We had the good fortune of connecting with Brooklynn Dossey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brooklynn, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Duncan, Oklahoma, raised in Wichita, Kansas, and moved to Atlanta 9 years ago (best decision I ever made). Growing up, I endured a lot of religious trauma and experienced some not so favorable home life situations. I leaned on music heavily as a form of self therapy and release. By the time I was 19 I was ready to get out of Kansas and pursue music elsewhere. I had visited Atlanta a couple of time before ultimately deciding to move here. Not only was the music culture/industry what reeled me in, but also the diverse representation as well. The amount of black entrepreneurs and business owners gave me hope that I too could do that.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a singer, songwriter, music producer, photographer, videographer, actress, incense maker, and small business owner. I do all of these things because they are all rooted in creativity and expression. I was bullied as a kid and endured my fair share of trauma. Music and acting allowed me to escape into my own safe little dreamworld of expression. After I moved to Atlanta to pursue music as a career, I quickly learned how difficult this industry can be to navigate. Not only is the majority of the industry more about business rather than music, but it’s also full of folks who don’t always have the best intentions and are ready to prey on naive young artists.

I was lucky enough to sign to an acting agency and an indie music label within a year of moving to Atlanta, but after three years of a not so healthy working environment with the indie label, I left and went independent. Without the label resources, I was forced to either sink or swim as an indie artist. Music is my life force. So quitting was ever an option. I started taking music marketing classes, started networking with trustworthy folks, learned how to film, direct, and edit my own music videos, and continued to write and independently release new music with my partner, Matthew. It was not easy and there were some truly low points, but I’m glad things panned out the way they did. If they hadn’t, I’m not sure if I would have took the initiative to teach myself how to do all of these things. These are all tools that I now can use for not only my music, but for clients and my own small business (Bébé Vaudou).

To whoever is reading this, no matter what it is you are pursuing, if it brings you purpose, fulfillment, and you can’t imagine living without it in your life, don’t give up. Know that sometimes it’s hard for others to see the full picture of what you are truly capable of. So take the initiative to paint the picture. Find others who genuinely believe and you and will help you with that painting. Take some courses if you need to. Just don’t give up!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Little Five Points will always be my favorite spot! I love the overall atmosphere, because it still has a bit of that old Atlanta culture. There are still shops there that have been there since the 80’s. I love people watching and taking in all of the different and unique fashion folks come up with. When I first moved into the city, I used to hangout by myself and make new friends with random, but super cool people. Often times, I’d bring my film camera and shoot a lot of street photography as well. So Little Five will always have a special place in my heart.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shoutout my partner, Matthew Tanner. He has been a major contributor to not only my professional growth, but my internal evolution as well. I’ve always been a very determined person with enormous dreams. It’s not always easy to find someone who can nurture and support that, but he always has!

Website: www.BrooklynnMusic.com My Shop Website: www.BebeVaudou.com My Photography/Media Business Website: www.BebeVaudouMedia.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooklynnmusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCueq_zr0C0cx-iDiV2hSqGQ

Image Credits
All photos are by Bébé Vaudou Photography except the following: BK Performing: Tommy Trillva BK Performing 2: BluePiece Productions

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