Meet Brandi Williams | Designer, athlete, firefighter, survivor

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

Hi Brandi, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
“JUMP!” by Steve Harvey Resonated with Me

So, there was this moment when I decided to take a leap of faith and quit my job to chase after my dreams—dreams centered around building one of the most sought-after brands in the world. Yeah, pretty ambitious, right? To keep my budget in check, I moved back in with my mom, which turned out to be a solid backdrop for some serious self-reflection and growth. During this time, I picked up Steve Harvey’s book, JUMP!, and let me tell you, it was a total game-changer for me.

This book opened my eyes to what it really means to pursue your dreams. It’s like Steve was speaking directly to me, giving me a glimpse into what embracing this kind of journey could be like. The insights he shares aren’t just motivational fluff; they’re practical and grounded advice that everyone, especially us creative folks, can genuinely use.

Here’s the thing: it’s super easy to think that once you’ve decided to go for it, success will just fall into your lap. But the reality is, there’s a lot more to the process than that. JUMP! helps you set your mind right, dealing with the highs and lows that come with chasing after a dream. Instead of just being this adrenaline-fueled ride, it reminds you to stay grounded and keep your expectations realistic.

Honestly, I’ve been thinking about revisiting the book. There’s something about its message that feels timeless, and I think every creative—or anyone with a dream, really—could benefit from diving into it. Whether you’re at the start of your journey or just looking for a little motivation boost, JUMP! offers valuable wisdom that sticks with you. So, if you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend you check it out!

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’m excited to share a bit about myself and my journey as a designer and creator. My brand is called BLACCC•IVY, which stands for “Boldly Living And Creatively Customizing Culture.” Cool, right? The vibe of my brand is androgynous, which means my pieces blend feminine and masculine styles. I’ve got a real passion for upcycling and creating one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect individuality.

I kicked off my brand back in 2017 under the name B Squared, but after a couple of name changes—one to The Original SIKE in 2019—I found my groove with BLACCC•IVY in 2020. The interesting part? Design was always in my heart, but growing up, I was really focused on sports. It wasn’t until 2017 that my buried passion resurfaced. It was so intense that I couldn’t ignore it anymore. That’s when I realized that becoming a designer was my true calling.

When I finally decided to take the leap into design full-time, I had no real idea of what I was doing. Honestly, I just knew it was what I was meant to pursue. Quitting my job was a huge step, but let me tell you, it was far from easy. The reality is that you’ll probably stumble and fall before you start to rise. But you’ve just got to keep pushing forward. I went through some pretty tough mental, emotional, and financial struggles after leaving my job. But amidst all of that, I experienced some incredible moments that kept me going.

If I could share a couple of lessons learned along the way, I’d say first off, don’t quit your job without having a financial cushion. It’s important to have a plan. You don’t always need to take that full-time leap right away—finding balance is key until you’re financially ready. Also, don’t try to please everyone; the people closest to you may not even be your ideal customers. Stand firm in your vision and your craft. The right audience will appreciate what you create!

Another thing I’ve learned? Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Being an entrepreneur is tough enough as it is; having someone who believes in your dreams can make a world of difference. Lastly, never give up. Success will come, but you’ve got to keep pushing, especially during those challenging moments right before a breakthrough. And remember, you can’t do it all alone—assemble a dream team to help you manage your brand.

My journey has had its ups and downs, and honestly, I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve launched a website only to struggle financially to keep it running. I’ve created killer pieces that didn’t sell and even held my own fashion show, which was an exhilarating experience. Even with all the challenges, I know success is meant for me.

Now, here’s where life threw me a curveball. I’m currently 42, battling breast cancer while training to be a firefighter and building my brand at the same time. Just this past August, I had my first major fashion show. Talk about timing—my sewing machine broke the day before, but I managed to get everything ready and showcase my work in front of a large crowd. It was an unforgettable experience!

Fast forward to the end of August, and after a mammogram, I was diagnosed with breast cancer just days after impressively passing the physical assessment test to become a firefighter (6.5 minutes, in case you were wondering—way under the 8.5-minute limit!). On September 17th, I underwent a double mastectomy, and I’m now navigating through recovery while balancing my treatments.

Right now, I’m focused on spending quality time with my loved ones whenever I can. Even though I don’t have a website up at the moment, I’ve still been selling my pieces and I’m eager to dive back into modeling and showcasing my brand in fashion shows after my treatments.

Through all of this, I’ve felt blessed. God has surrounded me with incredible people and guidance at every turn. I’ve had a solid support system that has made this journey far more bearable. Every challenging moment has come with blessings, and I look forward to what lies ahead as I keep creating and growing BLACCC•IVY.

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 don’t hang out too often but I love a good meal. If one of my best friend’s came to Atlanta to visit, this is a sample itinerary based on my favorite spots.

Day 1: Welcome to the Area!
First things first, let’s kick things off with a delicious meal. I’d take them to Spice House in Lithonia. Seriously, if you’re a fan of bold flavors and a cozy atmosphere, this place is a must. Grab a couple of shareable dishes to get the taste buds going, and maybe a drink or two to toast to their arrival!

Day 2: Chill at the Park
Next up, we’d hit Piedmont Park. It’s such a great spot for hanging out, soaking up some sunshine, and just enjoying the outdoors. We could pack a picnic, grab some sandwiches from a local deli, and chill out on the grass. If we’re feeling extra adventurous, maybe we can rent a paddleboat on the lake. Truthfully, it’s all about taking it easy and spending quality time together.

Day 3: A Little Sports Action
For day three, it’s time to catch a game at the Braves’ stadium. There’s something electric about the atmosphere during a game, and it’s a great way to experience some local culture. Plus, nothing beats enjoying a hot dog while watching the game. Win or lose, it’s all about the fun!

Day 4: Exploring Local Gems
After a couple of active days, we might want to take it down a notch and explore some local shops or quirky cafes. I’d definitely suggest checking out the local markets or boutiques. There’s always something cool to find, whether it’s handmade jewelry or funky clothes. We might stumble upon a cozy café for a coffee (or a decadent dessert—no judgment here!).

Day 5: Culture and History
On our fifth day, why not dive into some culture? A visit to a museum or art gallery could be really interesting. Even if you’re not a museum person, just wandering around and soaking in some history or creativity can be a good time. Plus, they often have fun events or exhibits to check out.

Day 6: Outdoor Adventures
If your friend is up for some adventure, I’d suggest a day trip to one of the local hiking trails. There are some stunning views out there! Just pack some snacks, put on those comfy shoes, and enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty. Maybe we can even catch a sunset at the peak!

Day 7: Wind Down and Dinner
To wrap up the week, we’d have to find a nice place to chill and grab dinner. Maybe some tapas or a cool pub with a relaxed vibe so we can reminisce about the week and plan our next adventures.

So, that’s about it! Sure, I might need to do a little more research for hidden gems, but at the end of the day, it’s all about having a good time and creating awesome memories, right?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Here’s the deal for me: I’ve got to give major love to my squad—my family and friends! Seriously, you guys are the real MVPs. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, every single little thing! And a huge shoutout to all my supporters out there; whether you reached out with a message, a call, or just good vibes, you made a difference.

Now, let’s not forget about the amazing doctors, nurses, and everyone on my team who helped me through this journey. I couldn’t have done it without you. A special shoutout goes to Mrs. Jovan Montfort over at Piedmont Rockdale. You are truly a blessing in my life!

So here’s to the connections that inspire us, uplift us, and remind us that we’re never really alone on this crazy ride. Take a moment to appreciate those who’ve had your back, because they deserve all the recognition in the world! Cheers to you all!

Instagram: @The.Zenyuri

Image Credits
I don’t remember.