We recently had the chance to connect with Renata Brown and have shared our conversation below.
Renata, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Absolutely. I recently published the second annual edition of our magazine dedicated to highlighting the achievements and community impact of African American men. This year’s issue was our biggest and most viewed yet—an incredible milestone. We honored our Man of the Year alongside seven additional Men of the Year, each a powerful example of excellence, leadership, and resilience. What made it even more special was bringing in a group of male guest editors to lend their voices and perspectives to the issue. I felt deeply proud of my commitment to spotlight those who are often overlooked, and to create a platform that not only celebrates, but affirms, the value and brilliance of Black men.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the founder of The Spire Brands, a dynamic collection of platforms rooted in one mission: to get you seen and heard by people of influence. Our work centers around amplifying underrepresented voices, celebrating culture, and creating meaningful connections.
It all began with DreamSpireTV, our flagship brand and entertainment platform, where we spotlight celebrity stories, creative expression, and cultural narratives that often go untold. Building on that momentum, we expanded into DreamSpire Books, a space now home to over 200 authors sharing powerful stories across genres. From there, we launched EM-Spire Magazine, which honors entrepreneurs, motivators, and visionaries across industries.
Our newest venture is Black OUR Street—an unapologetic platform dedicated to elevating Black-owned businesses and creative networks in the arts. Every brand under The Spire umbrella shares a common heartbeat: lifting voices, building legacy, and making space for excellence that deserves to be seen.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Caress, saw something in me long before I fully understood it myself. After noticing that a small group of us had scored well above grade level on standardized tests, she took us under her wing. She exposed us to new environments—including visiting a high school campus when we were just 10 years old—and challenged us to dream beyond what we saw around us. She even advocated for my IQ to be tested, which revealed it was near genius level. That moment was transformative. From then on, I knew I was smart—and more importantly, I never let anyone define me as anything less. Mrs. Caress gave me a mirror that reflected my true potential, and I’ve carried that self-belief ever since.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The most defining wound of my life was the loss of my daughter. I became a mother at 14, and by 17, I learned that she had Sickle Cell Anemia—an incurable genetic disorder. Her life was filled with hospital visits—over a hundred in total—but she fought bravely and lived to see young adulthood.
You never truly get over the loss of a child. It’s a pain that settles into your spirit. But over time, I’ve come to understand that our children don’t belong to us; they come through us. We’re all here for the time we’re given, and while her time was far too short, it was filled with purpose, love, and meaning. That understanding has brought me peace. My healing hasn’t come from forgetting—it’s come from accepting, remembering, and honoring her life by continuing to live mine with intention.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
This is simple: Black is Beautiful…full stop
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
As I grow older, I find myself thinking about this more often—maybe more than I should. Working in media has given me the rare privilege of meeting and interviewing iconic individuals whose legacies have shaped culture. I met Malcolm-Jamal Warner just this past November at an intimate event where he was performing. I still have the photo and video on my phone. Who could’ve imagined that just seven months later, he’d be gone? Moments like that remind me how fleeting life is—and how important it is to leave something meaningful behind.
When I’m gone, I hope people remember the platforms I created—spaces that amplified voices, celebrated purpose, and gave others the confidence to be seen. I want them to remember the conversations we had, the ones that shifted perspectives or sparked new motivation. And for my web design clients, I hope they recall how I helped give their brands a voice—how I saw their vision and helped bring it to life. More than anything, I want to be remembered as someone who used every tool, talent, and moment to uplift others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dreamspirebooks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamspiretv/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renata-brown-79426143/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DreamSpireTV
