Meet Brianna Laren | Writer & Filmmaker

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

Hi Brianna, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want to leave a legacy of love. I am all for generational wealth but I also want to leave behind the type of love my great great great grandchildren will feel. I want to leave behind land but I also want to leave behind the blueprints on how to build strong healthy relationships, overcome trauma, and heal. I want people to remember that I walked in my purpose, that I used every bit of what God placed inside of me, and that I was relentless in the way I loved myself, my family, and others.

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 am an author and I have four books, Breebe’s Brand New Baby Brother, Pretty Pretty Black Girl, Edge Control for the Soul and Save Your Edges Workbook. I also have an award-nominated short film titled, Pretty Pretty Black Girl.

I believe what sets me apart is my voice. We all have a story to tell but no one can tell your story quite like you or reach the people that you can reach. I don’t try to be like anyone else or create based on what is trending, I create from the heart.

I have been able to get where I am today by trusting God, listening to the wisdom that has been offered to me, and staying true to myself.

It was not easy but it was worth it. I learned quickly that just because you’re a natural at something doesn’t mean there won’t be obstacles and challenges. I was hit with depression, self doubt, so many life changes, and financial hardships. I overcame those challenges by crying (a lot), praying (a lot), learning from my mistakes, giving myself grace, and knowing when to ask for help.

I learned a lot of lessons along my journey, most of them the hard way. One lesson I learned was to prioritize my mental health and make sure that I am doing the work internally. I learned the hard way that it doesn’t matter what you accomplish or how good things look on the outside if your mental health is in shambles. Another lesson was that being proud of myself is more important in the long run than others being proud of me. I also learned that I can’t shrink for other people. I shouldn’t hide my gifts, my voice, or my talents to placate other people. And anyone that needs you to be small so they can feel big has no place in your life.

My brand aims to create stories, content, and characters that uplift and empower the black community. I pour a piece of myself into everything I do with the intention of letting others know they are loved, seen, and not alone. I write with words of love and courage in hopes of speaking life into my readers.

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?
If my best friend was visiting Greensboro, NC our first stop would be home of the crunch cheesecakes, Savor The Moment Bakery for some sweet treats! We mosey on over to Ben’s Boyz and grab some yummy soul food and browse the Next Chapter Bookstore inside the restaurant which features books written by major and local authors. We’d stop by Marjae’s Wine Bar for drinks, Strike and Flame Candle Bar to create our own candles, and NK Paints for a chill sip & paint experience. Her visit wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t pop by Something BARowed for candy and their famous flavored popcorn (my favorite is strawberry cheesecake)! We’d have Still Shots Photography meet us at The Selfie Museum to get some great pictures and then off to Jodie Brim’s studio to get amazing Branding photos! The International Civil Rights Museum, Sabrina’s Art Gallery, and Boxcar Bar + Arcade would also be on our bucket list. We would end her visit with a picture in front of the A&T 4 on North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s campus!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my friends and family that have continuously poured into me, showed up for me, and reminded me that I am more than enough. I would not be where I am without them.

Website: www.BriannaLaren.com

Instagram: BriannaLaren

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/briannalaren

Image Credits
Jodie Brim Creative