Meet Bria Edwards | Founder and Creative Director of ROOM1002

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

Hi Bria, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
To be honest, I created my business out of survival. I had no idea I had it in me. I knew I wanted to work in media and communications, but the industry is so broad, and you can be talented in so many areas so I was very unsure of where I would land post college. I can remember struggling to get internships while I was in college, constantly being rejected by the big opportunities and it did not get better once I graduated. I was sitting in my office late last year thinking, “I have been out of college for almost four years, working jobs unrelated to my degree, and can’t seem to catch a break.” It wasn’t until I experienced the difficulties of the job market that I started exploring my own ideas. ROOM1002 Exclusives was created as my response to every company and every recruiter that told me I am underqualified or simply don’t have the experience they were seeking. ROOM1002 Exclusives is my reminder to myself that sometimes, you just have to build your own door and walk through it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think the reason this platform has the potential to be so much greater than I could’ve ever imagined is because the person running it (me) is rooted in principles. I believe in the concept of integrity and vow to be my best self no matter the audience or dollar amount. See, my desires are not to be famous or world-known, but to be authentic, giving, loving, and ultimately, change lives. I have always been able to connect with anyone I meet, and it is because of the blessing that was given to me. I was born to be a communicator and though I never knew that meant I would be hosting my own show, every up, down, and turnaround has benefited my life in more ways than thought of. I want my clients and guests to feel the same way. I want them to know that someone cares about who the human is behind their work, that this show is about expressing their own principles and beliefs, their future plans, and ultimately, connecting with other artists along the way. As a media personality, I am devoted to professional and personal growth, which consists of practicing my skills outside of my own work, taking on new opportunities, and networking with other small businesses and brands all over this great city. I am currently interning with Black Girls Guide to Atlanta as their Marketing and Outreach Assistant, an opportunity that I needed more than I knew. Shanita Miller, the Founder of BGGA, took a chance on me when no one else (as mentioned earlier) could find value in my skill set. I have learned an abundance and can now apply it to my own platform. So, if there is one thing I would like for the world to know about Bria Edwards, it is that I am a survivor. That when corporate America told me no, God told me yes and I have not stopped since, even with every obstacle out there. This platform is more than just my business; It’s my beginning. You have not seen or heard the last of Bria ‘Songbird’ Edwards.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am all about good food and great music, so my friends would be blessed with a tour of Atlanta’s best food and live music halls, or at least the ones that I’ve been to. We would have to stop at my absolute favorite restaurant in Atlanta, Steamhouse Lounge, for an Oyster Sampler and a nice big cup of their famous Lobster Bisque! Some of our other food stops would include Pretty Little Tacos, Papi’s Cuban and Caribbean Grill, Blue India, The Capital Grille, and for fun, Slutty Vegan and Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks. When it comes to entertainment, we must visit St. James Live, Apache Cafe, FeelzATL, The Basement Unplugged, Gallery 992, City Winery, and BonFire ATL. I can also say without fail that it could never hurt to spend a nice Sunday afternoon relaxing at Piedmont Park with a good book or the High Museum of Art exploring a new exhibit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I always have to start with God because He is literally my everything. There has not been one move made without deep thought and prayer. I would like to give a shoutout to my grandmother, Michelle Edwards, for believing in me and this dream for almost 20 years. She could see me before I could and is still one of my biggest supporters to this day. I would also like to thank Kristen McCrary for helping me cultivate this idea to begin with. She brought me my first client and I will never forget it. I would be nothing without the support of my close friends as well, so I want to give a shoutout to each of them for their unconditional support and for loving on me in this time. It has been a struggle to say the least but I have never fallen without a pick-me-up!

x

Instagram: https://instagram.com/room1002exclusives?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardsbria

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCoYYrUaOcWpcUxvYr2S-bHQ

Image Credits
Rebecca Carmen