We had the good fortune of connecting with “CEE” BRAYNEN-THOMAS and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi “CEE”, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
First, thank you for the opportunity to speak to you and your audience. I’m honored.

Work-life balance is a must. I value BOTH hard work AND time for myself and my family.

Professionally, I’m a network engineer with a major telecommunications company based out of Dallas, TX. I’m also the president and CEO of Classy Gifts Art & Lifestyles, and I co-own Blackrock Publishing with my husband. I’ve written a total of 4 books and right now at this very minute, I’m working on my 5th.

I am also a wife and mom of 2 amazing boys. [Every single day with them is an exciting, hilariously fun, new adventure!] In my spare time, I love to go on nature walks. I’m a travel fanatic, making it a point to go somewhere new every year. I adore all types of dance. As well, I love a good movie. (Movie night with the family is always fun!)

Last but certainly not least, I give back to my community in a number of different ways, through my church, my sorority, and numerous other philanthropic foundations.

10 to 15 years ago, my work life balance looked a LOT different. I spent extra time in the office putting in most of my time and effort into a 9 to 5, or monthly on-call rotations. (and truly, there was nothing wrong with that then, as it was exactly what I wanted to do, as a professional in the technology/STEM field).

Today, however, I’ve expanded my life to include my family, which is #1 over everything, besides God.

You see, it’s not just CEE BRAYNEN-THOMAS, the career woman. It’s MRS. CEE BRAYNEN-THOMAS, the disciple of Christ, the wife, the mother, the entrepreneur, community advocate, annnnnd career woman! (wink.Emoji)

“CEE” BRAYNEN-THOMAS
www.authorandmompreneur.com
www.blackrockpublishing.blogspot.com

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As previously mentioned, I work for a major telecommunications company based out of Dallas, TX as a network technologist. I received my BBA in MIS from the University of Georgia (Gooooooo DAWGS!!) along with my MBA in Computer Information Systems from GA State, after which I worked for IBM until 2009. In 2020, I was featured in the Spring issue of Industry Certified Magazine talking about the need for more women of color in the STEM field, a field I’ve worked in for a total of 20 years (and counting!). I’m a member of the Women of Color in Technology, the National Association of Black MBAs, and the International Association of Women just to name a few. I believe it’s important to stay connected to others in my field through these various platforms.

When I’m not in my ‘virtual office’ at work, I design cover art for books published by Blackrock Publishing. I write books of all genres. And using what I learned in business school, I market my latest brand, authorandmompreneur.com, as well as my publishing company’s brand, Blackrock Publishing.

I want the world to know it is possible do what you have to do and love to do, at the same time!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
On Friday night, I would take them out for some delicious chicken and waffles at Empire Restaurant and Lounge and then afterward, I would take them to the best grown-folks, southern hip hop dance party I could find. On Saturday, we would go to the local park to catch the Jazz Festival. Then on Sunday, we would have church, followed by a delicious brunch on Sweet Auburn and finally, we’d take a nature walk outside.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to recognize my compassionate and loving Father, God, – to Whom I’m most thankful.

I also want to shout out my family, who gives me all the love and encouragement I could ever ask for. Thank you!

Website: www.authorandmompreneur.com

Instagram: authorandmompreneur

Other: www.blackrockpublishing.blogspot.com

Image Credits
Blackrock Publishing, Prominence Management and Consulting, LLC

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