Today, we’d like to introduce you to Brandy “BrandyWine” Rankins.
Hi Brandy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Hello VoyageATL! It’s an honor to share my story here. My journey speaks to the power of faith, resilience, and God’s unwavering grace. Raised in a household scarred by domestic violence, I clung to hope for a love story that would overcome all odds and be the exact opposite of what I grew up seeing at home. I found that love in Ramone Peterson, my high school sweetheart, and the five years we were together. Tragically, our dreams were shattered when he passed away from Ewing’s Sarcoma, a childhood bone cancer, shortly after our marriage.
At 21, I became a widow, facing profound grief, depression, suicidal ideations, and survivor’s guilt. Unable to eat, I lost a lot of weight and a great deal of my hair. I tried to cope by self-medicating with alcohol and excessive partying, but it only masked the pain temporarily. Eventually, I hit rock bottom. It was in that place of darkness and helplessness that I came to the end of myself and turned to God. In His Word, I found solace, love, and healing, supported by a nurturing community.
My faith journey faced trials, especially reconciling loss with belief. Through divine intervention and loved ones’ support, I found my way back to God’s light. Seven years later, I remarried Thomas Rankins Jr., a very handsome, kind, and supportive man whom I met at work where he helped me find hope in love again, a desire I’d lost after my previous marriage. Before Thomas, I felt like an outcast due to my past and becoming a widow so young. However, with him, I felt heard and safe. Thomas understood my guilt and loyalty to my late husband, Ramone. He showed his love by asking for my hand in marriage at Ramone’s gravesite, on bended knee, promising Ramone that he would take care of me. It remains one of the best and most heartfelt moments for me.
Together, over the years, we faced numerous unexpected hardships, including but not limited to: the devastating loss of my mother to Lung Cancer, raising funds in just 3 days for her burial; our brand-new home being broken into shortly after we moved in, with over $9k in damages; our daughter being born prematurely, undergoing three major surgeries, spending her first seven months in the hospital, and enduring multiple ventilator episodes; experiencing a miscarriage during another pregnancy; and coping with the unexpected deaths of Thomas’ mother from Heart Failure and two young nephews who were gunned down in 2023.
Despite the sometimes paralyzing hardships, I refuse to let adversity define me. In the midst of personal tragedies, God imparted resilience and purpose within me. I embarked on a mission to share my story of triumph through books, television appearances, speaking engagements, and inspiring others with God’s healing power.
Today, as a mother of four – including three professional actors seen in TV shows, films, and commercials, and one a college student serving in the US Military – I co-manage my children’s acting careers. I’m also a professional actress, featured in commercials, radio spots, and more. As a thriving entrepreneur, I stand as a testament to God’s faithfulness and the transformative power of His love.
In addition to the trials I faced, my wellness journey was deeply influenced by my struggle with Fibroids and their debilitating effects. The burden of heavy menstrual cycles, a common symptom, took a toll on my physical and emotional well-being. Seeking relief, I turned to conventional medicine, only to find myself reliant on iron infusions to combat resulting deficiencies, exacerbated by the Fibroids.
However, my quest for healing led me to discover the transformative potential of holistic wellness practices. Determined to address the root cause of my health challenges, I embarked on a journey of dietary overhaul and lifestyle modifications. Embracing a plant-based diet, I bid farewell to meat, refined sugar, and dairy, embracing the healing power of whole foods.
Through research and faith, I navigated my health challenges, discovering natural remedies and plant-based nutrition. Managing Fibroids and addressing iron deficiency, I became my own health advocate.
After having children, I struggled to lose weight, but after becoming a Pescatarian with a plant-based preference, I lost 30 pounds and kept it off. This confirmed the importance of these dietary changes for me.
Inspired by God’s hand of healing and transformation in my life, I founded J. Rapha Wellness Co. as a beacon of hope for others facing health challenges. Named after Jehovah Rapha, the Lord that Heals, my brand emphasizes faith-based holistic wellness. Through plant-based supplements, nutritional guidance, and wellness resources, I empower individuals to reclaim their health. My journey reflects the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of God’s healing grace.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In addition to the challenges I’ve shared, I’ve faced various hurdles in my diverse business ventures. For instance, in my new venture, J. Rapha Wellness Co., I encountered market saturation in the wellness industry. To stand out, I had to innovate creatively. Additionally, navigating fickle lifestyle trends required positioning my brand around long-term solutions that supersede trends.
As a Momager, I continually learn balance between my roles as a mother and manager. Some decisions come strictly from my role as their mom, while others require a business perspective. In show business, the focus often leans towards the “show” rather than the business aspect. Hence, I educate my children/clients on business decisions, spending, and consequences, emphasizing that not all opportunities align with their purpose.
With our family podcast, “Life With the Rankins: A Conversation on Faith, Family, and Film,” ongoing challenges such as content creation, generating fresh ideas, audience building, technical hurdles, creating new looks, and more persist.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am humbled to share with you my journey as a creative force and true multi-hyphenate. Through the grace of God and years of hard work, dedication, prayer, and sacrifice, I’ve cultivated a diverse array of talents and accomplishments across various artistic realms.
As a published author, I’ve authored four inspirational books that delve into the depths of the human spirit, offering wisdom and solace to readers. My poetry captures the essence of emotion, resonating with lyrical beauty and profound insights.
In the realm of entertainment, I gracefully wear multiple hats. As an actress, I bring depth and authenticity to the characters I portray. Beyond the stage and screen, I proudly serve as a momager, nurturing and guiding the careers of my three talented children.
My journey extends into the digital realm, where I create user-generated content that sparks dialogue and fosters connection. What sets me apart is my ability to seamlessly navigate between these different roles, infusing each with passion, authenticity, and a deep commitment to excellence.
Additionally, I bring elegance and poise to the world of modeling, embodying diversity and empowerment. As a Podcast Creator and Co-Host of “Life With the Rankins: A Conversation on Faith, Family, and Film”, I invite listeners into engaging conversations that inspire, inform, uplift, and introduce listeners to our family’s experiences in the Acting Industry. Last, as the visionary behind a new wellness brand, I am committed to promoting holistic health and empowerment for all.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When seeking a mentor, attend industry events where leaders gather. Engage in conversations and express interest. Approach potential mentors respectfully, acknowledging their time. Follow up with gratitude. Overcoming personal obstacles has been pivotal for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jraphawellness.store/ and imbrandywine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imbrandywine/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@imbrandywine01
Image Credits
Life and Legacy Media
