We had the good fortune of connecting with Bejeana Breneville and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Bejeana, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I started Selfvestments in Dec 2019, I was a fresh college grad with no knowledge of how credit worked, budgeting on a salary for the first time, beginning a 401K, and the overall apartment approval process. These were all foreign topics to me, and I didn’t know how to get started, where to look, or how to learn at a beginner level. As I was searching and learning, I knew I wasn’t alone. I wanted to create a platform that cultivated learning foundational life knowledge or “adulting” workshops accessible to underrepresented communities that are not always included in personal development and self-investment conversations.
As I considered investing in myself, it went beyond just financial goals. I wanted Selfvestments to encompass mental and physical wellness, career development, personal branding, and fostering connections through expert-led workshops. It’s a space for young professionals to invest in themselves holistically.
What should our readers know about your business?
Through expert-led workshops and resources on everything from career development to mental well-being, Selfvestments empowers young professionals by equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to navigate life’s transitions and thrive in their personal and professional journeys. It’s a space where you can invest in yourself holistically, connect with like-minded individuals, and unlock your full potential.
I’m still in the “beginning” stages of building my business, enjoying growing, learning from my mentors, pivoting strategies and models, and seeking what the community and I need regarding resources. I’m incredibly proud of the impact Selfvestments is making. Seeing young adults gain confidence, pour into themselves, and leave an event inspired and empowered is rewarding. But most importantly, I’m excited about the future – the potential to expand the platform’s reach and empower even more young professionals.
On a personal level, I was born without thumbs, which could have been seen as a major risk factor for living a fulfilling life. Doctors predicted limitations on what I could achieve without thumbs, like eating, writing, playing sports, instruments, etc. However, I chose to view those predictions and risks as challenges, defying them and pushing boundaries to reach my full potential. My lived experience has encouraged me to take risks in all areas of my life. Taking risks is an essential part of pursuing any dream or goal. There’s always an element of the unknown, but the potential reward is often worth the calculated chance. Selfvestments embody this philosophy – my ongoing experiment in building a business, where every challenge and unforeseen risk becomes a valuable lesson.
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.
Food:
Favorite Haitian Restaurants/Shops: Au Beurre Chaud for Patties, Highland Creole Cuisine, Orchid 7 Fusion Bar & Grill for authentic Haitian meals
ZaZ restaurants for Caribbean fusion
Late Night Lounge Spots: Grace by Nia, Hue, Fete
Sightseeing and fun marketplaces: Bow Market, Speedway, SoWa, and The Dot for small business markets.
Museums: MFA, ICA, Isabella Stewart Garden.
Unwind and Play: Level 99 in Natick, Via Karaoke in Allston, Tutuland Studios and Clayroom in Allston, Summer movies at the Pru.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Mom: She is my rock. Her unwavering confidence in me has always been a source of strength. She has taught me never to defy my “limitations” and instilled in me that I could do anything, even if I had to modify and figure it out for myself. I have used that teaching in all areas of my life, both personal and business. Her constant push to go after my dreams is truly inspiring.
My Incredible Friends: They’ve been there from the early days when it was just an idea—the endless brainstorming sessions, the pep talks when self-doubt crept in, coming to every event, and their unwavering belief in Selfvestments even when I questioned myself and took a break. Their friendship and support are invaluable.
Website: https://mailchi.mp/08b5fef3f5ca/selfvestments
Instagram: Personal: @bejbren Selfvestments: @selfvestments. Crochet hobby: @knotyouravg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bejeana-breneville/. https://www.linkedin.com/company/74798691/admin/feed/posts/
Twitter: @bejeana
Image Credits
Images 1-3, 6 (BID Productions) Images 4-5 (Glotography)