J Grayln Stokes

iBronze- What is the name and nature of your company or business?
Gralyn- Abstrakk Ink. The company’s ultimate goal is to become an online platform for creatives of all genres to promote and display their work.

iBronze- What was the turning point in your life when you decided to pursue your dreams?
Gralyn- I was in a terrible accident that confirmed how good God is. Looking at the pictures, you’d be surprised that anyone could’ve walked away from that. But I feel like God hit the reset button on my life, and I knew I couldn’t live the second chapter the way I did my first. It immediately changed my focus, and I started living all aspects of my life more intentionally.

iBronze- Can you describe/outline your typical day (pre-covid/post-covid)?
Gralyn- Pre-covid, no two days were the same. Unfortunately, that wasn’t a good thing for me because I’m more productive with more structure. Post-covid was an adjustment being at home and going through a lazy period. But, it helped me to become more focused, and I learned how to organize and make better use of my time outside of my regular day-to-day.

iBronze- How has your new career affected your personal/family life?
Gralyn- I don’t think much has changed. I realized the people who were always supportive remained supportive. In some cases, you realize others I thought were supportive weren’t. At the end of the day, my biggest challenge is trying to reach people outside of the family and friend unit. That’s when you know you’re reaching people.

iBronze- What motivates you?
Gralyn- What motivates me, now, is no longer wanting to be content with life. I used to be ok with doing just enough to get by and existing instead of living. But I know a normal life is not what I am designed for. I no longer want to exist being ordinary but rather live aspiring to be the best version of me.

iBronze- What has been your most satisfying moment in the business?
Gralyn- Being able to write, format, edit and publish my second book on my own. The ultimate goal is to be creative with no restraints and have complete control of my ideas and creativity.

iBronze- How do you define success?
Gralyn- Success for me is measured by how much I can help others.

iBronze- What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage it?
Gralyn- Dying knowing that I didn’t live life intentionally. I manage by trying to wake up every day being better than I was the day before.

iBronze- Do you have any advice for someone thinking of reinventing themselves later in life?
Gralyn- My advice is very simple. Just do it! A lot of life and loss had to happen to realize I wasn’t living life to the fullest. Find the thing that makes you happy. Invest in things that will be fulfilling, and understand investing doesn’t always have to be monetary. The beautiful thing about life is that every day you’re alive, you have the opportunity to be better. Take advantage of it!

iBronze- Any favorite quotes or mantras you live by?
Gralyn- “Stay far from timid, only make moves when your heart’s in it and live the phrase, ‘Sky’s the limit.’” – Notorious BIG
“If you can’t change your situation, change your attitude.”- Abraham Low

A huge thanks to J. Gralyn Stokes for sharing his inspiring story with us, and we wish him continued blessings and success! For more information on Abstrakk Ink’s products, services, and books for sale, check them out at https://www.jgralyn.com.