Meet Brittney Sherrod | Creative Visionary, Director, and Filmmaker

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

Hi Brittney, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The primary motivation behind wanting to start my own business was the idea of FREEDOM. After many challenging work experiences, I knew that having bosses and working 8-5 was not going to work for me much longer. Being a creative often transcends beyond the art realm. I was an initiator when it came to ideas, and I had visions about the type of work I wanted to do, no matter the role I was currently in at the time. Oftentimes, those ideas never came to fruition because they had to be approved by someone else. That stifled my ability to grow in spaces that were pertinent to me.

However, I knew that starting a business was not an easy process and that instead of working 8-5 Monday through Friday, I would probably be working longer hours and days to achieve the success I desired. I thought critically and analytically about the complexities of starting a business. Many people made being an entrepreneur sound sweet, but I knew there was more to it, so I had to educate myself first. I spent several years researching the types of businesses, startup costs, etc. More importantly, I was adamant about the legalities of a business. I did not want to end up in a legal suit because I lacked knowledge and education about properly doing business with other people. Once I got past that, I knew I would be okay. I was already built for the type of grind that goes into running a business. Also, I was getting so much positive feedback from others about my work, so I knew I would have a small but robust support system to get me started.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The meaning behind the name for my arts company, Tiger Bloo, encompasses everything that I love and contribute to my success. The word “tiger” represents the mascot of the town I mostly grew up in with my family. The term also represents a tiger’s strength, beauty, courage, and ambition. “Bloo” represents my favorite color and the college I attended as an undergrad. The words are combined where you hear the word blue, but it is spelled with the last three letters of my college, Tougaloo. My art ranges from photography to theater to film to painting to dance. It is very versatile.

When I think about the things that set me apart, I think about how I began my company. My purpose began with my desire to share my knowledge of the arts and tap into the untapped talent of the youth. With my company, I not only provide paid services, but I take everything I know and teach it to others, specifically the youth. I am an educator of all things. I’d choose the latter any day if I cannot do both. God sets me apart from others because of the visions and ideas He gives me; no one can see it through more effectively than I can when it comes from Him. I am most proud of the fact that I took a dream that seemed farfetched for most of my life and made it my reality. What keeps me motivated and excited is the opportunity to tell and share the narratives I choose. I also get excited about seeing those I have worked with prosper in the art communities.

Being my authentic self, no matter what, is the reason I am where I am today. I promised never to sacrifice my character and integrity for a light that turns on and off. Regardless of how much money I earn, how much recognition I receive, or how many accolades on my resume, I have to be a light every day. It is not easy to be authentic in an industry that tells you what they think you should or should not do. I overcome those challenges by keeping my expectations at a minimum and never providing a service out of desperation. I have learned that what is for me will manifest with or without me trying to take control of every opportunity. I prefer to do the work and just let things fall into place.

I want people to know I am a servant, and generosity and honesty flow deeply in my roots. I am a trustworthy, intellectual, creative, and dependent black woman, no matter who is on the receiving end. I see all people and treat people like kings and queens because everyone has purpose and potential. I have been in the darkest and most bottomless pits, but I believed in myself. Most people experience those same pits but are never given the chance to prosper. I never let a person’s current circumstances define them or determine their success. My brand believes and sees the people! Period.

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?
If a friend was visiting me for a week-long trip, there are several places I would like to take them. First, we are taking a trip to the Gulf Coast for the best seafood at Killer Crab & Seafood and Bozo’s Seafood Market. Then we are going to Biloxi, MS, to check out the casinos and beach life. The most fun will likely occur with my family in Moss Point, MS. They are the “best time ever.” After leaving the coast, we will head back to Jackson, MS. We will do more eating and hanging out there. We will check out M-Bar Sports Lounge, The Village Kitchen, and Johnny T’s for a chill and grown folk vibe, great music, and amazing food. We would also check out the Fondren area and downtown Jackson for weekly events like Food Truck Friday. For some good laughs, food, and karaoke night, we would go to MikeTown Comedy Club. For Soul Food Sunday, we are going to Deja Brew Bistro Fondren to eat and then to visit some historic places like the Medgar Evers Home, Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Tougaloo College, and others, if time permits. Pictures in front of the Big KRIT mural are also a must! These are just a few of the amazing places and things Mississippi has to offer.

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?
There are just too many people to name specifically, but I would like to thank all the parents who allowed me to work with their children when I was really beginning to find my niche in the arts. Also, thank you to my amazing co-workers who gave me the space and opportunity to begin my writing journey in theater, which ultimately led me to my business venture and other endeavors. More importantly, I am thankful that I serve a God who gives provisions to the visions He gave and continues to give me. Thank you to my mother, sister, family, and friends for always showing their support in the best way possible.

Instagram: @tiger_blooarts

Linkedin: Brittney Sherrod

Facebook: Danielle Sherrod

Image Credits
Brittney “Dani B” Sherrod