This is a story about family, faith, autism, and art. There was a sweet young African American girl who grew up in a nice family. Read this story to discover how she grew to embrace those who have obsessions. Find out how and why this became her obsession.
Her dad was in the military and they moved around often, living overseas and in several states. They moved to Tallahassee, Florida when he retired. She and her sister would each find unique and beautiful ways to express their creativity.
BETTY
The girl, Betty, was very smart and determined. She was not exactly sure what she would do with her life, but she knew it would involve helping others. She studied hard and eventually earned a master’s degree in Social Work at Florida State University.
NIJAH
Right after college she had a vision. In it she was helping young people, many with developmental disorders on the autism spectrum. Then she gave birth to a darling daughter whom she named Nijah. Difficulties in socializing and communicating led to Nijah being diagnosed with autism. Betty had a strong faith and did a lot of praying. She knew that this was totally a God thing, and that He would guide her in knowing what to do.
Betty and Nijah have been through a lot while learning about autism, about one another, and about life. A common component of autism is intense obsessing on only one topic. Betty wants to inform people that obsession does not have to be an obstacle. It can be reframed and reimagined to become a clear path that can pave the way to a career. Nijah is obsessed with art, so Betty is showing her how to translate her passion and skills into a livelihood.
OBSESSIONS
About four years ago, Betty opened a business named Obsessions. It is part gift shop, part arts and crafts, and part educational experience. According to this amazing owner, Betty Proctor, Obsessions is “a joyful place where young and old can socialize and create items like paintings and greeting cards”.
MPAC
Obsessions is operated hand in hand with Betty’s nonprofit organization MPAC, which stands for Motivating People through Arts and Crafts. Through these two joint ventures, Betty Proctor promotes art, entrepreneurship, and opportunities to enhance life skills and leadership. Betty says it is so rewarding to help those with autism to learn, grow, and have fun.
Interviewing her was incredibly inspiring and heartwarming. Since I am primarily a travel writer, I just had to ask a few travel questions. She reports that one of her favorite beach spots is Destin, Florida, and that she would love to go back for more travel in San Francisco and in Germany. She would love to encourage visitors to choose Tallahassee as a great destination for dining, shopping, and fabulous photo opportunities.
THE MESSAGE
I asked her what makes her an exuberant person and what message might she wish to share with the world. Here is her reply, “What I do now is a faith walk in which God is with me and leads the right people to me. It is all for the good and has given me confidence. I’m driven to show that every human being is valuable and has so much to offer. No one should ever be discounted just because they have a label.”
Betty Proctor and her daughter Nijah invite you to visit Obsessions at 681 Industrial Drive in Tallahassee, Florida. It is in the Railroad Square Arts District. You can contact them here: https://www.facebook.com/obsessionsgifts
So now you know the story about Betty, the lady who embraces obsessions. Her story is impressive and admirable. She has turned adversity into advantage. She has turned sadness into joy. She thrives on matters of family, faith, autism, and art. This world needs many more folks like Betty Proctor.
