Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Woods.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I created Lost Liberty LLC my freshman year of college. I was coping with my reality as a survivor of multiple traumas and abuses by writing, dancing, painting and designing clothes. People wanted to buy my artwork and products so I decided to create the brand Lost Liberty. I began showcasing my artwork at local talent shows on campus at the University of Missouri. I then showcased my artwork at Vibes in Saint Louis, MO then in art shows in Chicago, IL, Oklahoma City, OK and Kansas City, KS. Before I knew it, I was getting show invitations and art commission requests from Atlanta, Los Angeles and D.C and more. I began partnering with other businesses and organizations by providing artwork and designs for their fundraisers. A career in freelance design emerged specifically with non-profit organizations as I became more involved with service and social welfare. I interned with the Child Abuse Prevention Association, The Dinner Table Documentary as well as the 1000 Dreams Fund. I am currently a Master’s recipient at The University of Kansas for social work with specific interests in art therapy and cultural humility in service organizations. This led to me creating the EmpowerHER Initiative. It is currently in its zygote phase. Its mission is to create a space bridging the social gap between millennial women and girls of color in underserved communities by facilitating dialogue addressing self-care, self-esteem, and self-determination.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was not a smooth road at all and I don’t expect it to be for my future endeavors. There were many struggles along the way personally and financially. I did not have assets set aside to invest in my businesses. At one point, I was homeless and without a car. There were several deaths in the family. I was also healing from my own traumas, heartbreaks, and disappointments. I was very much emotionally overwhelmed but I had big goals. I had to take breaks to tend to my spiritual, mental and physical health by creating my own self-care regimen and becoming educated about mental health. My struggles very much led to purpose for me. I believe these hardships created a resiliency and skill set that has shaped and will continue shaping my career.
Lost Liberty LLC and EmpowerHER Initiative – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am currently rebranding Lost Liberty LLC to only work with businesses and non-profit organizations. It originally protected my artwork as well but at this point in my career, it isn’t necessary. Under Lost Liberty LLC, I have designed logos for Healthy Life Transitions LLC, and 13 and Counting LLC in Oklahoma City, OK. I have designed and painted fundraising items for #TheTakeBack and Target Hope in Chicago, IL. I am currently assisting The Silent Injury LLC out of Houston, TX with some consulting and product designs as well. All of these organizations cater to the needs of people in underserved communities from therapy services to school supply drives. I began doing this work for free. However, now I am providing these services at a discounted rate. I really enjoy this work and I know how difficult it is to start a business without funding and to work with a limited budget. I believe this mindset sets me apart. This is philanthropic services at an affordable cost.
My artwork, however, does have set prices. It requires time and energy to create on a large scale. I am an abstract expressionist painter so my artwork is very stylistic. I take commissions (art orders) nationally. I am extremely detail oriented so during the consultation process, I do my best to capture the customer’s vision by asking for specific colors and themes they want portrayed in their work. I believe this is what sets me apart from other artists. I also have a pretty diverse clientele base so I painted just about everything.
Like I mentioned earlier, EmpowerHER Initiative is in a zygote phase. But I am so astounded by all of the support I have thus far. There are so many women of color who have volunteered to be apart of the planning process and execution.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I have lived by this quote regarding success by Maya Angelou, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” It’s so simply put but encompasses everything. I refuse to make a career in a field that I hate. I refuse to live a miserable life. Therefore, I have to do the work in order to have the life I want. Ultimately, God has control. I just have to demonstrate discipline and commit to the work in front of me to fulfill his purpose for my life. So every step big and small towards purpose is success.
Contact Info:
- Website: Briannanechelle.com
- Email: brianna.n.woods8@gmail.com
- Instagram: Personal – @thebriannanechelle, Business – @briannanechelleart, @empowerherorg
Image Credit:
Etinosa Ogbevoen (photos where I’m wearing pink), Evan Bell (art picture with blue background), Steven Austin (standing outside with 2 paintings), Andre Jamar (#TheTakeBack photo)
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
