Meet Carla D. Brown | Music Journalist & Podcast Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carla D. Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carla, what’s your definition for success?
When I hear the word “success”, I also hear the word “alignment”. Being successful, to me, means that you are in alignment with your purpose. You have identified your purpose and have found the best way possible to carry it out. When you are in alignment with your purpose, everything else flows to you quite naturally.

You can achieve wealth, but if what you have to do to achieve or maintain it goes against your core values, costs you friends or family, or is just flat out stressful – that’s not success. You can live a life that seems really fun and exciting to other people, but when the first of the month rolls around, your rent is about to be late yet again – that’s not success.

When the life you live brings you joy, satisfaction, peace, love, and a sense of purpose fulfilled, that’s success to me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
By weekday, I am a real estate administrative professional with the most recognized real estate brand in the country. And I love it! I get the opportunity daily to help realtors with everything from the transactional process to helping them learn how to brand and market themselves.

However, over the past several years, I’ve found myself reconnecting with one of my first loves – music! That has shown up in an array of projects but consistently with the goal of supporting music artists in their careers. I’ve managed artists, I’ve consulted with artists, I’ve co-produced live music events, I’ve hosted events, spoken on panels, and even volunteered my time with youth who are a part of the House of Blues Music Forward Foundation. Most notable of those projects has to be creating and hosting my own podcast, Support The Dope Radio, which took a hiatus after five seasons and I’m so excited to say it will be relaunching this year.

Being able to do the things I’ve done definitely wasn’t always easy and still isn’t. There’s a lot of risk taking, carving out my own path, and creating my own opportunities. Sometimes it is thankless work and a labor of love but seeing talent shine the way it was intended brings me a smile every single time. I just hope that people remember me for my heart. I’m here to serve and to use what God has given me to help others along the way.

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?
As crazy at it sounds, I feel like I’m still new to Atlanta! I should be receiving recommendations instead of giving them. LOL

As a lover of music, and especially live music, I do enjoy going to St. James Live! as well as City Winery. Rock Steady is definitely a vibe, especially when my favorite DJ’s are spinning. One Music Fest is a fun, jam-packed weekend of live music. Whisky Mistress and BQE Lounge are also a good time. I just recently went to Nouveau Bar & Grill for the first time and the food was amazing! If you can make it out to Lithia Springs, April’s Southern Bistro & Bar’s food NEVER MISSES!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think I would be remiss if I didn’t properly acknowledge my parents for their support, love, and encouragement. From the time I was just a little tot on through the years, my parents did everything they could to make sure I could do anything I wanted to try my hand at. This is what exposed me to experiences with art, dance, music, sports, reading, writing, etc. and through these experiences I learned how to be a team player as well as a leader. That failure is not final. That it is ok to feel like something isn’t for me and to move on. That my imagination can be endless. To try, try again. That I’m stronger than I know. That there is joy in triumph after trial. That words have power. And so much more!

These experiences shaped me at my core and helped me to become the person I am today. So, that being said, thank you, Mom & Dad! This shoutout is dedicated to you!

Instagram: @CarlaDBrown_

Other: E-mail: info@CarlaDBrown.com