Meet Briana Ellis | Teacher & Author

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

Hi Briana, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Well for me work-life balance is a state of equilibrium. Some of the common reasons that lead to a poor work-life balance include increased responsibilities at work, like working longer hours. When it comes to your career choice, I wouldn’t take on more than you can handle, especially if you have children etc. There are some that sacrifice and work until their goal is completed than choose to enjoy themselves but is that really living life? My balance has changed drastically after college. I went from balancing majority classes and a part-time job to grad school, full time job, self published author, and online store owner. You definitely have to put things in order, and for me school comes first. I work full time but I keep open communication with those in charge about my schooling. When it comes to balance a lot of overachievers develop perfectionist tendencies at a young age. It’s easier to maintain that perfectionist habit as a kid, but as you grow up, life gets more complicated. As life goes on perfectionism becomes out of reach, and if that habit is left unchecked, it can become destructive. Let go of perfectionism.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My field of work is education. What sets me apart from others is being actually wanting to teach. Teaching is already an underpaid field so to come into work and actually be happy where I am and what I’m doing it takes a special someone. Going to school, networking with the right individuals, and keeping an open mind set. I understand in a time where you can make more money online than ever before, going to school to some seem like a waste of time but for me it was a huge benefit. It wasn’t easy due to transitioning from being a silly teen, to young adult, to them throwing you in corporate. It’s just a challenge in its self to think “ok now I am really an adult.” no more playing around. Some lessons I’ve learned are that, you have to get out there and get it on your OWN. The degree from wherever you got it is not going to mean anything, unless you’ve networked and put yourself in those spaces to actually work and grow. You can create the life you want. I just want the world to know that sacrificing is ok and having a normal job is ok but you can indeed create the life you want. I juggle many things because I choose that life, no one forced me. I wanted to put that work in to create the life I desire.

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.
Ok so the bestfriend I’m thinking of we love scenery. So we would start our day or week in Centennial Olympic Park, they have art festivals, live entertainment, and various activities. Moreover, it is surrounded by many of Atlanta’s most famous landmarks, such as the College Football Hall of Fame, the Georgia World Congress Center, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Georgia Aquarium, and many others. Next visit the CNN Center. The CNN Center is also near the Centennial Olympic Park, directly on its west side. From 9 AM until 5 PM, you can enjoy a CNN Studio Tour, with a behind-the-scenes look at how one of the largest TV news networks in the country operates. To close out the week, cocktails are our favs. Downtown or Buckhead have options that will be mostly limited to lounge-type bars that are quite touristy and usually avoided by locals. Peachtree Center is also a nice area, we would check that out. Gibney’s Pub is a traditional tavern that stands out with its dark-wood décor, pool tables, and a jukebox. Even better, take a short cab/Uber ride to the Virginia Highland area near Piedmont Park and go over to The Highlander, with classic pub grub, a nice outdoor patio, pinball, air hockey, and pool tables. The people are cool and the food is great, especially the excellent Southern Slam Burger with a loaded baked potato on the side.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to recognize those that supported me during my fundraising for “Anna’s Amazing Adventure” which is available for purchase on Amazon.com. My parents, Wendy Book and Terry Ellis, they support any idea that I have and I’m super grateful for them and an old professor of mine from my alma mater, Alabama State University, Dr. Calvin Smith. He’s always been a blessing, very lucky to have such great mentorship in my life. He was a huge help with guiding me on how to write, edit and format a book. Last but not least, my friends that are super supportive: Julia Hyed, Destiny Lawler, Christian Scruggs, Shaunya Reeves, Donielle Dixon, etc. the love from my friends and family keeps me going so thank you x3000!

x

Website: leanintolounge.com

Instagram: @briananellis

Other: IG: @leanintolounge clothingbrand search “Anna’s Amazing Adventure” on Amazon.com