We had the good fortune of connecting with Deanna Butler Gayle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deanna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I am truly a thinker. Most times, it works in my favor, but then there are times when overthinking hinders an innovative idea or stirs up fear. When I decided to start a support group for people diagnosed with MS and their families, I saw there was a group of people who looked just like me who did not have a safe place to share their experiences. When I was diagnosed with MS at age of nineteen as a college athlete, my first support group experience was traumatic and emotional. I was surrounded by several seasoned Caucasian MS fighters using walkers and wheelchairs. I had never known anyone that was affected by MS so having my first interaction in this way immediately caused my eyes to swell with tears. Although it took several years to find a better way to cope, I created a website to subtly share my story with others. It was a perfect way to give an intimate look at my journey without making a big announcement. From there, my entertainment company hosted a big event in my hometown of Aiken, SC bringing awareness to MS while providing family-friendly entertainment. I then became affiliated with the MS Focus non-profit organization that helped launch my East Atlanta group. This group alternates monthly between zoom meetings and outings as we encourage each other in our unpredictable journey. We have become family!
In 2023, my support group has blossomed into The Stay Low Initiative, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Although our origins lie in offering assistance specifically for individuals with multiple sclerosis, our mission has evolved to encompass anyone impacted by any life-altering disease or condition.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Along with supporting my community through my non-profit, my professional career encompasses many of the skills and the education I have acquired up until this point. They all seem to work uniquely together, which made me realize that everything we experience, no matter the significance to us, has a purpose and lesson. At a young age, I developed a passion for music singing in church and played sports throughout high school. That lead to receiving a full softball scholarship while obtaining a degree in Computer Info Science and Business Administration. During this time is when I received an MS diagnosis, but I still found no reason to quit. About two years after graduating, I relocated to the Atlanta area with a sales job with Gatorade but could not ignore the incredible music and entertainment scene surrounding me. I began to write for and manage music artists, which lead to the creation of my own entertainment company and releasing my songs. My knowledge of computers and administration has given me an edge in navigating the business side of entertainment and has now shifted me into the film and TV industry.

I am excited to know that my journey has a meaning from start to finish and I can help others see that reality. It is never easy to do hard things, but if you do not quit on yourself and equip yourself with the tools and skills needed, there is nothing you need than other an opportunity to shine! My brand is not about accolades or who knows my name, but it is a testament that your entire life is your brand; and your measure of success is measured by how you treat others and yourself.

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?
Atlanta is much bigger than the map portrays because there is so much to offer in every direction in the cities that surround it. Any time you leave the house, you can expect to be driving at least thirty minutes to get where you are going. I am a homebody, so it would be challenging to entertain for seven days straight in the public, but I have some great ideas for the introverts!

The first day will be low key with some local and familiar dining options and binge watch a trending Netflix series… or catch some Law & Order SVU reruns or even Matlock! The next day we would venture to Jonesboro to Nouveau for the best grits in Georgia and afterwards, we would hit up the Tanger shopping outlets in Locust Grove- she loves to shop, I do not! The third or fourth day, we might catch some live music at St. James Live and enjoy some tasty food. By this time, I am ready to be home for the rest of the week, but I will find strength to do at least one more cool thing with my best friend. We may revisit The New Black Wall Street at Stone Crest to grab a bite and pick up some unique pieces. At the end of her visit, we would go to a spa for massages and pedicures. We cannot miss the opportunity for the best soul food options in one region, so we would trek over to Southern Fire Kitchen.

No matter what we do we always have fun so if I happen to cancel all the plans made, we will make it work!

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?
I first must thank God, the Creator, for my life, my health and peace of mind. Then I must thank God for two loving parents, David, and Carol, who show me that love has no bounds, and it will sacrifice no matter the cost. As I get older, the more I realize the power of honoring them helps my vision to become clearer as I fulfil my purpose. They taught me that there is no amount of success, money or status that can become more important than being kind to others, giving your best self at whatever you do or forgiving yourself and others. These are lessons that keep on giving as they apply to any challenge or win, I face. I was honored to release a special song, “FL’Hours (Beautiful Time)”, which is dedicated to my parents that simply says time is the most precious thing we can give to someone we love.

Website: staylowcampaign.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Flhours

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