Grace Penix
We’re so excited to welcome our friend Grace Penix (@graciepenix) to this week’s Dreamos Round Table! Grace is a fashion model and entrepreneur turning dreams into reality from Nashville, TN.
Growing up in the music industry, Grace spent a lot of time with her dad and siblings in the studio. Although she spent some time pursuing music herself, she had become fully immersed in the fashion industry, starting her modeling career off at just two years old.
Throughout her career, Grace has worked with household names like Coca Cola, Uncommon James, L’Oréal, Zac Posen, and Nisolo.
What dream are you currently turning into reality?
So, I haven’t officially made any kind of announcement yet, but over the past few months I started working on a women’s swim/lounge collection set to launch next year. Surprise! I’ll still be modeling and acting, because there are some little dreams there I would like to see realized!
When did you first realize you discovered your dream?
Two years ago I was on set working with one of my favorite clients. We were shooting their spring collection for e-com when I realized my creativity wasn’t being challenged at all. I found myself wanting to be on the other side of the camera, but I wasn’t sure what that looked like. After a few months of praying and soul searching, I realized I wanted to own something where I could exercise my creativity, while also making an impact on the world around me.
How does your faith go hand in hand with pursuing your dream?
This is going to sound crazy, but it’s because of my relationship with God that my dreams have gotten bigger and more purposeful. It didn’t take long for me to realize that God's dreams for my life are much bigger and more exciting than my own. I’ve learned to dream with God instead of running ahead of Him.
What’s one or two practical steps you take to keep moving forward?
Okay so, I’m the gal with the big vision who struggles to figure out the baby steps to get there. Having friends and community around me, that believes in what I’m doing and holds me accountable, has been a huge game changer. They are quick to call me out if I’m slacking! Another thing that keeps me moving forward is keeping my eyes on the “why” and not just the “what”. I’m building a brand to create a legacy. I’m building a brand so that I can pour into communities around the world. Why are you pursuing what you’re pursuing? If you don’t have a strong “why” to continuously come back to, staying motivated will get challenging.
What encouragement would you give someone who’s going after their dream?
Focus on building a firm foundation for whatever you’re working on - Then just do it. Remember to trust the process and God's timing. Don’t let fear of failure get in the way of what you’re called to do. Feeling directionless? Ask God to give you vision - He will do it!