Check Out Monica Parks’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Parks.

Hi Monica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got into jewelry designing after my father passed away suddenly during the holidays. As a coping mechanism, I was drawn to a natural stone store in walking distance from my house. To escape the heartache that comes with losing a loved one, I would will myself to take a walk down to the natural stone store to get air, exercise, and connect with what felt like communing with mother nature through the gemstones in the store. Eventually, I started collecting the gemstones to use during my meditation/prayer time because they were a source of comfort in my time of need. When it was time for me to return to work, I needed a way to have them on me since they were a gentle reminder that I would make it through this difficult time. I was working as a massage therapist at the time and massaging people in a moment of peace and quiet with stones clinking around in your pocket wasn’t an option. I decided to make a bracelet with my favorite stone so I could wear it. One of my coworkers saw it and after telling him the meaning behind why I wore it, he asked if I could make one for his sister. Eventually, after so many visits to the stone store, the manager asked what I was doing with the stones? I told them that I make jewelry for myself and friends and what happened with my dad. They told me that they would love to see what I created with their stones and could they possibly carry the pieces? All of this was the beginning of my jewelry designing journey.

Through the love and loss of my dad and the healing and creating process, I learned a lot about what my life was, is, and is to be. That moment, and all the moments that were created afterwards and continue to be created, was and is Sacred to me.

Sacred by Monica Parks is wearable art with intention. Each piece holds a sacred meaning and purpose in its creation as well as behind the intent in wearing it. It is the gentle reminder wrapped around your wrist, draped around your neck, and dangling from your ear… that your life is sacred, that each moment is sacred, and that you are Sacred.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Living as a creative is a constant process of adjustments. I have lived as a creative where my craft is my only source of income, I have lived as a creative that put my craft on hold to return back to the workforce, and I am currently living as a creative that works a job as well as creates simultaneously. There is no right or wrong way when you are operating on the path that is for you. When you are in a constant state of comparing yourself to what you perceive as other’s final product and constantly trying to control variables that are beyond your control, thats when the road is rough and I have been there far too many times. To live creatively in an authentic, peaceful manner, you have to let go of the control. To allow yourself to flow according to what is needed in the present moment and adjust accordingly. It becomes a struggle when you fight against this…I’m no longer struggling.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have a science background with a degree in Biology/Chemistry where I previously worked in laboratories. My love for how the body works didn’t end when I left the science field but continued to grow as I entered the spa and wellness field as a massage therapist. I’ve worked in the wellness industry, later moving from massage therapist into spa management, for over 15 years where I learned the natural approach to health and wellness. My fascination and love for obtaining and maintaining a healthy physical, mental, and emotional state has been the focal point of my career both creatively and professionally.

I am a self-taught jewelry designer that works mainly with metals and stones. I use my science and wellness background to create designs that stimulate the senses of sight and touch to evoke an emotional connection.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I would suggest the three questions I asked myself that led me to living a life that I enjoy daily and is filled with memorable adventures.

1. If you had unlimited confidence, resources, and time, what would your life look like? What would you be doing? Get really detailed with it.
2. Now, in that life you created, if you became really sick, what are the things you couldn’t do without?
3. Last, if you are on your deathbed, what would break your heart if you didn’t get the chance to experience/have it?

Whatever is left is what your spirit absolutely must have, everything else is filler eating up your time, energy, and resources. It may seem dark, but do you really want to wait until this happens for you to realize what you desire in life? Go within and observe your needs, desires, and gifts. Then figure out how to make money doing what brings you peace. No road is easy and void of obstacles, but life is more manageable when you have created a life that you want to be a part of.

Although I have no regrets, if I would have asked myself these questions earlier than I did, I would have been able to enjoy this version of my life much sooner than I started. I would have definitely spent most of my years living and working as a creative than I did. Eventually, I realized that I had a natural gift for jewelry designing but I also realized that, after making different types of jewelry, I find pleasure in making necklaces and earrings more than bracelets and rings. Which is my final piece of advice. Do what works for you! You don’t have to do it all to be great…just be great at what you do.

Contact Info:

• Website: sacredbymp.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacredbymonicaparks/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@finallylovinglife11
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sacredbymonicaparks

Image Credits
Darryl Rogers | Photographer of following pictures: Black layered chain necklace with pyrite, Copper bracelet with garnet, and headshot picture.