Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Hobbs.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m originally from Little Rock, AR. I moved to the Atlanta area around 11 years ago for grad school at Kennesaw State University to pursue a degree in Construction Project Management. My previous background was in Architecture. I attended Tuskegee University for my undergrad. I’ve always had a passion for design and wanted to somehow make a difference in my community in the process. I was a project manager for a while but got the opportunity to get back into design by teaching students computer aided drafting at a local college. From there, I transitioned back from construction to architectural design. I worked with a few firms and began the thought of how I could give back but also use my skills I had acquired over the years. So I began my design and development business two years ago. YSD Design & Development stands for Young Successful Dreamers, and though I may not be young forever the thought is to always and continuously inspire young minds to keep dreaming and being successful in their journey through life. My motto is, “Every idea starts with a dream, but success starts by waking up and making it a reality. With that being said…I woke up and began to design for local developers. I did this for a while until I was able to save up enough to purchase some land for myself. I recently kicked off the first phase of this project back home in Little Rock Ar called “Build The Block Back”.
The Root of the majority of my personal projects ….start with going back. Which is strange because we’re always told we have to keep going forward, you never pause, you never stop… we just go forward, but what if going back is what will get us the furthest.
My goal is not to just build homes back on these lots but to bring ppl back to their neighborhoods, and build back communities that no longer flourishing and create a value that was lost when these homes were torn down.
As we know, often times when urban neighborhoods are destroyed and brought back, they are gentrified and unaffordable to the community who once inhabited the area, not only here but we’ve witnessed this across the country numerous times, in numerous cities. With this project, I am to do the opposite, as well as create a new aesthetic to the community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are always potholes, speed bumps, and detours. Funding was the most difficult because you can have champagne dreams but the reality is sometimes we only have a beer budget. So getting business finance was an uphill battle, but eventually someone believed in my dream and it’s been smooth ever since.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a residential design and developer. I can draw floor plans for new construction, additions, renovations, 3D renderings, etc. what sets me apart is that I am black woman in an industry not designed for me, but I am one of the best to ever do it and I looove seeing my thoughts actually being designed and built
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Some people were meant to be regular some are meant to be great, the beauty in it all is you get to decide rather you want to be regular or great, if you want to dream big or if you want to dream small…all I say is just make sure your dream.
Contact Info:
- Email: ysddesigndevelopment@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngsuccessfuldreamers/
