Mary Lane: The Power of Purpose

The stage lights hit her face, illuminating a quiet confidence that belied the whirlwind of her life. Mary Lane, a woman who has worn the uniform of a soldier, commanded classrooms as an educator, navigated the complexities of real estate, and now graces both stage and screen, stood poised.

Her nonlinear journey showcases the outset of her purpose, her resilience, and her deep conviction in the strength of knowledge and human connection.

To truly understand Mary, one must appreciate the multitude of decisions that have shaped her, each step a deliberate, yet sometimes spontaneous, stride toward an impactful life.

The story of Mary Lane begins not with a grand career plan, but with a sudden, sun-drenched walk to a mall in her late twenties. “My decision to join the Army just happened on a sunny day,” she recounts, a hint of wonder still in her voice. For nine years, the U.S. Army became her world.

It was a “roller-coaster ride,” especially during the initial rigorous Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training. The military demanded a complete shift in mindset, a challenge she met head-on. This period proved foundational, refining her leadership skills and imbuing her with an unshakeable courage.

“It made me have more courage in pursuing my goals, dreams and taught me that I can take on challenges and win at them,” she asserts, the lessons clearly still resonating. The Army also solidified her commitment to education, a value she would carry forward into subsequent endeavors.

The transition from military to civilian life, surprisingly, wasn’t a jarring one, thanks to her ex-husband’s continued service. Their daughter was born in Germany, and the family’s return to the United States meant a temporary stay with relatives while Mary navigated the financial practicalities of new beginnings.

It was during this time, seeking a job that offered the flexibility to be present for her daughter, that Mary stepped into the world of education. Her military leadership experience made the shift seamless, and she quickly found herself leading classrooms across Georgia.

Her teaching philosophy, rooted in the belief that “knowledge is power,” became a mantra. She didn’t just teach subjects; she empowered young minds. Years later, at Bible school, she experienced a full-circle moment when one of her own students became her teacher; a powerful testament to the ripple effect of genuine education.

Concurrently with her teaching career, Mary immersed herself in real estate, drawn by the same desire for flexible hours. For over two decades, she honed her craft, witnessing the ebbs and flows of the Georgia property market. Her success, she attests, stemmed from a simple yet profound principle: “It is important to treat your clients with dignity and respect; this goes a long way in how they remember your service.”

This commitment to service extended beyond transactions; it meant continuous learning, staying “abreast of contracts and market changes,” and keenly observing client body language to understand their true needs and decision-makers. These nuanced observations, honed over years of negotiation and interaction, would become invaluable in her entrepreneurial pursuits.

In 2015, Mary’s entrepreneurial spirit found its purest expression in PerfectedEverything. The genesis of the company was deeply personal, spurred by the encouraging words of her mother, a business owner herself, who was battling health challenges. “Just do it, you know you can,” her mother would say.

What began as a venture creating custom empowerment T-shirts for extra income soon evolved. While seeking a name for her business, a passage from Psalm 138:8 resonated deeply: “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me.” From this spiritual grounding, “PerfectedEverything” was born.

The name, to Mary, signifies faith and divine timing. “I believe that God perfects everything that concerns me no matter what it is,” she explains.

As a vendor at events, Mary observed how other sellers interacted with customers and realized there was a need to teach proper business conduct. Leveraging her diverse background and college degree, Mary transitioned PerfectedEverything into a business coaching and consulting brand.

As a Business Etiquette Coach, she passionately advocates for professionalism and purpose. “You have to first start with your WHY, research and who you want your audience to be,” she advises her clients. Her core principle is unwavering: “If you can’t respect people in general, how are you going to have customers/clients?”

Mary sees every challenge as an opportunity for growth, learning from the inevitable hurdles of entrepreneurship, whether it’s balancing time, securing funding, finding clients, or even losing money.

Her proudest entrepreneurial moment, she shares, was the evolution from a simple vendor to a dedicated coach, a proof to her vision. Looking ahead, she sees PerfectedEverything expanding to major platforms, including the exciting prospect of writing another book.

Her influence extends to local business networks. She was recognized as Member of the Year by Girls Night Out (GNO), a dynamic group of women entrepreneurs founded by Mary Ross. “This recognition meant the world to me,” Mary beams, noting it was her first award early in her business journey.

It’s clear she values the collective strength and inspiration found in such networks. Her vision for future community initiatives centers on adult education in business etiquette, a natural extension of her current coaching.

Then, there’s the unexpected, captivating turn into the performing arts. Mary never set out to be an actress. It happened, as she puts it, when “a door was opened.” Tina Bridges of TLBProductions, a master of impromptu theater, saw something in Mary. “You know it’s about you,”

Tina declared when pitching a TikTok series, “Hey Auntie.” A star was born, Mary jokes, though she acknowledges she was “shocked” at first. This unscripted, comedic web series showcases her natural charisma in a relatable “Auntie” role, a stark contrast to her other roles.

Her foray onto the stage was initially nerve-wracking. For her first stage play, she admits to forgetting lines, but on the day of the performance, she “did really well.” She later joined the powerful production “Angel’s Palace,” a play dedicated to raising awareness about sex trafficking, where she understudied and then stepped into the role of Judge Alexander.

Mary has also made her mark in film. She plays a “Lord” (a jurist) in the upcoming film “Living in the Cemetery,” set to premiere on July 12th, 2025. She speaks highly of producer Keeny O.D., a “great person and producer,” and encourages everyone to see the movie.

Juggling multiple careers—business owner, coach, student at Georgia State, model, and actress—is challenging, but Mary manages. She finds that her diverse skills converge, noting, “All of it ties together very well.” Her latest exciting venture? She’s written her first book, The Echo of Decisions: My Military Path to Who I Am, with pre-sales starting in July 2025.

At her core, Mary Lane is a woman driven by a desire to challenge herself. “If I see someone doing something whether it be a role or modeling, I will try it not for competition but to challenge myself,” she states. Her faith, rooted in Psalm 138:8, is her unwavering anchor. “I believe and I have faith – that’s all I need.” Her mother, a “beautiful” and resilient entrepreneur, instilled in her the foundational lessons of hard work and perseverance, teaching her to “step out on faith” and reminding her that “everyone may not want what you have to offer and that’s okay.”

Mary, as a successful Black woman, has faced moments of disinterest due to her race, but she offers powerful advice: “Believe in yourself and keep your head up. There are some really mean people out here in this world, pray for God’s protection over yourself and your business, have fun doing what you like.”

Looking back, Mary is most proud of two things: her military service and her return to school after many years. These represent moments of profound discipline and courage. When asked about her legacy, Mary’s response is simple yet profound: “That I did not just exist, I lived my life.”

Her message to readers of Three Times Magazine encapsulates her journey: “That discipline, hard work and courage takes you further than you could imagine. Never give up on you, love yourself and love people.”

Mary Lane is more than a list of impressive titles; she is a witness to the power of continuous evolution, guided by unwavering principles and an open heart. From the discipline of the Army to the empathy of a teacher, the astuteness of a real estate professional, the purpose of a coach, and the creative spirit of an actress, Mary Lane truly lives her life. And as the curtain rises on her next act, one thing is clear: her story is far from over, promising many more inspiring echoes of decisions yet to come.

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A Deeper Dive with Mary Lane: The Full Interview

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What led you to enlist in the U.S. Army, and at what stage of your life did you serve? Can you share a bit about your role or experiences during your military service? My decision to join the Army just happened on a sunny day while walking to the mall, without any prior thought about being a soldier or wearing a uniform. I served nine years from my late twenties to early thirties. My experience was kind of a roller coaster ride, meaning there were some moments at the first stage during basic combat training (BCT) and advanced individual training (AIT) that were not so good because integrating into the Armed services can be very challenging; it’s a totally different mindset.

How did your time in the Army shape you as a person and as a leader? Are there values or skills you gained in the military that you’ve carried into your civilian careers (education, business, etc.)? It made me have more courage in pursuing my goals, dreams and taught me that I can take on challenges and win at them. Yes, some skills like leadership were polished up and completing education in college were major values to me.

What was it like transitioning from military service to civilian life and eventually into teaching and business? Did you face any challenges adjusting or find any surprising advantages as a veteran entering those fields? The transition from military to civilian life was not difficult because at that time I was married to a service member. We both served quite a bit of time together. My daughter was born in Germany and we had to wait until she was three months old before they would let us bring her back to the United States. Being a veteran didn’t have many benefits as far as helping with getting a place to stay for my daughter and I, with minimal funds coming in I ended up staying with family for a while.

What inspired you to become an educator in the first place? Did you always want to teach, or was it something you discovered after another chapter of your life (such as after the Army or college)? I was looking for a job that would allow me the flexibility to be available for my daughter while she was in school. While in the military serving in leadership roles made the transition to an educator smooth.

What was one of the most impactful or memorable moments from your time in the classroom that affirmed why you love education? One of my most memorable moments was when I went to Bible School and one of my teachers at Bible School was a student I taught. Teacher to student — turn student to teaching me. A great moment seeing him.

After working in education, what drew you to a career in real estate? Was it something you pursued simultaneously with teaching, or did it come later? Something I pursued simultaneously with teaching, being able to set my own hours was important to me.

Two decades is a long time in the property business. What do you consider keys to your success and longevity in the real estate field? It is important to treat your clients with dignity and respect, this goes a long way in how they remember your service.

You’ve said that working in real estate “opened my eyes to understanding exactly what clients need”. Can you give an example of a client interaction or lesson that taught you something valuable about people or business? So we had to commit to many hours of continuing education classes per year which kept us abreast of contracts and market changes and contract updates. I learned that you have to observe how a person communicates with their body language. Doing this can let you know who is the boss in home buying, who has the money to purchase, and who is the ultimate decision maker in all aspects of the process.

What’s the story behind PerfectedEverything? You started with empowerment T-shirts in 2015 – what inspired that initial idea, and how did it evolve into the coaching and consulting work you do now? My mom, who was an entrepreneur, was going through health challenges and I was telling her that I wanted to open a business, as she would always say “just do it, you know you can,” I hear these same words today when I want to step out on faith with another journey. I started my T-shirt business to get extra money but I had to come up with a name for the business. One day I was reading the bible and God had me turn to King James version of Psalm 138:8 The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: Thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: Forsake not the works of thine own hands. Out of this reading came Perfected Everything. I started as a vendor with my T-shirts and I began watching how vendors would greet the people who came to their area to look at their products and I was like wow there has to be a way to help people understand the importance of customer/client relationships. With my background and college degree I am surely qualified to be a coach, don’t you think?

The name “PerfectedEverything” is very intriguing. What does “perfecting everything” mean to you? How does that name reflect your approach to business or life? This name came from the reading out of Psalm 138:8, I believe that God perfects everything that concerns me no matter what it is. I have to remember that it is not always in my timing but it is always right on time.

You’re known as a Business Etiquette Coach. Why do you believe business etiquette and professionalism are so important for entrepreneurs? Can you share a couple of core principles you teach clients about being a respectful and effective business owner? The two go hand in hand. You have to first start with your WHY, research and who you want your audience to be. Look if you can’t respect people in general how are you going to have customer/clients.

You’ve worked in multiple industries and worn many hats (education, real estate, retail products, etc.). How has being multi-industry informed your entrepreneurship? Everything I have done in my life involved leadership, clients or something that made me interact with people, I am not always doing everything right but I try to do the best I can.

What were some challenges you encountered in building your own businesses (whether PerfectedEverything or others), and how did you overcome them? Balancing time, securing funding, finding clients, and losing money.

What achievement in your business life are you most proud of so far? A milestone with PerfectedEverything would be going from vending to being a coach.

Looking ahead, where do you envision PerfectedEverything in the next few years? Looking ahead I see myself on major platforms and hopefully writing another book.

Congratulations on being named Member of the Year by Girls Night Out (GNO)! What does this recognition represent in terms of your contribution? Girls Night Out (GNO), founder Mary Ross, this is an awesome group of women who are Bosses! I was introduced to the group by another member, oh my this recognition meant the world to me, to think that a person like Mary Ross who is a legend in inspiring and training others wanted to recognize me I was really in awe. Actually this was my first award not long after starting my business.

If you could spearhead any new community initiative in the future, given all your areas of expertise, what issue or area would you love to tackle next? Teaching adult education on Business Etiquette.

Your pivot into acting is fascinating. How did you first get into acting and at what point in your life did that happen? I first got into acting because Tina Bridges of TLBPRODUCTIONS, who does impromptu, was telling me about a TikTok series she wanted to do, then she looked at me and said “you know it’s about you.” I was shocked and just went along with it because she is amazing when it comes to talent. So a star was born (just kidding) the name of it was Hey Auntie. I never thought about acting. It just happened, a door was opened.

Do you remember your very first time performing as an actress (either on stage or on camera)? What was going through your mind? First time in a stage play I was so nervous, I couldn’t remember all my lines which weren’t that many, but on the day of the play I did really well.

Angel’s Palace has garnered attention for its stance against sex trafficking. What has it been like playing Judge Alexander in that play? Well I was the understudy for Ron Godfrey, so when he was out of time I filled in as the judge.

You have a role in the upcoming film “Living in the Cemetery.” How would you describe this film and your character in it? The premiere is July 12, 2025, and I play a Lord, aka jurist. I can tell you that Keeny OD who is the producer is such a great person and producer. You have to see the movie.

You have multiple careers running in parallel now. How do you balance your time between running businesses by day and acting in the evenings or on weekends? Do your business skills ever come in handy in your acting career, or vice versa?Sometimes it gets a little much but I manage. The most challenging thing for me is being in school at Georgia State right now modeling, acting, and the business. All of it ties together very well.

What would you say is the core philosophy or value system that unites all these roles for you? In other words, who is Mary Lane at her core, no matter what title she holds at the moment? I like to challenge myself, if I see someone doing something whether it be a role or modeling I will try it not for competition but to challenge myself.

How has your spiritual life or faith guided your decisions and sustained you through challenges? My company name Perfected Everything and Psalm 138:8. I believe and I have faith, that’s all I need. (I went to Bible School, I didn’t teach there).

You credit your mother as a foundational influence. Can you share more about her and how her example shaped the woman you’ve become? In what ways do you find yourself following in her footsteps or living out lessons she taught you? My mother was beautiful, a woman who herself endured a lot of challenges but given her inner strength she overcame them, she was a great entrepreneur, always making something with her hands. Well entrepreneurship started at home watching my mother and oftentimes helping make her products then she put us to work selling them.

As a successful Black woman in fields where not everyone looks like you (be it the military, business, or even theater), did you face any unique challenges or pressures? How have you navigated those, and do you have advice for other young women of color forging their own paths? I remember being interviewed by another race and they didn’t act as though they were interested because well you know. What I would say to young women of color is to step out on faith, everyone may not want what you have to offer and that’s okay. One of the things you have to do is believe in yourself and keep your head up. There are some really mean people out here in this world, pray for God’s protection over yourself and your business, have fun doing what you like.

Looking back across all the different fields you’ve touched, what moment in your life are you most proud of? Two things: serving in the military and starting school after so many years, I am very proud of myself.

You’ve achieved so much already – what’s next for Mary Lane? Are there any new goals or dreams on the horizon, either in business, community service, or the arts, that you’re excited about and willing to share? I wrote my first book which pre-sales start in July 2025! Super excited! The Echo of Decisions: My Military Path to Who I Am.

What do you hope your legacy will be? When people read about you or meet you, what do you most want them to take away from your story and example? That I did not just exist, I lived my life.

Finally, if Three Times Magazine readers could learn one thing from your journey, or be inspired to take one action after hearing your story, what would you want that to be? That discipline, hard work and courage takes you further than you could imagine. Never give up on you, love yourself and love people.

I give so much credit to my mother for who I have become as a woman and to my daughter, Lejoi Lane, who is my rock. At times when I wanted to quit, she encouraged me to keep going. “Mom, you can do it,” she said, echoing what my mother said years ago. The wisdom and knowledge she has is amazing, but God’s Word says, “Train up a child in the way they shall go, and they will not depart

from it.”

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