel heard and understood. And sometimes, the most powerful thing you can offer is not your opinion, but your attention.

As a photographer, I was always drawn to the quieter moments—the way someone’s face softened when they felt safe, the shift in energy when they realized they didn’t have to “perform.” That’s communication, too. And painting has deepened that for me. It’s more internal, more reflective, but still rooted in that same longing—to help someone see something they didn’t see before.

Mentoring artists has taught me to communicate not just clearly, but compassionately. To affirm potential while being honest. To hold space for uncertainty while encouraging forward motion. I believe in telling the truth—but telling it kindly, in a way that builds, not breaks.

At the core, I believe communication is sacred. It’s how we affirm each other’s dignity. It’s how we pass on courage. And it’s most effective when it comes from a place of humility, gratitude, and the willingness to listen first.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a creative entrepreneur based in Michigan with more than 30 years of experience in photography, visual storytelling, and the arts. I earned my Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan and spent 13 years in Seattle, immersed in art and photography, before returning to my home state to continue building meaningful work rooted in community.



In the early years of our marriage, while living in Seattle, my husband Jeff and I were involved in a network marketing business that shaped much of our early foundation—not just in business, but in life. That experience gave us a framework for understanding the power of community, the value of personal growth, and the role of faith in business. It was where we first learned the importance of reading, attending events, and surrounding ourselves with people who stretched and inspired us.



While we didn’t pursue that specific business long-term, the tools it gave us—especially around communication, leadership, and self-belief—became the bedrock for everything that came afterward. I still believe that when done ethically, network marketing is one of the most accessible and empowering forms of business. You simply can’t succeed without helping someone else succeed, and that kind of model leaves a lasting imprint.



Today, I run two businesses that reflect both my creative passions and entrepreneurial spirit:

– Parker Lane Art & Design Studio, where I focus on abstract painting, community murals, and mentoring emerging artists. My work explores color, texture, movement, and emotion—often inspired by water and light.

– Next Door Photos – Great Lakes Bay, a real estate media company I purchased in 2024. We provide photography, drone services, and marketing tools to agents and brokers across the region. It’s a family business in many ways—my husband Jeff and our three college-aged kids each contribute in their own way.



I also work with a dedicated team of Media Pros who help us serve a large territory and the wide variety of listings we manage. Their professionalism, creativity, and commitment to excellence are a big reason our clients continue to return. I couldn’t do this without them.

Beyond my business life, I’m deeply engaged in community-based creative work. I co-chair Public Arts Midland (PAM), an initiative of the Midland Area Community Foundation that uses public art to foster connection, belonging, and dialogue. One of our favorite projects, “Art Plays,” placed 14 artist-painted pianos across the city, inviting spontaneous creativity and interaction throughout our community.



I’m also a founding member of the ART SEEN Festival, a regional mural festival that has brought a number of public artworks to life across Midland County since 2021. These projects explore themes like cultural identity and community pride, turning blank walls into collaborative canvases filled with beauty and meaning.

I’m a member of the Midland Artist Guild and additionally, lead an Artist Wednesdays group—a monthly gathering of creatives who come together to make art, share ideas, and build each other up. Sometimes we host guest speakers or take field trips to explore galleries and museums in nearby towns. These spaces remind me that art isn’t just something we make—it’s something we live.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities have made the biggest difference in my journey: adaptability, attentiveness, and a commitment to quiet confidence.



First, adaptability—the ability to pivot, learn, and reimagine. I didn’t start in real estate photography. I started in portraiture, then painting, then leadership. Every step along the way required a willingness to shift, to keep learning, and to let go of what no longer fit. For those just starting out, I’d say: don’t be afraid to evolve. Your path might not be linear, but it can still be deeply aligned.



Second, attentiveness—to people, to process, to the little details. Whether I was behind a camera or mentoring an artist, the ability to slow down and really see has shaped the way I work. It’s where trust is built. Listen more than you talk. Observe more than you assume. That kind of attention becomes your greatest creative and leadership tool.



Third, quiet confidence. There’s so much pressure to be loud in today’s world—to show, to shout, to perform. But I’ve found that strength often lives in the steady. In the people who are consistent, kind, and courageous even when no one’s watching. For those early in their path: develop your skill, ground your values, and let your work speak for you. You don’t have to prove anything—just stay present, stay growing.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

When I reflect on the most impactful influences in my journey, Renee Deckrow stands out. Our collaboration spans over 15 years, encompassing various ventures, shared challenges, and countless creative endeavors.



Together, we’ve built more than just a workspace—we’ve created an environment where authenticity, mutual respect, and shared vision are at the core. That kind of partnership has been vital, not just creatively, but in growing a sustainable business. Our space has naturally drawn in others who share those same values—our Tribe. Not in a trendy sense, but in the truest way: people who show up, stand by you, and share the work of building something meaningful.



The truth is, you can’t grow a business in isolation. Relationships matter. Who you’re connected to, who believes in your work, and who you’re willing to build alongside—that’s the foundation. Renee has been that kind of partner for me. She’s helped me stay grounded while still dreaming big, and I’m grateful every day for the community and creative Tribe that’s formed around that shared energy.



If I could offer any advice, it would be this: take the time to build real relationships. Business growth is rooted in community, and collaboration with people who reflect your values will carry you further than any solo effort ever could.

Contact Info:

• Website: parkerlane.art & greatlakesbay.nextdoorphotos.com
• Instagram: parkerlaneart