We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gabrielle Chen Gracilla. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gabrielle below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Gabrielle with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I witnessed the unwavering determination of my father as he tirelessly balanced two jobs, working day and night, while providing for his family during our formative years. The sense of pride within me swells as I reflect on his remarkable journey towards realizing his aspiration of residing in a waterfront home. Our family embraced a new chapter three years ago, moving to a new home, where we share peaceful swims alongside sea bass and moon jellies.
A pivotal memory etched in my mind is his travel out-of-state to master exams that paved his path as a franchisee owner of Dairy Queen. Drawing from his profound knowledge of mathematics, obtained from his roots in Katha, Myanmar, he exercised a discerning eye, meticulously assessing daily accounts. Despite his initial dreams being obscured by his ancestry of origin, his tenacity surged beyond any restrictions, his goals achieved as evidence to his persistent spirit.
From him, I embraced the virtues of constant self-improvement, the art of discipline, and a sense of independence. His boundless generosity has been a guiding light throughout my life, a beacon that has shaped my journey. Today, as I celebrate his retirement unfolding, I witness his commitment to fitness, joyous laughter playing with his grandchildren, and cherished moments spent with friends. I wish him health, happiness, safety, peace, and an abundance of loving kindness!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
We are creating unique spaces for expressions through our art. We are uplifting women, mothers and empowering people of color. We are centering spirit and honoring the journey.
In 2023, Gabrielle’s Art Show will have completed 5 commissions, 6 murals, 3 surfboards, published 1 YouTube video, hosted 2 pop-up markets, and donated a percentage of proceeds to non-profit organization Birth Workers of Color Collective. In 2024, we are illustrating a children’s book!
We are currently drafting sketches for 3 murals to add play and joy to the walls of my son’s My Gym class. We are painting an underwater scene with swaying kelp, octopus tentacles, sea anemone, the works! We are painting a second mural featuring an energizing beach surf scene. Our third mural will have a backsplash of tropical foliage, hibiscus, and plumerias to enhance the brand as families walk in. We are creating a culture of imagination and fun at this family-owned business that is a hub for many families and their young children in Huntington Beach.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Making room for life, for mistakes, for growth – because these things are part of the journey. 2. Pursuing WHOLENESS, over perfection.
3. Filling our selves with loving kindness, and share loving kindness with others.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
I was gifted beautiful life by my parents – a life filled with love, safety, delicious food, stability, and lots of swimming.
In this day and age, I have learned from my parents how to meditate and pray – every single day. My mother’s teachings have ingrained in me the importance of not only engaging in prayer and meditation during moments of abundance but, more significantly, of grounding ourselves during times of adversity. These practices serve as a protective shield. By sustaining our spiritual journey through challenges, we cultivate an upward spiral of growth, choosing to ascend rather than oscillate between highs and lows.
With unwavering devotion, my parents have bestowed upon us the invaluable teachings of Sanskrit prayers recited by the revered monks in our Burmese community. These sacred verses hold ancient wisdom of holistic well-being. I see their prayers for our family empowering us to reclaim our peace and nurture boundless compassion within ourselves and across our communities. Through these practices, we create sanctuaries for our souls, granting it safe spaces of presence.
Every night at 10pm, I hear the resonating vibrations of my mother chanting. Every morning, I pray for their health and happiness. I go to my mom’s meditation room adorned with her cherished crystals, beads, and prayer water that my kids love to drink. This sacred practice with meditation and prayer has not only bridged generations but also instilled in me profound reverence and love that now guides my path.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gabriellesartshow.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gabriellesartshow
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/gabriellesartshow
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@gabriellesartshow
- Other: www.patreon.com/gabriellesartshow
www.810091.myshopify.com
Image Credits
KAT CLAVE
