Meet Brittany Hendricks | Founder | Lead Organizer | Wardrobe Stylist

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

Hi Brittany, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started Drift Avenue: Life and Style, I wanted to incorporate a brand that honored my upbringing and also my passions in life. I spent a lot of my childhood on a street in Lawrence, New Jersey called “Drift Avenue.” I learned a lot about myself there and learned how to build and create whatever I put my mind to. I had a passion early on for fashion, styling and as I grew older, organizing! Pulling from my early retail experience, I learned quickly how to quickly make clothes look professionally displayed and always had an eye for placement. I decided to create a business where I could take those talents into people’s homes and give them a sense of pride of their hard earned belongings. After 10 years of practice and tweaking the business, I solidified Drift Avenue into a one-stop-shop concierge service where I not only tackle closet projects, but I also organize closets, kitchens, washrooms, packing for travel and even facilitate the organization for creative projects like photoshoots. I plan on taking my business to the next level by offering custom closets and selling my own custom organizational items. I’ve always offered wardrobe styling and outfit planning for my clients who wanted their weeks/months to roll out smoother and quicker with new looks using existing clothing. Men, women, children and businesses took interest in my services and ever since I’ve been happy to help those in need of refreshing their spaces with a boutique like element. In my services, I give every item a home, making day to day maintenance easier.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When Drift Avenue was born, I really didn’t know what direction I wanted to take it. I’ve always had so many creative passions and while also spending a lot of my working years in retail, public relations, event planning, financial firms, etc. When figuring out a business I knew that all of my experiences had one thing in common…working with clients! I’ve always been a people person and very sociable so a career providing a service to others seemed like a natural next step. I’ve always been most proud of my work when it came to working behind the scenes and making the client’s life or business a little easier and successful.

Working with clients and on their time isn’t always easy and there’s a lot to understand about personalities and circumstances when it involves people, their time and their investments. Organizing homes, closets and places of business can be tedious, time consuming and highly emotional for some clients, as purging items, changing familiar elements and welcoming new beginnings is not the easiest task to facilitate. I’ve overcome these difficult moments by giving grace and empathy to my clients and being willing to walk them through the process of letting go and making their spaces more functional, which directly impacts their own day to day struggles of keeping systems in their lives. It has been so rewarding to see the looks on their faces when a problem area is off of their shoulders and they can move forward with a sense of pride and ease in that same space. What sets me apart is not only my personable nature but the attention to detail, flexibility and personalization that I incorporate to every job and project I do.

There’s been so many lessons I’ve had to learn on the back-end of running a small business from setting up my own modules, systems, naming and standing behind my pricing, leaning into my professionalism and protecting my brand and reputation. I’ve learned to network with other business owners and not be afraid to ask for advice or help when needed. It has served me well to embrace the journey and not to move in fear of failure, but to know that no matter what, success is right around the corner. Ultimately I want the world to know that although you may “drift” through life unsure about what needs to be done or where you’re heading, you can always find your way into your purpose no matter how old you are, how long it’s taken or how much you have been through. It can all begin with something as small as organizing your space.

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.
Living in Atlanta, I’ve always found myself hosting friends and family who are eager to visit and experience the city. What I love about any major city is the variety of options to explore and Atlanta definitely offers something for everyone. An week long itinerary I’d offer to a bestie coming to visit me (without any budget restrictions and unlimited energy) would go as followed:

Day 1: A welcome breakfast at Toast on Lenox for drinks and good food | Ponce City Market for the afternoon to explore art galleries and Bar Vegan for lunch and music | Evening walk on the Belt Line spotting murals and stopping at pop-up shops

Day 2: Morning sips and snacks at Brooklyn Tea | Spend the afternoon High Museum of Art: Discover contemporary and classic art exhibits | Afternoon at the High Museum of Art to check out the contemporary and classic art exhibits | Night Out at The Garden Room for whimsical pictures and craft cocktails

Day 3: Morning walk at Westside Park | Spa Afternoon at Jeju Sauna with Korean-inspired spa treatments or hot/cold baths | Lunch at Chattahoochee Food Works, a trendy food hall to sample global cuisines | Fun adults-only dinner at The Cheetah Lounge for delicious smothered chicken and throwing some ones for classic Atlanta entertainment

Day 4: A French pastry breakfast at Le Bon Nosh, then go shopping and exploring around Buckhead Village District | Lunch at Sushi at Umi in Buckhead for an excellent sushi experience | Early dinner at Tiki Thai for delicious food and the coolest drink presentations | End the evening at Bar Margot at the Four Seasons for a stylish end to the night.

Day 5: Breakfast: Bread & Butterfly for a dreamy Parisian vibe | The Battery Atlanta to check out cool shops, breweries, and live entertainment | Dinner & Dancing at Rock Steady ATL for Afro-Caribbean flavors and a lively atmosphere.

Day 6: Spend the morning to go to Atlanta Botanical Garden and stroll through lush gardens and take in the skyline views | Lunch at Busy Bee Cafe for some fried chicken, cornbread, and hearty Southern dishes| Stop by Atlantic Station for trendy shops, vendors and souvenirs | A high energy dinner, hookah and music at Fin & Feathers for some lamb chops, mac and cheese and collard greens | Close the night out at Vanity Bar for after hours vibes

Day 7: Chicken & Waffles, grits and eggs at Atlanta Breakfast Club | Light walking and checking out vintage finds around Little Five Points | Lunch
Farewell dinner at MCK restaurant for tapas like Pulled Duck Confit Tacos, Papas Bravas and Crispy Brussel Sprouts and lounge in their new speakeasy

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s so many people who have contributed to my business pursuits and success throughout my life, starting with my mother Emmy. Growing up she was a fashion buyer and would bring me to shows, boutiques and dress me to the 9’s as a child. I admired her work ethic, taste in fashion and always encouraging me to discover my own style. My family, friends and college network have also been instrumental in the growth of my business, so I’d like to thank them for all of their encouragement, referrals and trusting me in their homes to work my magic. Last but certainly not least, I’d like to thank my daughter, Sky, just for giving me a sense of purpose and someone outside of myself to work hard for and give me a strength and motivation I don’t think I’d be able to muster up had it not been for her presence in my life every day.

Website: https://www.driftavenue.com

Instagram: @driftavenuelifeandstyle

Linkedin: Brittany Hendricks

Facebook: Drift Avenue Life + Style

Other: Personal IG page @driftavenuejerz

Image Credits
Photographer: Derek Wilson