Meet Essence English | Founder of Brands Endeavor

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

Hi Essence, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

There wasn’t much thought process; it felt more like a reaction. During the week of Christmas in 2021, just months after graduating from college earlier that summer, I was abruptly let go from my first full-time position due to non-compliance with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

A sudden and unexpected turn of events challenged my idea of security in corporate America and the blueprint that most of us are taught – go to school, graduate from college, get a good job, and climb to the top. Don’t even get me started on how worried I was about where my next paycheck would come from and breaking the news to my hard-working mother.

However, I knew my decision was right because I followed my intuition, stayed true to myself, and did not allow a temporary mandate to make me go against my values. Instead, I embraced the moment, learned a valuable lesson, and used it to motivate me to start my own business.

Now, I must say, there was a personal thought and a conversation with God a few weeks before the incident that allowed me to clearly understand what was going on around me during that specific time and make a decision without much hesitation because God prepared me for it. Thinking back now, it was a gift that set me on the path I was destined for all along.

My personal thought was that I was missing something in my professional career. The conversation with God was that I needed to fully tap into all my abilities and do something meaningful enough for me. From that moment, I knew I wanted to channel my energy into something that fueled my creativity and transformed lives, including my own.

So, when the unexpected incident occurred, I decided to bet on myself, and days later, I assessed my skills, experiences, and passions. A common theme emerged – marketing and helping others succeed. Determined to take control of my destiny, I reached out to my network, sharing my story and my plans to start a business that would offer marketing services. It was a leap of faith, but I knew I was determined to make it work, and there was a high demand for what I could supply.

As January of 2022 rolled around, one of the first individuals I connected with expressed a need for marketing assistance in their business. It was a no-coincidence moment that marked the beginning of me starting my own business. The thought of being a first-generation college graduate and entrepreneur with minimal corporate experience never crossed my mind. The idea of being the first in my family to start a business and setting an example as the eldest sibling motivated me to do it. The confidence in my skills and the guidance of a higher power is what carried me through. Since then, it has been a journey of many thoughts and feelings that I’ve embraced, and the best part has been learning so much as I go.

What should our readers know about your business?

I am the proud founder of Brands Endeavor, a brand-building agency and community committed to empowering entrepreneurs to build a STRONG brand for long-term success. On the agency side, we provide professional services through consulting, design, and overall brand development. On the community side, we offer an exclusive space for like-minded entrepreneurs to connect and gain valuable support to enhance their brand-building journey.

What sets Brands Endeavor apart is how we genuinely care about your brand’s future and success. From 1:1 coaching, to professional services, and unique memberships, we support our clients, whether it’s their first or next step. I am most proud of Brands Endeavor being a Black, Latin, and woman-owned business born in New York City in response to an unforeseen event that probably would have set back others, but instead, it pushed me further. I am most excited about the future of Brands Endeavor and launching a physical product soon that will make a statement and propel our vision forward of a world where everyone understands and utilizes the power of branding to pursue their dreams, build equity, and leave a legacy.

I got to where I am today business-wise from hard work, sacrifice, and being unapologetically myself. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. I overcame challenges by consistently practicing wellness, relying on my faith, and drawing strength from my support system. I’ve learned that when you are at the beginning phase of building your business, you are your biggest asset – your mind, body, and soul are the driving force behind your company, and you must take good care of yourself to be a successful business owner.

I want the world to know that I’m just getting started, and this is a fraction of my story. There is a lot more I plan to share and much more to come from Brands Endeavor. My story is one of inspiration and motivation, meant to encourage others to believe in themselves, go after exactly what they want, and bring their vision to life because they can do so.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

With so much to do in New York City, I would create a 5-day itinerary filled with food, views, and great vibes. It would be as follows:

On Day 1, we would start the day with brunch at Fumo in Harlem and would have to have their baked clams, kale caesar, and white wine. After that, we would walk a couple blocks towards the Hudson River, catch a nice breeze, and go to the park to enjoy some greenery. Later that evening, we would go to Mr. Purple and end the day there, enjoying stunning skyline views through ceiling-to-floor windows and outdoor space, among music and lounging.

On Day 2, we would stroll in Central Park in the early afternoon while enjoying the diverse crowd of runners, nannies, dog walkers, tourists, native New Yorkers, and casual celebrities. We would also picnic and paint on Sheep Meadow while admiring the skyline. At night, we would go out to La Macarena near Times Square to have some great food and hookah and dance the night away to Latin music.

On day 3, we would sleep in and rest to have enough energy to return to midtown to explore the iconic Times Square, enjoy the city lights, and use the big screens to play “I Spy.” At night, we would conclude the day with a night out at Lagos in Times Square for Caribbean food and great music.

On Day 4, we would spend the day downtown, beginning with a visit to the High Line Park, surrounded by plants and modern art. Then, we would shop at Chelsea Market and grab a pizza slice with a generous amount of pepperoni. After that, we would end the night at Boxers, a downtown gay bar known for its lively and energetic atmosphere.

On Day 5, the last day, we would sleep in and go to Aire Ancient Spa baths to relax our mind, body, and soul before returning to our regular everyday schedule. Our last moments would be enjoyed during happy hour at Gyu Kaku, a Japanese Korean BBQ.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I’d love to give credit to my role model, travel buddy, and godmother, Auntie Karen, who has played an instrumental role in my life for as long as I can remember. She is the only female figure in my family to exemplify independence, stability, and professional success.

Auntie Karen has taken me under her wing as a daughter and provided me with a home and a sense of security throughout college and my entrepreneurial journey. She has been my anchor in pursuing my dreams, constantly reminding me not to give up on my business despite challenges.

Auntie Karen is more than a role model—she is a woman of guidance and wisdom. I can turn to her with anything, confident that she always has my best interest and will steer me in the right direction. Beyond her guidance, Auntie Karen has taken me on global adventures to China, Israel, Greece, and Egypt. Through these travels, she has shown me the world has so much to offer and gifted me with moments I will never forget. These experiences have broadened my perspective, setting new and elevated standards for my aspirations.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to Auntie Karen for investing in me and sharing the qualities of a strong, independent woman. Her love and support are priceless, and being the only person she responds to with an “I love you” holds great significance. I honestly cannot imagine where I would be without her. Anyone would be lucky to have an Auntie Karen in their life, and I am fortunate to have her in mine.

Website: www.essenceenglish.com and www.brandsendeavor.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/essencevenglish/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079848493669&sk=friends

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@essencevenglish

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@essencevenglish

Image Credits
Malik Chatman for all pictures with blonde/light hair