Keyatta Mincey Parker, Founder and Director of A Sip of Paradise Garden, and Founder, Pictures and Cocktails and The Jim Project (Atlanta, GA)

Years in Industry:
I was born in Liberia and have spent more than 20 years in hospitality, 18 of those as a bartender, here in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2016, I created “Pictures and Cocktails," focused on developing cocktails, systems and content for spirits brands and in 2019, I started “The Jim Project” back in Liberia. It’s a non-profit to help support young women by training them in the hospitality industry to build their careers as an alternative to prostitution and other unhealthy ways to make a living. Finally, in 2020, I also created “A Sip of Paradise” – a community garden to help cultivate a happier, healthier bartending community by offering therapeutic gardening activities, here in Atlanta.
 
My Top Three Challenges to Wellness:
1. Setting Boundaries
I broke down a few weeks ago with chest pains, difficulty breathing, the works, and I suffered in silence because I was scared it would be lumped in the "Oh it's COVID box." My husband finally dragged me kicking and screaming to urgent care. They tested me 3 times for COVID while I was there, all negative, EKG, blood pressure, the works. Finally the doctor asked me what was going on in my life. As I am explaining it to her my chest got tight, I couldn't breathe and I started crying. She looked me in my face and said you need to sit your ass down, lol. She talks to my husband and he politely took my phone and told me I was on bed rest for 10 days. No phone, no work, no nothing. I was mad! How dare they tell me what I can and can't do, I'M GROWN, lol. No, I was killing myself, I had to set boundaries. I can't let people have access to me as I did before, it's taking time but I have set days that I work in the garden, I have set admin days and I have set off days. Life happens with or without you, I will rather be there.

2. Forgiving Myself 
I am really thriving in these crazy times. I have to forgive myself because I'm different now and don't do the things I used to do. Now, I'm an owner, I have to consider more people with my actions and decisions. I also have to forgive myself because others are jealous or envious. I have worked very hard to build what I have and for so long I felt bad because others weren't getting the shine and things I was getting but I had to understand that my path is my path. Me dimming my shine to make others feel better is disrespectful to myself and those that have supported and believed in me. 

3. Taking Time for Myself
I never take time for myself. I am always doing everything for others but get upset when they don't do those things for me. Why? I'm not even doing it for me. How can I have that expectation? It's not fair to anyone. I had to realize it's not selfish to want to protect your time. It's yours, you deserve it. 
 
How I Keep It Together to Stay Well:
I recently started therapy. It's strange because being African it's not really something I was aware of or exposed to until I was an adult. I was always told to pray, go to church, or talk to my pastor. I thought therapy was for people with real problems, but it's not. What are real problems? It's needed, I am very optimistic, and I really like my therapist, but I am also scared for what will be unearthed, lol. I also attend meditation, yoga, and walks with my husband. My family is my anchor, they help me balance myself.
 
What Inspires Me:
I draw inspiration from everywhere, my friends, gardeners and family. I also read a lot of cocktail and gardening books and articles.
 
Two Quotes I Love:
“Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick and pull yourself together” - Elizabeth Taylor

“Well behaved women rarely make history” - Eleanor Roosevelt
 
You can connect with Keyatta on Instagram at @picturesandcocktails @asipofparadisegarden and @thejimprojectlib. On Facebook A Sip of Paradise Garden and online at www.asipofparadisegarden.org