Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marilyn Barrow. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Marilyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your creative career?
An important lesson I’ve learned that has helped me in my creative career is “Freedom to be.” Have freedom to be me and give people the space for them to be them, as well. At my last job we did a lot of training and I enjoyed that we were taught and showed our trainees that life happens outside of the space that we are in, so let it! Be respectful to the speakers yet however you need to take care of your needs during the lengthy training, people felt free to. We greeted them with a smile and engagement no matter what time of day it was. If they were fidgety or even got bored, there were always things to play with on the tables. When you show people that they are seen and valued they have no problem participating. I aim to keep that freedom in mind in what I do and especially working with my team.
Marilyn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I started the Refiner’s Chamber in 2019 after seeing a much larger need for girls to have a space to come together and intentionally learn about who they are, by knowing the Creator. We give girls that space to learn and grow to maturity. We began with Saturday sessions where we intentionally use specific programs in the arts and sports to build life, home, and social skills. As a child, I did most of the things that the girls are learning to do at TRC, in the confines of my bedroom. Art and music were my voice because as a child I didn’t have one. The Chamber is a place where they can find theirs and learn how to use it without fear. Girls need that self-confidence, knowledge of self and how things work to be able to mature with confidence. Our aim at The Refiner’s Chamber is that by the time they leave, the knowledge they’ve gained will allow them to live independently and thrive in society. Our hope is that as they do, they unknowingly and knowingly give other girls and young women permission to do the same.
I’m most proud that our girls are open to growth. They come from many different backgrounds and family dynamics, yet there has not been a moment where they’ve said no to learning something new. We teach respect, resourcefulness and resilience, though respect must come first. One can have many opinions and views – and may deem them right, yet the key is to have open dialogue about how we and others view things and not try to change them but love and understand them. From that place only can we truly be used to set a fire in others!
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
The Refiner’s Chamber didn’t always start as such. I created a nonprofit in 2013 called MyPurpose. After a few years and some bumps in the road, I allowed discouragement and lack of attendance to halt the goal of what I was aiming to do. I didn’t see progress. I didn’t see longevity; all I saw was a need and had the desire to meet it for the girls in New Orleans. In 2017 I stopped sessions at MyPurpose because I allowed my self-confidence to push me out of the way of a greater purpose. The Refiner’s Chamber is a birth of a new baby with the same foundation yet with a greater purpose and a vision; something that was lacking in the previous one. Had I allowed my failure to keep me down I wouldn’t have begun again. I don’t teach our girls anything that I haven’t experienced and that experience alone shows them that regardless of what happens around you, what you feel about yourself is what will drive your decisions. Now that I have recognized that, I hold on to the truth of who I am and not the lies or opinions of who people tried to make me be.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
In my view, to best support creatives is to SUPPORT creatives! So much change has happened in the world and money and resources are being poured elsewhere. If we understand the impact that being creative or learning creativity has on an individuals’ personality, mental and emotional health, and life as a whole, we would be running to support creatives and the thriving creative ecosystem.
I can attest that if I did not build upon the skills and freedom that the arts gave me as a child, I would not be the woman I am – and am becoming, today. Creativity is life and gives life. I believe everyone deserves to experience the chance to breath.
Contact Info:
- Website: trcgirls.wixsite.com/
the-chamber - Instagram: _trcgirls
- Linkedin: Marilyn Barrow
- Other: Personal Instagram: _emergingstorm
Image Credits
The Refiner’s Chamber Inc