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

Hi Brittany, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is literally what being an entrepreneur means. When I decided to leave my 9-5 full time job with benefits to pursue Brittany Leanna Productions, I had no idea what the outcome would be. Would everything work out as planned and I’d be a successful business owner? Would I fail entirely? I remember saying to myself before I took the leap, ‘ It’s possible I may fall flat on my face with this decision. But, at least I’ll know I went for it- and have no regrets!’ I’ve always been someone who has the mindset of life being too short, so why not take that leap? If you fail, go back to the drawing board. But always go for it!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
“Art that promotes equity” has been the driving force behind the artistic work I have and will continue to create. Before the business, my love for art began many years ago with acting. My theatrical background includes 20+ years of work in musical theater, film, and commercial and was my gateway into film production and photography.
A Howard University graduate, I hold a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in English Literature and a minor in Pre-Legal Communications. While in college, I thought I wanted to pursue law, but my passion for the arts continued to draw me in a different direction. I made the decision to move back to Pittsburgh from DC, with a focus on pursuing my artistic passions.

Once back in Pittsburgh, I struggled with finding roles for women of color. I realized if I wanted more acting roles, it would be up to me to write them. That recognition of creating a lane for myself led me to write and produce my first web episodic project entitled #LWB (Living While Black). In conjunction with producing this series, I started my own media production company, Brittany Leanna Productions. I saw the need for affordable marketing services for artists, which then expanded to small and large businesses, individuals, and others.

None of this was easy! It took a lot of hard work, dedication, and tears. However, every single day, I thank God for keeping me and this business and allowing me to remain busy doing what I love to do. I’ve learned to allow people to support you! You won’t be able to do this on your own. Don’t be afraid to let people in.

My hope is someone will look at my story and say ‘Wow! Why not me?’.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Pittsburgh is a city known for its views, sports, food, and art- so our itinerary would include those things! For the best views, we’d go to Mt. Washington where you can see the entire Pittsburgh skyline. Then, we’d head to the Northshore where we’d sit by all 3 rivers and enjoy the serenity of it all. The Northshore isn’t just all about relaxation though, it also boasts of great food and bars. We’d grab some food at Jerome Bettis Grill (former Pittsburgh Steeler player), where we can learn about Steelers football while stuffing our face with food. There is a steak pasta on the menu that is to die for!

While on the Northside, we’d have to check out the infamous Andy Warhol Museum. This is in my top 3 favorite museums and it’s so easy to spend hours getting lost in all the art and history!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Brittany Leanna Productions would in no way be possible without my supportive and loving family. My production company was initially founded because I wanted to produce a web series I had written and started filming. It was my parents and husband who read all of my draft scripts, would make lunch for my cast and crew on filming days, who backed me financially, celebrated my victories, and wiped my eyes with my defeats. They are the real MVPS! None of this would have been possible without their support. My father sadly passed in 2018, very shortly after my business began and my web series was aired. I continue on with my work in hopes of making him, my mom, and my husband proud- as well as the many friends (and complete strangers) who are constantly rooting for me. THANK YOU!

Website: www.brittanyleanna.com

Instagram: @brittanyleannaproductions

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brittanyleannaproductionsllc

Youtube: LWB Series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdYCeFQ94MijStBXEuQP14Tf04sNDWFYu

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