Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Smilinskas.
Hi Anna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve wanted to be a singer since the day I could remember wanting to be anything. Growing up my mom was in a trio called “Acclamation!” and we traveled around to churches for their concerts all the time. When people would ask me “what was your first concert” I would always be confused by the question…I grew up in a concert! Listening to my mom’s band rehearse in our living room, I had a natural knack in picking up harmonies, something I thought everyone could do at the time!
It takes a lot of character to pursue music as a career with so much talent surrounding you, and I am so beyond blessed that I have a job in the field. Being the worship director at Grace Winter Garden has been a job that I could only dream about. Leading people to worship every Sunday morning is something I look forward to every day. I have a love for music that surpasses all my other passions. Without music, I wouldn’t have photography.
As a creative, talents don’t just flow from one source. Being inspired by photography also came early on. I had my first internship in photography when I was 15 and my own business by 18. I became a published in wedding magazines and built a tiny business from the ground up. Photography has taken more of a backseat as I pursue music again, but it still has a huge part of my heart, even shooting at a smaller scale.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road is never an easy one. Whether it was with my small business or music career, things always get tough. One of my big struggles was always wondering if I was good enough or thinking I needed XYZ before being successful when the truth is, success lies in the confidence and belief you have in your abilities. Once you truly believe in yourself it’s hard to get it wrong.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Being the Worship Director at church is really amazing to me. I’ve been leading others in worship my whole life, but I haven’t ever been employed for it, and there’s nothing better than helping people have an authentic experience or moment with God every Sunday. More often than not, you don’t know where people are coming from once they enter the sanctuary. You don’t know if they’ve had the best week of their life or the worst. Whether they’re happy to be there or struggling desperately. Your job is to help them experience the love they can find in the Father by being the body of Christ and offering love to them exactly where they’re at, no matter where they’re at. That’s why I’m proud to be at Grace Church. In my opinion, no place does this better. So many times, people have seen church as a place of ancient ways and practices, and though that has aspects of truth in it (yes we worship a God that’s been here much longer than we have), there’s real help offered at Grace whether it’s in its benevolence or tangible healing of the counseling center, Grace goes above and beyond to make sure people have pathways to healing, not just through prayer. Honestly, I am most proud of being a part of this team, this church. It is compromised of the most incredible talent I’ve ever seen, and I not only get to be a part of that but work alongside them in helping people take their next steps to Christ. I know I’m sounding like a Grace advertisement (which is fine with me HA!) but being a part of a mission to helping people reach true healing and experience Christ in ways they would’ve never experienced before…who couldn’t rant and rave about that?
I get to lead people to Christ through song and there’s nothing better to me.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Yes, once you’ve decided what you want to pursue, or even if you’re in the midst of it, you need to find someone close to you locationally to learn from. There’s nothing like learning from another person. It’s spoken true to my life consistently whether it’s been in music or photography; I’ve had someone I look to period. You can’t be the best by yourself, and if you think you can, you’ve become unteachable and you’re about to go down some lonely pathways. For me, I have artists I admire and look at for inspiration like Brandi Carlile’s vocal insanity, Leeland Mooring’s worship leading, or John Mark McMillan’s songwriting. But the people I work with are the people who shape me and help me be better.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: annasmilinskas
- Facebook: Anna Smilinskas
Image Credits
Janella Laaksonen
Darius East
