Meet Ina Williams | Writer and Creative Systems Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ina Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ina, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?

I am actually reading two books right now and they are both immensely helpful in different ways. The first is Pick Three by Randi Zuckerberg. Very helpful for anyone who wants to learn how to intentionally set goals to live a satisfyingly lopsided life. The idea in the book is that work/life balance may not be a realistically attainable goal. However, I can prioritize certain areas based on what I need in that season, as long as I get okay with the sacrifices it will require in other areas. She said the concept of the book started with this question she asks herself every morning, Family, Work, Sleep, Fitness or Friends? Pick three.” Because three is the number you can accomplish realistically each day. And tomorrow’s three might be different from today’s. An essential lesson for entrepreneurs, and anyone struggling with the guilt of not getting through their daily to do list. I am loving it!

The second book is called A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards. It is a sort of character study of three well-known kings in the bible; Saul, David and Absalom. It is a beautiful lesson in leadership. It looks briefly at how the kings led but also what, or who, led them. Reading it is a little like looking into a mirror and being asked to confess what you truly see in yourself as a leader. It is beautiful, powerful and a surprisingly quick read. I highly recommend it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After 20 years in the creative space I have noticed how much time is wasted creating and recreating tools creatives need. Everyone needs a system whether they are painting or running a non-profit. I am a writer, but I also have a passion for structure and organization that helps me as a creative. It also enables me to help others no matter what field they are in. This passion is what led me to become what I call a Creative Systems Engineer. I help people build simple systems that are easy to replicate and maximize efficiency.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I love a good walk. Whether it is for business or pleasure the activity itself is invigorating and especially helpful for getting the creative juices flowing. So, all my go-to spots are places I can walk. Sweetwater State Park is one of my favorites. After a walk (or hike), if I’m hungry I head to a great coffee shop called The Cenacle Coffee & Bistro. It is about a 10 minute drive away. Yummy food and the most friendly staff.

If we want to leave our cars behind altogether and eat as we go I love the ATL Beltline. I usually start from either West End, Forth Ward Park ,or Ponce City Market entrances. There are plenty of options for delicious food along the way, and if you have little ones the Forth Ward entrance as a fun playground where they can almost always find some new friends.

Last, but not least would be my old stomping grounds, downtown East Point. Free parking, wonderful food options (everything from cupcakes to Gullah cuisine), and if you are here in the warmer months there is a farmers market on Wednesdays. A beautiful place if you are looking for community.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is no doubt that the old adage is true, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Only we may have great misconceptions about when the child is actually “raised.” I am 37 years old, and I am still being raised by an amazing village of friends, family and mentors. If I tried to list them all I would undoubtedly leave someone out but here is my attempt at shouting out some of the amazing people in my village. My family, here in Atlanta, in Texas and all the way in Nigeria, thank you for your love, support, prayers, and daily scripture texts.
Kisa Willis my best friend and business confidant. Thank you for always hearing me out and pushing me further. I was really blessed on that first day of kindergarten.

Freddie Hendricks and the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta. I would never have tasted the first sweetness of writing or pushed myself as far out of my comfort zone if you hadn’t given me the opportunities you did. Thank you.

Dawn Axam who has been more than a teacher to me before and even after I graduated Tri-Cities High School. You are an amazing human and I am so glad to be able to sit and talk to you.

Pastor Ricky Temple, for always having the difficult conversations with me. For loving me like your own daughter (hi Christina!) and for praying with and for me for fifteen years.

Simone Adams and Christie Glascoe my self-employment sensa. Thank you both for making what could have been a daunting journey a very beautiful and adventurous one.

AJ John best musical collaborator ever! It is a tremendous thing to feel heard, especially when you feel all the music is locked inside your own head. Thanks for helping me get out of there and into the world in a new way friend.

Website: https://www.inawilliamscreative.com/

Instagram: @inawilliamscreative

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ina-williams-a3258b14a/

Twitter: @inawilliamscreative

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm_5eS-MR6NEmwQmDGWYXKQ

Image Credits
Justin Jordan
Mark Meadows