Today we’d like to introduce you to Parris Solomon.
Parris, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have had a very interesting trajectory path, which has led to a very fulfilling and humbling journey. Since high school and in becoming a single parent early on, right out of high school, I knew that I had to have a great career path to provide for my son but I have always known that I wanted to be in the human services and healthcare field. Not only have I had the ability to meet people from all walks of life, but I have also been very blessed to be in these career paths that highlights my abilities–from having to be out there in the trenches serving others to my executive administrative role that I hold now–as CEO of my own homecare company and as management in supportive housing for seniors. With this being said, I have been fortunate to hone my skills whenever the opportunity presented itself and I took on the challenge–while always remaining prayerful. I have a plethora of experience as a healthcare worker, social worker, working in the field of education and managing people overall. I have authored several books, I make candles and I have just discovered that I have a newfound love to bake.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road at all. It has been filled with many highs and many lows. There has been lots of bumps and bruises along the way, but I wouldn’t change the way things unfolded for me, for nothing in the world. Throughout life, I have learned that each obstacle pushed me into something greater.
I think back to when I became a published author of writing inspirational books and during that time that I received the revelation to write, I was experiencing a season of pain, rejection and defamation of character in the workplace. One day–I heard the voice of God tell me to write to encourage others to walk in their purpose. I thought to myself–why would you ask this of me during the dark place that I was in? I later realized that it was the perfect time because nothing great comes from not having to experience periods of grief. In my obedience to accepting the gift of writing, it has afforded many opportunities of exposure–some of which I didn’t see coming. Today–you can find all my work available on Amazon, some of the local libraries throughout NC, Barnes & Nobles and local book stores.
Then I think about another time of hearing the voice of God while driving in my car— to start the homecare business and how I didn’t have a clue to where to start or where the funding would come from; but I know I had to start from somewhere and use what was in my hands. I figured that I had plenty of experiences of having worked in the industry as both a CNA I/II, a social worker and being in supervisory roles; which to me was a plus in itself. I also realized that I had a brain to think and strategize to find out all that it entails for this type of business and so I started from there, after much prayer. God continued to step in throughout the entire process and has connected the appropriate resources and persons that have made it all worthwhile. I have to admit that I stepped back for some months to refocus on some other avenues for the business and now I am ready to rebrand and do some things a little different this time by bringing about fresher ideas and services that will be beneficial for the audience that I am trying to reach.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
So I have several years of experience with a background in social work, teaching community college students as well as being in management–all of which has been centered around the geriatric population. I was blessed to be afforded the opportunity to teach Gerontology and Human Services, after having been in the field for a number of years. I knew for some time that working with the aging was who I had been called to, then later to discover it was guiding and teaching adults as well, when I walked in the teaching role. I never second guessed it because I knew that it only would continue to connect to my purpose.
But I have to say that I am most proud of accepting the call to ministry. I wrestled with it for many many years. I accepted the call right before one of the most vulnerable times in all of history–the pandemic. I have been a licensed minister now for about 4+ years, With just attending Duke Divinity and later transferring and graduating Campbell University Divinity School, I feel more compelled to lead people to God by connecting with them on a much more deeper level, especially to those who are still trying to figure out how to stay grounded in biblical foundation and figure this whole thing called “life” out and where we all come in at.
I think what sets me apart from others is my ability to walk in many shoes, all at the same time. I have discovered that I cannot do all that I do without having the proper balance, a positive mental outlook and the right perspective on life.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson that I have learned along the journey is that you can not be everything to everybody and sometimes you just have to say no. It is not the easiest thing to do, but it is necessary. If you don’t develop this mindset, then you will find out the hard way because it can leave you feeling overwhelmed and burnout really quick, really fast.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.essentiallivinghomecarecompany.com
- Facebook: Essential Living Home Care, LLC
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parris-solomon-5157a5162
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Best-Come-Parris-Solomon/dp/1501021125/
