Meet Brittany Russell | Business Woman & Founder of Protected Melanin LLC,

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

Hi Brittany, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson running a business has taught me is, I have to undoubtedly believe in myself every step of the way, even when things look or feel uncertain. I now also understsnd that self determination is key. There are going to be days where things don’t make sense, or you’re just overwhelmed with entrepreneurship and all the obstacles it may bring. In those moments, its imperative that you’re able to find the encouragement from within to push through and keep going. Of course you can look to outside sources for encouragement in those moment, but the reality is you have to believe in self, first and foremost.

What should our readers know about your business?
Protected Melanin LLC, is a high quality protective equipment and training company. We are currently based out of Atlanta,GA, but we love to travel to our surrounding cities and states to provide access to products and spread awareness to our cause. We were established in early 2020 at the peak of a global racial pandemic. While watching the events unfold, I felt that many of us were fighting a battle that most didn’t realize they were involved in. The news reports got to a point where it was hard to digest. Durning this time I also realized how the topics of kidnappings, organ harvesting and Sex Trafficking in correlation too black and brown people as a whole is one that has continuously gone undiscussed. Honestly, I was tired of that narrative and felt this was a perfect opportunity to be apart of the solution to an issue that always has and continues to plague the black and brown community. This is especially true for black women. Protected Melanin was created to enlighten black women on the various known and unknown battles they’re faced with daily, as well as empower and inspire them to be apart of the rescue and solution plans for those battles. I’m proud to say we have equipped women all over the United States with the necessary knowledge and tools needed to protect themselves. To answer your question, something that I’m most proud of is the direct impact we’ve made in those same women lives in one years time. The responses I continue to receive whether online or in person, lets me know that I’m making a difference in the communities I’ve sought out to help. That alone is rewarding enough for me. I’ll be the first to admit there is a large number of women who are online offering a similar product, but that’s the thing, they’re only online. You can always catch Protected Melanin out in the city doing local and long distant pop up shops, feeding the homeless, and hosting safety courses and events to put safety tools in the hands of those who need it the most. With this in mind, I feel one of the most important things that strongly sets us apart from our counterparts is our dedication to being present and active In our local and long distant communities.

During my journey in business, I’ve realized that lots of entrepreneurs tend to be less upfront and honest about what it really takes to be successful in any line of business. Just looking at social media alone, one would think, one day you decide to go into business and the next day you’re an over night success story. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. At least not for all of us that is. Since our open date in March of 2020, I’ve taken several losses, financial and personal. However, Ive gained more than I could’ve ever imagined coming into entrepreneurship. It’s all apart of the process and you literally just have to stick to it! To get to where we are today it has taken countless hours of discipline, dedication and sacrificed time from my friends and family, this along with continuous hours of researching to be well versed on this topic of discussion. Honestly, nothing about entrepreneurship is easy. This is especially true when you’re freshly starting out on uncharted territory and doing most if not all of the work alone. There’s so much misinformation out there, and one could easily get thrown off track if you’re not being careful and thorough when making your decisions. Challenges and problems will likely come right when you don’t need them. The thing to remember is, the solution can’t be far away, so keep working the problem until you find it. Ive learned several easy and hard lessons during this process and I still continue to learn daily. The most vital lesson of all has been, patience is a virtue. Ive learned that rushing can be very costly and that no matter how long it takes, take your time and do the steps correct the first time. You have to wholeheartedly trust the process as well as trust yourself and your ability to do the right thing for your company. Also, keep in mind, it takes a solid, like-minded trust worthy team to be successful. If you find that you have one, please see to it that they’re taken care of. Since starting our journey almost two years ago, Ive had the opportunity to interact with a broad spectrum of like-minded people. These same individuals have aided and guided me through the entrepreneurial process, giving insight directly and indirectly on what to do as well as what not to do in business. I’m forever grateful for their shared wisdom and mentorship, it has definitely played a major part in my continued success.

I want the world to know that first and foremost, I’m a business woman. I want you all to know, this is merely just the beginning of my journey through entrepreneurship. I have so many great things in store and I can’t wait for the world to see and be apart of it. Since opening Protected Melanin, I’ve ventured into several other avenues of business and will continue to do so as part of my growth as a business woman. I honestly can’t foresee myself stepping away from entrepreneurship anytime soon. It’s safe to say, you can expect to continue seeing me, my face and my name around the city of Atlanta and eventually the world. I also want the world to know that we’ve done a great thing with Protected Melanin, and that I will continue to find ways to positively impact our community and culture. I’m always looking for unique ways to grow and get around the obstacles being blatantly put in place for a black woman running a business geared towards educating and protecting black women. I’m constantly looking for great people to add to our team and I’ll never stop looking for ways to make a difference for the people who need it the most. When you do business with us, you can guarantee that you’ll be treated like family and your needs for either a product or service will be met. Know that I’m truly appreciative and thankful for all the support and recognition. I’m proud of what we’ve done thus far and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s so much to do and see in the city of Atlanta. I love going out and having a great time. I’ve been living here for 8 years as of the 4th of July 2022, but I’m still finding out about all the hidden gems this city has to offer. Honestly, most of the week would be my best friend and I exploring the city and trying new things and places together. In this case I would want to be sure whatever I plan for the week goes along with the ideas my best friend had in mind for her trip to the city. Considering there is always something going on in the city of Atlanta, I’d fill our week with the perfect balance of outings, while still seeing to it that she has time to relax and unwind in the comforts of my home. My best friend can be more of an introvert at times so making sure she’s able to find a peace of mind and comfort while at my home is imperative. When we decide to go out into the city, I’d be sure to introduce her to breakfast at First Watch. It’s one of my favorite breakfast spots in the city and their Decatur location never lets me down. Durning her trip,I would want us to visit the West End Brewery to see what festivities they’re hosting in the area. At some point we’d visit the Ponce City Market to check out all the shops and beautiful scenery it has to offer. Before leaving the area we’d have to have lunch at Taco’s & Tequila located right across the street on Ponce de Leon. The drinks, food and service are always top tier. Midtown as a whole is such a vibe worth exploring. If the weather permits it, we’d chill out at Piedmont Park and relax under the open sky, maybe play some board games while we eat light snacks. I would want us to be outside enjoying the nice weather that Atlanta usually has to offers. Night life in Atlanta is always a thrill within itself. I’m always looking for a new lounge that sits in the cut and offers a grown, sexy and mature crowd. My Bestfriend is the same way, so we’d definitely go out and try new hot spots around the city. One place in particular we’d go is Rock Steady located in Atlanta off Marietta St. The energy in this place is out of this world. I recently held my 28th birthday celebration there in October of 2021, it was an amazing experience for me and my guest. Every time I stop by, I have a great time. The music, drinks, ambience and service are always up to par, the crowd never disappoints. The reality is whether we decide to check out Harolds on Edgewood or 592 Lounge in Stonecrest, the options for a good time are limitless.

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?
My aunt Carolyn was my first mentor and inspiration to venture into entrepreneurship. Although I come from a long line of women entrepreneurs, I was able to psychically watch and be apart of her journey through entrepreneurship. Being up close and personal, I saw the hard work she put forth, as well as all the perks and benefits it returned to her. Being apart of her process inspired me to go after my own goals of being an entrepreneur. I still watch and learn from her to this very day. She is the first person I think of when I need guidance. I can say without a doubt she deserves all the recognition plus more. Im forever grateful for her and the role she has played in my life thus far.

Website: www.protectedmelanin.com

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Image Credits
Photo Credits: Brittany Russell / Protected Melanin LLC,