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

Hi Carla, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Well, believe it or not, I grew up right here in Atlanta. I am what some would call a Grady baby meaning I was born at Grady Hospital in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Every time I tell someone this, they reply that they do not meet many people from Atlanta. I was born to a teenage mother who worked hard to ensure that her children were well cared for and educated. I was what people in today’s society would call a “latchkey kid born into poverty.” During my elementary school years, I lived in apartments Hollywood Road area on the Westside of Atlanta.  At the age of fourteen, my family and I moved to a house in the suburbs of Decatur, Ga so that my siblings and I could have a better life and attend better schools. I graduated from Cedar Grove High School in Decatur, GA with aspirations of attending college. This is an important point because up until this time, no one in my immediate family had gone to college. I started college, but unlike most people that finished in four years, it took me eight years. As you can see, I was determined that I would live a better life and to live that life required that I get a college degree. God had a plan A for me, but because of my poor decision-making, I took the plan B route. I thought the scenic route would be better. After attending several colleges, I was able to obtain my B.A. degree from Georgia State University. It took me eight years double of my counterparts.  Since then, I have gained two more degrees: an M.A. in Middle Grades Education from Mercer University and an ED.S. in Educational Leadership from the University of West Georgia. Because of my belief that education is an equalizer, I became and educator and have been in the field for over twenty-five years. I am currently an assistant principal in a metro Atlanta school district.   I prefaced my story with a bit of background so that I could make this point. In Romans 8:28, the scripture says “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” I believe that this scripture has worked in my life. No matter how many times I chose the wrong path, it has all worked for my good. My background and my upbringing affected me by teaching me that only through a good education and a strong work ethic could I succeed. It taught me in whatever area in my life, all things are possible and to NEVER give up on my dreams. I learned that with my faith in God and a good education, all things are possible to me. You have to believe in your God and work hard every day to gain success. I leave you with one of my favorite quotes by Rory Vaden, “Success is Never Owned, It’s Rented, and the Rent is Due Every Day.” 

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Lion’s Roar is a faith-based organization. The mission is to help people to use their spiritual gifts to impact their world and bring men and women to Christ. It is designed to teach, train, and activate the body of Jesus Christ into hearing the voice of God. Lion’s Roar has a myriad of ways that they equip God’s people. The face-to-face School of the Prophets course gives participants an opportunity to experience prophetic ministry in a safe learning environment. Lion’s Roar facilitates timely training through seminars across the nation. Lion’s Roar quarterly prophetic explosion services are life-changing and highly anointed. It is set apart because it gives practical application in a non-threatening environment. After every training, the participants always say how comfortable they felt in taking risk to use their gifts.  This road has not been easy. When you start a business, organization, or ministry from scratch the process can be daunting. It comes with its ups and downs. The struggle comes with finding committed people to help drive the vision and the ebb and flow of the participants. I have focused on building a team for several years, and I have slowly found a team of people that is dedicated to seeing the success of Lion’s Roar. This forward movement has come because of my personal commitment to increasing my leadership skills. This year, I have finally seen this area of my organization grow. Resources can be a struggle as well. In this age of social media, you have either to pay someone or learn how to do it yourself. In the past, I have managed my social media accounts, created my marketing graphics, and maintained my website. Over the last through months, I have been able to work with a graphic design company to create several of my advertisements for my events and to manage my social media accounts. I have to divide my time between ministry opportunities and still maintain my work schedule. There have been many lessons over the years. I have learned to work with the people who God sends. I have learned that support comes from unexpected places and unexpected people. I have learned that you cannot trust the “day before registration” because most people will register on the day of the event. If you do not remember anything else about Lion’s Roar, remember we are an organization that works in excellence, we have a people-centered approach to ministry, and above all things we love God.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I recently celebrated another birthday. One thing I have decided to do is take a risk and do things I have never done. One thing that I did for my birthday this year was to visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It is a great place to relax and learn something new about plants, even if this is not your thing. Then I would take some time to stroll down the Atlanta Beltline near the Krog City Market and check out the eateries. Also, let’s not forget Ponce City Market! This is quite an urban experience. I would definitely not forget the restaurant, 6 Feet Under for seafood across from Oakland Cemetery. If you love to shop, check out Atlantic Station. And for more fun, the Painted Pin and Punch Bowl Social are great places to take friends that are in town. If you want live music, check out City Winery and the High Museum for Friday night Jazz. 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out Nedra Buckmire. She is the founder of Hope Fulfilled Empowerment, an organization that empowers women.  She has been a lifelong friend who has supported me and Lion’s Roar along this journey. She is a woman who makes a difference in the lives of other women. She is a pastor, a mother, life-coach and speaker who travels the globe influencing the lives of others. She is an empowerment coach who endeavors to see women and their families walk in their full potential. She is a world changer!

Website: www.lionsroarministries.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carladclark/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-clark-a6447853/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LionsROAR2/?ref=bookmarks
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3svBOpKFj2PtKf-bLqBK2Q?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
TakenbyLaLa
www.takenbylalphotography.com