Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariana Taylor
Hi Ariana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember. Creativity runs through my blood and throughout my life, I’ve used many different outlets to express myself. I’ve written poetry. I’ve filled up sketch books with drawings and illustrations. There are stacks of journals with unfinished novels I’ve written (my mother actually published one copy of my first book as a kid). I even started a photography group in high school which led to my love for video production. When it was time to get serious about my career, I spent nearly a decade writing news and sports stories as a journalist.
To make a long story short, I absolutely love creating.
So when I gave my life to God in 2022, it seemed fitting to focus my talents on my latest passion: spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
For the past 2 1/2 years, I’ve felt a calling to share the love of God to all people, no matter who you are, where you come from, or what you look like. In 2023, I wrote my first book called “Little Steps for Big Faith: A 24-Day Devotional to Practically Grow Your Faith in Jesus” Then a few months later, we hosted the first Grow In Faith Event, which is now becoming an annual event for people to gather, learn more about God and grow their community.
This year, I’m releasing my second book called “UNLOCKED: A 30-Day Journey to Intimate Prayer with God”.
Never would I have imagined that I’d be an author, let alone being one who’s released two books within two years. I remember spending hours every Saturday morning reading books at the local library. I used to beg my mom for new journals so that I could write the novels that were bubbling in mind, ready to pour the words out on college-ruled pages. To be in this place today, doing something my heart has always desired and being able to bring light to who God is, is truly a dream come true.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My mom used to always tell me that I like to learn stuff the hard way. I say life is always dealt to me in the hardest ways.
From being molested as a child, to dealing with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, getting to a place of complete peace and joy has been a hard-fought battle. There were many points in my life where I wanted to quit. And in some moments I actually did quit, like when I dropped out of college. But I’m a firm believer that nothing in life is ever wasted and God can turn any situation around for our good. When I decided not to return for another semester at Michigan State University, I ended up securing a job as a breaking news reporter in my hometown of Detroit. When I felt led to leave the news industry for good a few years later, I ended up in Dallas where I started a new career, found an amazing community with the best people, and encountered the love of God like never before.
I’ve struggled in so many ways in my life and for a long time, I believed that the failures defined who I am. But I now know that I am not defined by my past and those things can no longer have a hold over me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an author and creator. I founded Sonny Light Ministries, which is my platform dedicated to spreading the light of God through books, events, and public service. So far, I’ve published two books through Sonny Light Ministries and I have a feeling that there are more to come!
I also founded Sonny Light Creative, which is a production company and creative studio. Through Sonny Light Creative I manage the social media marketing and content creation for business across the DFW metroplex.
I think I’m most proud of my drive. Neither of the platforms/businesses were things that I initially wanted to do. But when I felt like God was calling me bring these ideas to life, there was nothing that would’ve stopped me from fulfilling my purpose.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success is defined by impact. How have I impacted the lives of those around me? When people encounter me, can they see the light of God? Are my endeavors only beneficial to myself?
The way that I answer those questions lets me know if I’ve been successful in whatever I’m doing. The numbers, reports, and analytics are important. But when I see a couple getting married after they met at one of my events, or I see a woman rededicate her life to God after reading my book, that’s when I feel accomplished.
Pricing:
- UNLOCKED: A 30-Day Journey to Intimate Prayer with God
- $22.99 on Amazon.com
- Little Steps for Big Faith: A 24-Day Devotional to Practically Grow Your Faith in Jesus
- $14.99 on Amazon.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sonnylightco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arianattaylor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariana.taylor.92/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@arianattaylor?_t=ZP-8tc40nOkIG7&_r=1
Image Credits
Sally Kamara
Courtney Dozier
