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

Hi Grace, what role has risk played in your life or career?
In my career, since I’m an author I chose to rarely and basically not at all take instagram ads on my social media. Even though I have a large following and this would financially help me today, I believe that people lose trust from authors or those giving advice who are willing to take ads on Instagram all the time.

And moving to ATL was a risk for me! I was starting to get more speaking gigs, especially in college towns and felt like both God and my career were calling me to be more centrally located in Atlanta. My parents thought I was crazy, but now see what I see. It’s been amazing for my career to live in this thriving city.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is writing and it all started in my college house. There used to be now structure or template, I just wrote. Now I have a theme on my Instagram @thegracevalentine. It’s about connecting with young women’s honest emotions and struggles and then relating it to scripture. In this industry, you have to brush off when people copy you and that’s the hardest thing about this art because it becomes personal. But I just press forward and remember that God’s favor is for the upright.

I want the world to know that we all have words to share. I love the quote be who you needed when you were younger, and I pray my words are just that, and point women to God’s word. Everyone gets a sense of purpose when they share from the heart and share what they once needed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love walking around Chastain Park and eating brunch at The Chastain. I enjoy hanging out the Beltline on a Saturday morning, going for a run through Piedmont Park, and there’s an Italian dinner spot I love called Sotto Sotto around then. I’m a big sushi girl so my friend and me often go to Lilly’s Sushi in Alpharetta for sushi because it’s truly the best and amazing prices.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My church Peachtree Presbyterian has given me community and a sense of belonging admist a busy schedule. I lead with a now friend a 6th grade girls bible study, and so often on my Instagram I talk about God and my faith to young adults and college girls… it’s been so fun to talk to tweens and have friends who challenge me in my faith.

Also, I’m working towards my masters through seminary at Asbury Theological Seminary. This school and the classes have helped me grow and be challenged a lot.

Website: https://www.Gracevalentine.org

Instagram: @thegracevalentine

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18XybGXHoZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Other: podcast Water into Wine

Image Credits
@mckenziemcneilphoto

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