Mary's story..... Mary was raised in Chicago, in a domestic violence environment, and with older, ailing parents. As a preschooler, Mary found art and music helpful in dealing with her trials. She learned her first musical instruments from brother Todd Kelley. Todd, an ESP Disk Recording Artist, taught Mary percussion on cooking pans, and acoustic guitar. She studied art at home, in high school, and college.

As a youth and teen, Mary experienced numerous Sexual Assaults. At the age of seventeen, Mary moved out, and then then went on to study piano, bass guitar, voice, theory, songwriting, music journalism, and business of music. in 1987, Mary formed a Chicago Based Band, Faces of Emotion, shared venues with Smashing Pumpkins & Liz Phair. They utilized astrology, and positive affirmations in songs. They recorded and released numerous albums, garnering international press and radio play. Only in her twenties, Mary was gaining momentum managing her own band and others. Committed to taking care of her ill father, she released herself from all commitments. Eventually both her parents passed away. 

Mary decided a location change might help with her sadness. In 1992, Mary moved to Boston, accepting a district manager retail position. In her corporate position, she utilized creative ways to produce results, develop business growth, create training programs, and manage over four hundred people. After Mary's songwriter brother passed away, she decided to let go of her corporate job and focus on the arts. She sought a part time position and was accepted at Delta Airlines. While at the airline, Mary was responsible for marketing her concierge department, and worked with Six Figure Business Professionals and Millionaires. She was trained on etiquette, computers and marketing.     

While living out east Mary had her first Art Gallery Show, formed a new band (The MG Band), and launched Baylight Publishing, and Blue Turtle Records with her first Solo CD Release "Collage", The Jazzy Folk CD reflected Mary's journey through sadness and loss. The album hi-lighted Mary's growth as a songwriter, featured guitarists David Brown (Billy Joel), Fly Amero (New Orleans). 

In 2000, Mary married and relocated with her husband to Phoenix, Arizona. Her Second Solo CD "Boston To Austin", was inspired by her move to Arizona. Her Folk-Americana release was recorded in Austin, Texas and featured many great Austin musicians, as well as her former band mates from Boston. Faced with threats from a marriage laced with domestic violence, Mary walked through fear and anxiety, walking away from her abuse.

In 2002, divorced, and wanting to start a new creative project, Mary had to postpone the arts after a work exposure left her with an undetermined lung condition. In 2005, Mary had to slow down her arts momentum down even more after a second exposure to toxins while working at the airport. Mary was later diagnosed with Sarcoidosis. She went on a medical leave at work and never went back.

She sold her car, moved in with a friend and focused on healing through the use of holistic and creative arts.. She began studied Meditation and Mindfulness, became a Reiki Master, Herbalist, Aromatherapist, Learned Nutrition while working at a local health food store, and became a Raw Foods Chef. / She used Positive Affirmations to help her self esteem, manifesting positive outcomes in her life. She began sharing her affirmations in songs and art prints, knowing the power of positive thoughts in light of emotional and physical struggle.

In 2008, feeling better, Mary began hosting a Community Circle Jam. There she met local Phoenix Musicians, forming "The Lotus Band". That same year, she completed a One Hundred Hour Certification through Southwest Institute for Creative Arts. In 2010, Mary was told her condition was stable. She began developed business plans, gained experience in setting up LLCs, Corporations, and Trade Marks. During this process, Mary has developed an understanding of inspiring empowerment and applying effective techniques, strategies, and principles necessary in starting a business successfully. 

In 2011, Mary's Co-Founded "Baylight Institute for Creative Arts" opened, utilizing a stand alone building of a South Phoenix Church  In spring of 2012, they began enrolling music and art students. Mary moved onto the church campus, and found herself praying with and spiritual coaching individuals who thought she was part of the church. She continued to build Baylight Institute while simultaneously working on a business plan for her affiliate company "Baylight Recording", She produced a song and video for her first recording client, which has since had over 3000 hits on YouTube. 

In 2012, Mary released the album "That I Am"reflecting Mary's journey of turning her focus from domestic violence, sexual assaults and illness to Hope, Faith, and Love. "That I Am" was released in 2012 with digital distribution, and live concerts at Hard Rock Cafe and Interfaith Community. 

In 2013, Mary was told her Sarcoidosis was officially in remission. Mary began looking for her own place to live, while maintaining her renewed health, business, and ability to create through art and music. After a scare of breast cancer, Mary, with the help of Lotus Band Members Tony Furiga and Cliff Cordes, together wrote the song "Gratitude", which reflects the appreciation of living day to day.  

In 2014, Mary moved into her own home after 4 years of house hopping and 2 years of living on a church campus, which was considered living "Homeless".  She completed a 5 month mindfullness life skills training program (Twice), incorporating these skills in all she does. In her own space, she has been working on an autobiography while developing a Bysiness Plan for "Baylight Recording". She continues to teach, coach and create.

In 2015 Mary Mary continued her revitalizing her mental health through enrollment and inner work at Empact Agency, using a modality called EMDR. Mary's life is a testimony of perseverance, in spite of adversity, and how the use of healing and creative arts can be a means to healing. 

Called a Renaissance Women and Survivor of Sexual Assaults, Depression and Physical Illness, Mary Godfrey has Mastered the Art of Self Rejuvenation. She is an advocate for mental and physical health and children’s safety which is expressed through Volunteering, Fundraising for Charities such as Toys for Tots, Child Help USA, Youth At Risk, Phoenix Pride, UNICEF, Mary's Food Bank, Cup O' Karma, Stop Sarcoidosis and Speaking.

Beyond charity involvement, her advocacy is conveyed through live performance, holistic and creative arts education, marketing volunteer work, published works and public speaking. Whether it be clients, friends, family or community organizations, she approaches her continued and new involvements using her life experience in a revitalized way. 

                                                                                                 © 2014 Mary Godfrey

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