An Inspired Chat with Brae Richardson of Charleston

Brae Richardson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Brae , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are dedicated to working out and my mental health. I wake up at 4:15 AM, take a bite of something to give me energy, then get on my spin bike. I end with a good stretch and start a podcast or something that brings me peace before a busy day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Brae Richardson, and I’m a business professional and entrepreneur based in Charleston, SC. I currently serve as the Senior Marketing Manager for Charleston Wine + Food, where I’m leading efforts to launch tickets for our 20th Anniversary festival.

In addition to my full-time role, I own and operate Brae Richardson LLC and The Brae Collection — both focused on events, PR, business consulting, and social media management. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with high-profile talent such as Dave Chappelle, Odell Beckham, and Rob Gronkowski, as well as iconic brands like Veuve Clicquot.

What makes my work unique is my focus on building intentional connections and driving community impact, especially in support of women- and minority-owned businesses. I’m also preparing to launch a new project under my personal brand, continuing my mission to connect, empower, and elevate through strategy, creativity, and storytelling.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe what breaks the bonds between people is a lack of loyalty and trust. When someone doesn’t follow through on their word, or when honesty and consistency are missing, it creates distance, regardless of the type of relationship. Being a man or woman of your word goes a long way. Integrity, honesty, and clear communication build trust, and without that foundation, bonds begin to fracture.

What restores those bonds is accountability and intentional effort. Owning your actions, having hard conversations, and showing up consistently, even when it’s uncomfortable, can rebuild trust over time. It takes humility, patience, and a genuine willingness to reconnect. At the end of the day, relationships thrive when people feel seen, respected, and safe.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Love your Black skin fully and unapologetically. Don’t let what others say about your skin tone define your worth or dim your light.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. The public version of me is absolutely real, what you see is authentic. But like most people, there are layers to who I am that aren’t always visible. I show up with integrity and intention, but I also protect certain parts of myself that are personal or still evolving. So while the public version is true, it’s just one part of the whole story.

I deeply value the people who truly see me, not just who they think I am. I’m so grateful for those relationships, because being seen and accepted for your full self is rare, and it means everything.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing? 
Honestly, I don’t regret putting people on — and I never will. Even in situations where I’ve had personal issues or fallouts with someone, I’ve never let that get in the way of an opportunity I could give them. I truly enjoy being a connector and plugging people in, without expecting anything in return. It’s something I’m proud of, and I’d regret not continuing to lead with that kind of generosity and integrity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thebraecollection.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braerichardson/
• Linkedin: Brae Richardson
• Facebook: Brae Richardson

Image Credits
Lawson Builder (red suit with champagne glass)
Dillion Parnell (event images)