We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Myriam Gillis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Myriam, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose through my journey of self-exploration, trying new experiences and reflecting on what brings me joy and fulfillment. That started with me identifying what I’m passionate about and what skills/talents that I have. From there, I found a new love of working with children, which started in my church. Being a choir director, liturgical/praise dance choreographer and a youth group leader stirred a passion of being around children and making a meaningful impact in their lives. Through my own personal experience, both good and bad, I I wanted to connect with children on different levels. Being creative was one of them. I connected with them through singing, dancing, teaching and now through this book I have written. I realized that I wasn’t just born to be a daughter, a sister and a teacher. I was born to shine. Shine in young children’s lives. To provide insight and clarity in their lives. To let them know that they are important, they are brave, they are our future and that they should NEVER give up on themselves even when they feel like the world is against them. This is my purpose!
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?
My story began at the age of 9. My parents put me in a youth group called Young Disciples of Jesus in my church. In that group, I felt satisfy, happy, and it was fun and interesting. Being around kids with the same interest and exploring their love of God was such an amazing experience. I made friends that turned into family. This is group was the pilot of my purpose. The passion and fulfillment I have of working with children stemmed from this group.
When I was 11 years old, I was diagnosed with Cancer- ovarian tumor. At that time, I didn’t know what to think or how to feel but afraid. With the support of my amazing parents, brother, family/friends and doctors, I was able to overcome this battle. This was not an easy battle. I silently struggled with depression, anxiety, and self-esteem issues. I questioned God A LOT! “Why me” was the only thing I kept asking. Going through chemotherapy, running different test daily and/or weekly was frustrating and at times felt too much for my body. However, (to keep it short) I kept fighting and overcame the biggest battle I’ve ever fought.
After remission, I was homeschooled for a few month before entering 7th grade. It was a great experience (I might add). Upon entering 7th grade, I changed schools and felt like I had to start over. I had to make new friends and adjust to this new school. Due to me losing my hair during chemo, I dealt with bullying mostly from the older grade. Although my hair was growing back, I was very short. Some kids would call me a boy, stare and make faces, or nudge me in the hallways or staircases. During recess, no one really wanted to play with me. I looked different and I was the “new kid”. Again I silently dealt with the problem. This resulted in me having an attitude towards my classmates and finding myself in different altercations.
8th grade was different and had a great turn away. I told myself that I would have a positive attitude and graduate. That I did and moved on to high school. High school was great! I joined different sports and activities such as, cheerleading, step team, dance and track and field. Being on these teams gave me a new preceptive on a healthy lifestyle. However, I was still guarded. I struggled with self-esteem and found my in different altercations if someone spoke to me the wrong way. I did not really express my feelings and it bottled up inside,
My college experience was my wake up call. I was in and out the hospital dealing with multiple surgeries due to cysts. My aunt, who was like another mother to me passed away and I went into depression yet again. When I found myself almost failing out of college, I knew I had to turn my life around. I did a lot of self-exploration and reflecting. I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Education.
I started my teacher career 9 years ago as a Physical Education teacher. I wanted to teach children that being fit and healthy is a lifestyle and it can change their lives the way it changed mine. 3 years into teacher physical education, I was presented with the opportunity to teach kindergarten. From there I moved up and taught 1st grade and currently I’m teaching 4th grade.
With everything I dealt with, I still explored my talents and skills. I started an eyewear/sunglasses business called Roze Lookz LLC. I have a love for fashion and accessories. Starting an eyewear/sunglasses business was the “creme de la creme”. Under Roze Lookz, I curated another business called RL Balloons. The creativity and design skills that I have, made this “balloon business” blossom into what it is today. I am able to provide a luxury and a lifetime experience through balloon decor. But, I’m not done yet! My enjoyment and passion that I have for dance, lead me to starting a dance program called G-Squared dance. The program piloted in 2021 and it was a great and amazing turn out.
When I started teaching in a classroom, I noticed their were not many relatable or African American character children books. I knew there was gap. I wanted to fill that gap. I told myself, 6 years ago that I wanted to write a children’s book that was relatable and empowering for young readers. Fast forward to November 2023, I made the decision to write my own book, titled “How Does Sarah Feel?” It’s scheduled to release in August 2024. The book targets young readers on a journey of emotional discovery, teaching them the invaluable lesson that it is indeed okay to express themselves. Stay tuned!!!
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?
Three qualities, skills and areas of knowledge that were most impactful on my journey are being resilient, creative, and my leadership skills.
My advice is….Don’t feed the devil what you cooked for God. Don’t allow the devil to take what is/was God given.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
My biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months would be my confidence and overcoming the fear of failing
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rlballoons_?igsh=MXg0a2JuNDNwaWx1&utm_source=qr
- Other Page: https://www.instagram.com/fashionbymimiz?igsh=MTBiYWdnb2wzNzVrZw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
