Meet Britney Schanel

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

Hi Britney, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I always tell people – I’m still just a little girl from east Oakland (California). When you come from extreme poverty every win seems bigger. As an adult, I’m constantly amazed by the fact I even had the audacity to dream. No one understood the goal, the vision, or how hard I was willing to work. From a very young age I understood I would have to go the extra mile and that no one was going to give me a leg up. There’s a sense of fearlessness that comes with believing in yourself so wholly, and I take that little girl everywhere with me – she inspires me. (yes, I know speaking (typing) in 3rd person is hi-key cringe)

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I feel like I should talk about my social media career and how I express myself through fashion, spilling my guts all over Beyoncé’s internet, and amassing 400k friends across platforms – but honestly it’s less important.

In “real life”, I’m a communications specialist who works in suicide prevention. So when you see those billboards that tell you that there’s hope and encourage you to call or text 988 (available 24/7), just know I mean it sincerely. Or when you get an automated goggle response based on your search history, know that we need you here. I’ve been there, and it doesn’t necessarily get better… but it’s worth it.

I would do both my jobs for free, they fulfill me on a level I can’t properly articulate.

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?
Do kids spots count? lol. Most of my free time is spent with my kiddos so is she trying to go to six flags?

I do love a good cocktail and really love the new Overstory Rooftop in Duluth (which is NOT Atlanta). 5 Church is another trendy spot I enjoy. But I really think the joy of Atlanta is finding the little mom and pop places no one knows about. Last week I was bar crawling down Edgewood and a man pushing a cart altered my brain chemistry – best BBQ salmon on earth… and I’ll probably never see that man again. Which is kind of the joy of Atlanta, big enough to get lost in but still small enough to make connections.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Whoa, that’s a tough question with an impossible answer. It took a HUGE village to get me where I am today. I try to take a little bit of good from every person I encounter along the way. If forced to narrow it down to the most influential person in my life at the most pivotal point in my life, I’d have to say my Mama Jilly. Raised by a single dad (and MAJOR props to him, because he really did his big one), I didn’t really have anyone around to teach me the “girly” things. Mama Jilly was our neighbor and she pseudo adopted me and my sister. She opened my eyes to a world outside of fighting, gangs, and teenage pregnancy. She taught me how to sew, bake, play chess, took us on beach vacations, and she helped me explore my love for reading and language. Her home truly became a safe space. Most importantly, through her grace and kindness, Mama Jilly made me feel like I could survive in this world.

Website: britneyschanel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britneyschanel/profilecard/?igsh=MWtyb3ZscnEyM2pxaw==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/gTHCpcjRnp6TGVsK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@britneyschanel?si=rPi_70VvqG_0JUTD

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@britneyschanel?_t=8qdI9hZdvlD&_r=1

Image Credits
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