Meet BRITTANI MARTIN | Author, Philanthropist, Poet, Educator

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

Hi BRITTANI, what role has risk played in your life or career?
No risk, no reward is what comes to mind when I think of what it means to take a risk. I believe in taking calculated risks of course, but the role that risk taking has played in my life is a very lifechanging. I had to take a risk on myself and my creative ability and talent in order to successfully start my own business. I feel that in life you are constantly faced with opportunities to take risks, or to potentially build yourself up, but maybe at the potential cost of failure or loss. When you have the mindset of a winner, taking risks becomes essential because you will never know how something will go or will turnout unless you try at it. If I would have never taken a risk, and bet on myself with creating a motivational brand, and spent all the money I spent on it, regardless of the profit made back, regardless of the sleepless nights, I would have never saw the other side of my vision and what I could potentially do. I believe taking risks, can have its ups and downs but it just speaks to ones confidence in themselves to see it through, to see the vision through. You never know until you try and the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a career choice, I leaned into psychology because I had/have high intentions of being a licensed professional counselor. After realizing that I would need to continue going to school forever to make any money in that field, I decided to pursue a graduate degree in professional counseling with a concentration in college student affairs, with which I received a graduate assistantship and free tuition and a job. I could still use my degree in this line of work, but it was just not as extensive as being a professional counselor. While in college, I used my resources to advocate for my brand and started promoting what my brand stood for all over campus. Through my assistantship I was able to cultivate fun student events that captured very important and resourceful information for the students that both motivated them and that was fun! I am most proud of how I managed to take a risk with putting my clothing line and brand out to the world, and how consistent I have been with the transition and upkeep of my brand over the past 6 years. There have been many many challenges to arise from financial, to creative, to breaking down tough walls trying to evolve and get bigger and better but we live to fight another day always. That is the essence of Build Yourself Up Academy. We continue to build ourselves up no matter what happens, we have to remain resilient and confident in our ability to succeed and make the most of what we have. I got to where I am by having faith in the bigger vision and being supported. I have learned that not everyone will support you or see your vision, but as long as you see and you believe in yourself, that is all that matters. Many times we don’t start ventures or we don’t follow our dreams because we are afraid of taking risks, or afraid of failing, or even afraid no one will like it or support, but one thing I always recognize is that as long as you have confidence in your ability to make something happen, people will support you because of your confidence alone, it can inspire others. I want the world to know that my brand Build Yourself Up was made to build confidence and self motivation in all individuals to encourage them to live life to their fullest potential. Following your dreams no matter how huge or crazy you think they are.

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.
First we would have breakfast at Toast on Lenox if we are feeling fancy, or if not we can always hit up Thumbs Up Diner, J Christopher’s, Another Broken Egg, Atlanta Breakfast Club or Flying Biscuit

For Lunch , I love a good sandwich or salad, Mexican is always a go – La Parilla or Los Bravos, maybe even Superica. We could go to the Battery or Atlantic Station for the vibes or the Beltline. There is always fun at Chattahoochee Food Network too or any restaurants on Howell Mill!

I would take my bestie to Ponce City Market rooftop for the afternoon/evening vibes, or for fun and games we could go to Your 3rd spot, Andrettis, Virtual Reality Bar, Ax Throwing, Edgewood, Ice Skating, really anywhere we can laugh, listen to music and have a good time.

I have lots of cousins and family so family game nights and at home fun is always something to include as well!

I love piedmont park and Jeni’s icecream. The underground and downtown shops, Little Five Points, Mercedes Benz stadium for a game, I mean there’s so much to do here in Atlanta! Anything new fun and exciting, I’m willing to try. New restaurants, arcade spots and good drinks are a recipe for a good time!

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?
I want to Shout Out Destined Too non profit organization.

Website: www.byuacademy.com

Instagram: @build.yourself.up

Twitter: @buildyourselfup

Facebook: www.facebook.com/buildyourselfup

Youtube: youtube.com/brittaniellise