We’re looking forward to introducing you to AMY CUMMINS. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning AMY, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
My lifes work has been to give back to others. That can be from the 23 years as a police officer, volunteering with numerous organizations over the years, working now as a victim coordinator, and so much more. Something that has not left my thoughts was to obtain a masters in counseling. I can remember thinking to myself when I was 18 years of age, that I wanted to be a sexual assault counselor, but honestly I was afraid of the work and long term committment that comes with furthering my education. I received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2014, and mentally I just could not go any further. As a single mom, police officer, and just life in general, I needed a break. So I had continued putting it off for 11 years, and decided earlier this year, that I would finish what I started.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Amy Cummins, a mom, a retired police officer, a cancer survivor, a trauma survivor, a professional artist, a victim advocate, community volunteer, and a full time graduate student. For years I was working on my art business, I owned Gallery Skye Art Gallery in Houston for a short time, but then I was diagnosed with stage 3 metastatic breast cancer. I then decided to retire from law enforcement, and just work the gallery as much as I could. Even that became too much for me, so the only thing I could do was put all of my efforts into battling cancer. That was a life changing moment for me because I learned that my life can be taken away, but I had so much more life to live, and work to do. Most importantly, I needed to be here to finish raising my son. He has been my reason for breathing. He has literally saved me from myself and a true gift from God. His happiness, safety, and security was always paramount, but I also knew that God was continuing to push me to my calling. That is helping others in a way that is natural for me, which is helping people work through their traumas in their life, and those suffering with mental illness.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped me would be the one I have with my son. I learned how to be a better person because of him. He taught me unconditional love, and an unbreakable bond. I learned how to love myself because of him. I have such wonderful memories of him growing up and how I was learning to be a mom. Like many parents, I was afraid of not being good enough to raise a child on my own. What he taught me was to believe in myself and my abilities as a parent. I was tough but very loving. He had boundaries, guidance, teaching, laughter, and so much love. He has grown to be so smart, driven, opinionated, speaks up for himself, hard working, brave, challenging, very funny, and a huge kind heart. Being a mom has been the best thing I have ever done in my life. It has shown me that I am worth loving.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
The moment I knew I had to stop hiding my pain and using it as power was after several sessions with a sexual assault counselor. She taught me that my words have power and can help others that may be experiencing similiar things that I have gone through. Ever since that moment, I have grown as a person and have broadened my outreach to others. My story has helped thousands of people through their journey of healing. I believe God gave me the courage and strength to continue to share how I overcame years and years of sexual trauma, and even fighting cancer. The return of gratitude I receive from sharing my life’s story is worth more than gold.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is absolutely the real me. I may behave in a more mature manner, show respect, and kindness, but I will always be down to earth, funny, direct, compassionate, and protective in every aspect of my life. Titles are great, but we all matter and bring something special to the table.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If immortality were real, what would you build?
There are two passions that hold such a huge part of my heart. One being advocacy, and the other is helping any and all animals. I do a great deal of volunteer work with victims of crime, mental health, literacy, art, and feeding the hungry. It is crucial that those of us that can help others in need, make time to either financially help or give hands on assistance. The same goes with helping animals. I could literally take in every homeless animal if I had the room. I just love them so much.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: acfineart
- Facebook: amycumminsfineart
