Meet Mary Lane

We recently connected with Mary Lane and have shared our conversation below.

Mary, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I always had a giving and caring heart so once God showed me my purpose, it was then that my journey into helping others fulfill their calling manifested. It was my gift of teaching young kids in the educational system and adults who wanted to pursue a career as an entrepreneur that keeps me grounded as a Business Coach.Also, my purpose in personal relationships with helping my family in their life challenges especially my mother and my aunt.

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 am an army veteran who had a mindset shift during basic training and throughout my military career. A shift in knowing my purpose while in the military which refined my leadership skills and prove to me how courage plays an integral part in dealing with many of life’s challenges. After, the military my transition to civilian life wasn’t always easy but through my faith in God I overcame challenges head on. I committed to teaching education within the Georgia school system empowering young minds.. My teaching philosophy, rooted in the belief that “knowledge is power” became a mantra.
With multiple careers running parallel to each other, teaching and selling Realestate as an Assistant Broker for over two decades within the Georgia areas. The profound principle I stand on is that “It is important to treat people with dignity and respect; this goes a long way in how they remember you.”
In 2015 I began my entrepreneurial journey. I began selling custom t-shirts at different venues, this is what led me to go from vending to become dedicated to being a Business Etiquette Coach. While observing other sellers interacting with customers I realize there was a need to teach proper business etiquette skills. My company Perfected Everything, a name I was led to from Psalm 138:8, The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.
I see every challenge as an opportunity for growth. From the military to civilian life, teaching, and Bible School were all opportunities for the personal and professional growth. In the last few years I have embarked on acting in movies and plays, modeling and now a published author. I am very proud of myself for pursuing and accomplishing these things. I had not even dreamed of doing any of this but sometimes where you think the road of your life will lead you, God may have another purpose and plan for you so he redirects for his purpose. The most challenging things for me right now is being a senior at Georgia State University (lots of studying), modeling, acting teaching and continuing with my business. However, I have managed, it all ties together.
My inspiration to become an entrepreneur started with my mother, who was an entrepreneur herself. We were a talking one day and I told her I wanted to open a business and what the business would be, she said “just do it, you only fail when you fail to act on your ideas.” So I stepped out on faith and have never regretted doing so because it’s been very rewarding. in so many ways. I also want to give credit to my daughter LeJoi who has been very supportive of all my endeavors which I am truly grateful that she believes in me. We are always proud of our kids but when they say their proud of you it really is special.
I am the founder of a group called Silver Sisters Society. We are servant leaders that serve our communities through coat giveaways in the winter, clothing and food giveaway in the summer and in August we have a fun day in the park for families. The joy of giving back is such an awesome feeling.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back I would say the military training which really taught me about my strengths, the businesses I have that taught me patience, and starting school in my 60’s has taught me as well as the other things I listed that you can do anything you put your mind too.
The advice I would give is that discipline, hard work and courage to step out on faith takes you further than you could imagine. Never give up on you, love yourself and love people but don’t listen to negativity it is just a distraction from pursuing your goals.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

Well when I feel overwhelmed I take a step back to readjust, reset, prioritize and then come back to that thing or place I left off. Another, thing I do is DO NOTHING, but lay around, eat snacks and watch movies, it’s refreshing to me.
Thank you for this amazing interview with your magazine.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: _perfectedeverything
• Facebook: Mary Lane
• Other: Not