Story & Lesson Highlights with Gayle Petrillo of Tucson, AZ

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Gayle Petrillo. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Gayle, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’m walking a path I had never imagined I’d be on. I used to wander and wonder what others saw in me that I didn’t see; why I was where I was; and where I was going.

Since coming out of hiding as a survivor, I’m sharing openly not only my past journey, but my current one. I’m learning that by sharing, I’m healing. I’m learning I am not alone. I’m not alone as a survivor; and I’m not alone as I walk the path I’m creating, with the help of others, to be my best, my strongest, and my most visible me. I knew I had to write my memoir and it was published in April (2025). I knew I wanted to share stages across the country to help others recognize they too are not alone as they traverse their journey. While our journeys are different because traumas vary, healing is not linear. And as we ride the roller coaster of ups and downs, others are experiencing similar rides.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Gayle Petrillo, the founder of First Impressions Image Consulting. I am a coach, author, and speaker. My clients strengthen their confidence, communication and professional presence.

I survived a traumatic burn as a toddler when I accidentally toppled a fresh, full pot of coffee off a table and all over me. Forty percent of my body was scalded with 3rd and 4th degree burns. My parents didn’t know if I would live or die. We never spoke about my accident while growing up, as I struggled with trauma-based fears, phobias, self-doubt and imposter syndrome.

I only started started telling my story in my 60’s in 2019.

With my memoir, Becoming Visible: Overcoming Trauma-Based Fears, Phobias and Self-Doubt, having been published in April 2025, I now speak at Rotary and Kiwanis meetings, moderate panels with others who have overcome trauma (haven’t we all!), I was the keynote speaker at a high school graduation as well as women’s lunches and conferences.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before my life was altered so dramatically, I was a girly girl who loved going to new places and meeting new people. I was my mom’s shadow, always right by her side, full of curiosity and excitement about the world, all before I even turned three. That carefree spirit was my beginning, but in time life brought experiences that changed how I saw myself. Surviving domestic abuse, stalking, and a life-changing scalding left me carrying fears, phobias, self-doubt, body image struggles and imposter syndrome.

Today I’m in a place of healing. I openly share my story – my journey in the hope that others who have faced similar challenges will know they are not alone and will feel encouraged to share their own stories as a way to begin healing too.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
As a child, teen, young adult and grown-up, I did everything I could to be invisible.

First Impressions was born in 2017 and I launched with a fashion show fundraiser. At the second annual event, Jean, the founder of the beneficiary, Beads of Courage, and I were back stage chatting. I told her I lived vicariously through her travels and asked where she had most recently been. Her response, that she had spent a few days with children and their parents in the burn unit of Phoenix Children’s Hospital literally took my breath away. I tried to speak and tears were my only response. With ruined mascara, I approached the podium after the emcees encouraged me to come to the stage.

I stood at the podium, tears flowing as I apologized to the audience of 200, the only one of whom, my husband, knew my story. I told them what Jean had shared and said, “I wish my family and I had that kind of support when I was burned as a toddler!” Dead silence. Then I continued with my prepared speech.

After the event a woman, well-known in Tucson, who I had not known, approached me and asked if I would share my story. My response was insistent that I had no story to share; however, I would love to hear her story.

After months of coffee, brunch and lot of wine dates, she had my story in her hand and heart. She encouraged me to share it because of its inspiration and courage that others would take from it.

My memoir was published in April 2025 and now I speak to diverse audiences.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
The belief I held on to for years that I now know was both naive and wrong is that we all have been burned, whether by something hot (first cup of coffee or something unkind someone said) and we all have experienced trauma. Though our paths are different, we are not alone. I thought no-one would find my story important or relevant; yet, now I understand so well that my story resonates with so many people because they hear their story in mine.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is that I was courageous and inspirational in sharing my story. That said, it’s not so much about me; it’s about those who have yet told their story. I’m truly honored when people in my audience share their story, most for the very first time. I continue to heal when I share my story and others begin the healing process too when they’re share.

When we shed our secrets, we unburden ourselves from the weight we are carrying on our shoulders. We stand more erect when our shoulders are lighter; our bodies our lighter. Our heart opens and we become more compassionate, more empathetic. We listen to others more intently.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Artifact Photography
Tucson Headshots

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