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

Hi Denise, how do you think about risk?
To me, risk is the currency of opportunity. It has been an integral part of my journey, acting as both a gateway and a teacher. Early in my career, I realized that the bigger the risk, the more profound the potential learning and reward. I approach risk analytically and intuitively, weighing the possible gains against the losses, but always ready to leap when I believe in the value of what’s on the other side. This mindset has led me to make bold moves, like pivoting our company’s focus early on, which turned out to be a game-changer in our success.

In my life and career, taking calculated risks has been crucial to developing and launching new brands. There’s always a chance of failure, but without stepping into the unknown, growth is stifled. I always encourage my team to embrace risk as part of our DNA, which has cultivated a dynamic, resilient company culture. This approach has not only seen us through numerous challenges but has also positioned us as innovative leaders.

For me, risk is not just about taking leaps; it’s about making strategic choices. Each risk I’ve taken has been a building block for my personal and professional development. Whether it was investing in people and technology or entering a saturated market with a fresh perspective, these risks have shaped my entrepreneurial journey. I believe that if you’re not occasionally scared or uncomfortable, you’re probably not pushing yourself hard enough.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My brand is more than just a business—it’s a lifestyle.

My business thrives at the intersection of technology and creativity. As a marketing agency, we specialize in creating immersive, user-centered experiences. As the leader of a creative collective, we differentiate ourselves through a holistic approach to design and marketing, integrating multiple disciplines to deliver exceptional results.

What sets me apart is my ability to seamlessly integrate creative and analytical thinking into my business strategy. I believe that success lies in the balance between intuition and data-driven decisions. This holistic approach allows me to innovate continuously, keeping my business dynamic and competitive. I’m particularly proud of how this unique strategy has allowed us to pioneer new market trends and deliver exceptional value to our customers.

I’m most excited about the culture of learning and adaptation that we’ve cultivated at Brilliantbox, Hatch, and Brilliant Lifestyle. Being both business-savvy and creative, I ensure that we’re always exploring new horizons and pushing boundaries. This environment not only fosters innovation but also personal growth among my team, which is incredibly rewarding to witness.

The journey to where we are today was far from easy. Raising a daughter while building a business required countless hours of hard work, learning, and adaptation. Starting as a freelancer, I gradually built a network of talented individuals who shared my vision. Together, we transformed our collective freelance efforts into a thriving agency. The road was riddled with financial and operational challenges, but our passion and commitment to our craft kept us going.

Overcoming challenges is about staying resilient and flexible. We learned to pivot our strategies based on market needs and feedback. Embracing failures as learning opportunities was crucial. I’ve also invested heavily in continuous education, ensuring we were always equipped with the latest skills and technologies. I took a year to do an executive coaching and mastermind program with Jesse Itzler. This inflection point was a real game-changer for me personally as well as my business.

The biggest lessons learned have been in the value of persistence, the power of a supportive network, and the importance of staying true to one’s values. We prioritize meaningful connections and building lasting partnerships; great people are the key to success and having a Brilliant life.

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.
Hey Bestie! I just created the best week ever. Your itinerary in Atlanta is filled with food, wine, art, entertainment ,and delicious Southern hospitality!

Day 1: Artistic Flair
Morning: Start with a visit to the High Museum of Art to soak in some contemporary art and special exhibitions.
Afternoon: Head over to Piedmont Park for a leisurely walk and a picnic by the lake.
Evening: Experience a Candlelight Concert, a unique event featuring classical music in an enchanting, illuminated setting.

Day 2: Gatsby Glam
Morning: Catch our breath because tonight is going to be a blast
Afternoon: Grab a few well curated bottles of wine from Perrine’s Wine Shop and invite friends over to share!
Evening: Dress up for a Great Gatsby evening at Damsel, where you can enjoy live jazz and cocktails reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties.

Day 3: Explore and More
Morning: Take a fun ride on the Fur Bus around the Perimeter to see the sights in a unique, quirky way.
Afternoon: Enjoy some retail therapy at Avalon, an upscale shopping district with a variety of stores and eateries.
Evening: Dine at Nobu for some exquisite Japanese cuisine.

Day 4: Culinary Delights
Lunch: Grab a slice of authentic Italian pizza at Antico.
Dinner: Indulge in Mediterranean flavors at Kyma or enjoy the elegant ambiance at St. Cecilia.

Day 5: Cultural Touches
Evening: Watch a mesmerizing show at the historic Fox Theatre.

Day 6: Sports and Scenery
Day: Cheer on the Atlanta Braves at a Braves Game.
Evening: Sip on cocktails on the Rooftop at Ponce City Market for fun and city views.

Day 7: Chic Finale
Lunch: Enjoy innovative Oaxacan Mexican dishes and Margaritas at Casi Cielo.
Afternoon: Relax with Cocktails in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.
Evening: Celebrate your last night with Champagne at the St. Regis bar.

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?
To my Brilliant Family (yes that is our real last name) —without your guidance and encouragement, this venture would remain a dream. Your support continues to fuel my passion and drive my success!

Website: https://www.brilliantbox.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestilettocontessa/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-brilliant/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrilliantStyle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denise.f.brilliant/

Other: www.mybrilliantlifestyle.com
www.thehatchworks.com

Image Credits
Kiera Palmer

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