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

Hi Brey, what role has risk played in your life or career?
To be completely honest, risk-taking had to become a normal practice in my life in order for me to be where I am today. Building the courage to take risks in small, daily things, led me to being able to take risks in much bigger things in life – learning to trust my intuition, trust my heart, and know that even if I fail, I can always get back up and overcome AGAIN! Having a risk-taking mentality and having faith that God will help me find my way no matter what, has been foundational to me building a life I love. And the risk-taking doesn’t stop… it just keeps growing with me 🙂

I actually used to be a really fearful kid! I was the one afraid to do anything wrong, mess up, fail, look stupid, you name it. But because I had safe people and family that challenged me, I learned early on that as terrifying as it was to take a risk, I ALWAYS felt far more alive on the other side! It kinda became a game for me, so that whenever I was afraid, I challenged myself to “do it afraid” and THAT is when I really TRULY started living freely and expansively. The little risks and rewards, became bigger and bigger. And since I implemented the discipline to risk and overcome fear at a young age, I learned quickly that I can always get back up if I fall, or fail, or whatever!

I find that risk-taking MUST become “normal” for anything to change for the better in life. And we can practice it daily with the little things, which will lead to us feeling confident to take risks in the bigger things. I encourage everyone to try taking small risks every day, because before you know it, you will find yourself in places you never imaged because of it!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It’s funny, I used to be so “destination oriented”, it was very difficult for me to enjoy the journey of achieving my goals. It was also difficult when life continually was taking unexpected twists and turns. I think I’m most proud of the fact that, I had great dreams that seemed to die early on in my journey, but after much overcoming in my mind and healing in my heart, I was able to start seeing my journey and path differently. In doing so, I was open to doors and opportunities that I would not have been open to prior to those failed dreams and successes. But the truth is, I had to go through all that to rebuild myself into a better and more open version of myself, to be able to receive the unexpected opportunities that have led me to where I am today, and to be able to steward each one well. I am so proud to know that I have built my life and career as my own visionary and boss. Somehow, by the grace of God and the encouragement and support of the people in my life, I have found a way to do what I love, keep growing at it, and thriving in ALL areas of my life as a result. Through great toil and yet great joy, I am thriving as an artist and creative entrepreneur with loving people around me…THAT is the best feeling!

I never expected to be modeling, acting, and building my own personal brand as a creative entrepreneur. I KNEW NOTHING about ANY OF THAT when I fell into modeling, which led to acting, which led to me finding an entrepreneur mindset to take control of my life and build it myself without having to rely on everyone else to make it happen for me. I KNEW I was capable of figuring it out, I just had to start taking steps. A mountainous obstacle is overcome one step at a time, so, all I had to do, was find a way to take the NEXT step, and it just keeps paving itself.

My greatest desire is to inspire others to do the same in their own way! We all have longings and desires in our hearts, and we all are gifted in areas that make us come alive AND inspire others in the process. And we ALL can build a life we LOVE if we take time to heal and grow daily in our hearts, minds and choices and BELIEVE that God has us here on this planet for a purpose greater than we know; and as we walk in gratitude daily, we will discover more than we ever thought possible. This is my story, and this is what I hope people find for themselves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I LOVE it when my friends and family want to visit me in Atlanta, and I keep discovering new areas, places and people that I love! If I had my bestie visit me, I would be sure to fit in as much as possible! We would walk the path from my apartment to the Beltline and then Piedmont Park – enjoying the beautiful trees and outdoor energy in the heart of the city and perhaps we’d see one of the many outdoor concerts at the park. We’d definitely stop at Larakin for a cappuccino or a glass of wine on the porch and make conversation with their incredible staff and the locals that frequent the spot [like myself] ! I would be sure to go to Bread and Butterfly for brunch in Inman park to experience divine French cuisine and ambiance as well as East Pole Coffee in Virginia highlands for the best coffee and kindest baristas in town! We would hit up Ponce City market for some local shopping, tastes and an elegant experience at The Atrium. I’d also be sure to hit up one of the MANY farmers markets throughout the city. We’d walk through Virginia Highlands and get a fresh loaf of Sourdough bread plus a Bottle of Wine at Kinship to bring home to accompany a home-cooked dinner at my apartment. I’d be sure to have a Buckhead moment where we’d dress up and galavant around Buckhead Village, preceded by espresso martinis at The Saint Regis, a cocktail and appetizer at The Garden Room, and then a mouth-watering mediterranean dinner at Delbar with perfectly paired wine! If the season was right, we would go to a BRAVES game and romp around The Battery for a fun venture with a fun crew. We’d also be sure to grab a drink at Bantam Pub – hangin’ with owner Tim and my fellow artistic locals who have found the pub as a consistent 3rd Spot! And Finally, I would host an open house hang with ALL my friends and acquaintances in the city to pop by for wine and apps and quality conversation as I ALWAYS like to do!! My absolute favorite thing of all, is bringing people together and fueling inspiration and connection! THIS is the Brey Vibe for the Atlanta Experience and the place I get to call home 🙂

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I must say, I don’t think I could be anywhere close to where I am in my life without my supportive, encouraging and gracious family who has championed me along the way in my highest of highs and truly darkest of dark lows. I have had some very dark seasons, some painful traumas, and deep doubts and fears along my journey, and yet my family (dad, mom and sister), NEVER ONCE doubted me, condemned me, shamed me, or gave me any reason to stop moving forward… they instead championed me to keep going. They’ve reminded me of my value, worth, faith, dreams and to keep my eyes on the prize. They’ve reminded me of what I’ve overcome in the past, and that I can do it again. They’ve encouraged me in the [sometimes messy] ways I’ve taken steps, to eventually find my path. They’ve prayed for me during my sleepless nights when I’ve had nobody else to turn to. They’ve listened to my endless soliloquies of confusion and frustration and just…BEEN THERE. My FAMILY is my deepest treasure and greatest gift from God and very foundational to me having the courage to live fully alive!

Website: https://www.breynoelle.com

Instagram: @breynoelle

Twitter: @breynoelle

Facebook: https://facebook.com/breynoelle

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/breynoelle

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3cjXQIpY5u6AzAHpgjE8EN?si=T4sqHxDfTmy4KVsHDNbDZA

Image Credits
Rich Meade (photographer credit)
John E Wall (photographer credit)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.