Inspiring Conversations with Bria Knight of III, VI. Artistry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bria Knight.

Hi Bria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi Readers! I am Bria Knight, a proud Atlanta native who grew up on the vibrant westside of the city during the 1990s. As an only child, I developed an intense infatuation with the arts, immersing myself in music, beauty, fashion, and everything that celebrated creativity and self-expression. My icons—Janet Jackson, Nia Long, and Lauryn Hill—were more than just stars; they were the blueprint of beauty, embodying a mix of edginess, depth, and grace that inspired me immensely.

My earliest memories were shaped by the cherished moments spent with my grandmother, Velma Compton. During hair appointments, I would watch intently as my grandmother was groomed—her hair washed and conditioned with Luster, Blue Magic, and Isoplus products, then pressed and curled with hot combs and stove irons. These rituals were more than beauty routines; they were lessons in self-care, black beauty, and dignity. As I sat quietly, I would also tune into her favorite soap operas—The Bold and the Beautiful and The Young and the Restless—absorbing the tales of glamour, resilience, and strength that reflected my own cultural heritage.

Growing up in a middle-class, highly astute family, I was raised with high standards. In Atlanta during that era, poise, education, class, spirituality, good manners, and intelligence weren’t just ideals—they were expectations. Fortunately, my elders instilled in me the importance of integrity, dignity, and striving for excellence, shaping me into a woman who embodied black excellence long before I even knew what it was. These foundational values became the bedrock of my identity, guiding my journey and inspiring me to pursue my passions with purpose.

My family was deeply rooted in entrepreneurship and community. My grandfather, George Knight, was well-known in Atlanta’s beauty industry, working closely with the Bronner Brothers and becoming one of their top salesmen in the 80s and 90s. He eventually started his own business, Knight & Sons, which reflected the entrepreneurial spirit that surrounded me from a young age. I was encouraged to pursue excellence, be well-mannered, and carry myself with class and dignity. My upbringing emphasized the importance of education, spirituality, and being articulate—values that became the foundation of my character.

Unbeknownst to me at the time, these influences and experiences were the beginning of III. VI. Artistry—a manifestation of my journey toward self-discovery, empowerment, and excellence. My story is one of heritage, artistry, and the relentless pursuit of being my best self—an inspiring testament to the power of roots, resilience, and black excellence.

Today, I stand as a testament to the rich cultural roots and empowering lessons of my youth—I carry the spirit of my Atlanta roots and my elders’ wisdom, continuously inspiring others to embrace their own journey of black excellence.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My entrepreneurial journey has not been entirely smooth, but it has been profoundly meaningful. It began with a deep realization that my family’s rituals and traditions needed to live on, especially after the passing of my grandparents. Their departure inspired me to create a business as a way to carry their legacy forward and keep their spirits alive in my life. Each person in my life influenced me in some way, but it was their physical absence that made me understand the importance of maintaining routines and spiritual connections. This process became healing for me, allowing me to feel their presence even as I built my business.

My business in self-care emerged naturally because it was already part of who I am. Though my academic background was in sociology and psychology rather than business management, I understood systems and people deeply through my interactions—whether working in our family church, in customer service, or other roles. Creating this business became my way of honoring my family, healing from their passing, and fulfilling what I see as my divine purpose.

Losing my grandfather, Eddie Compton Sr., a minister of Christ who taught me spirituality, faith, and prayer, was incredibly difficult. Equally hard was losing my grandmother, Velma Compton, who was my first client and unwavering supporter of my dreams. My grandfather George Knight’s charismatic influence also shaped me profoundly, and his loss was deeply felt. Yet, I transmuted the pain into purpose, using it as fuel to build something meaningful and lasting.

Despite the challenges, my journey has been guided by love, faith, and a sense of calling. It’s been a path of growth, healing, and purpose—one I am committed to walking with resilience and gratitude.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a distinguished beauty business operator with a passion for delivering luxury beauty services on a national and international scale. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, I have built a reputation for transforming clients’ visions into stunning realities, whether for weddings, special events, video productions, or exclusive photo shoots. Beyond my professional pursuits, I am avid explorer who enjoys discovering new destinations, cuisines, and cultures. This love of exploration has enriched my ability to adapt and connect with clients from diverse backgrounds. My company, III. VI. Artistry is a progressive, innovative, environmentally friendly and sustainable beauty brand curated to heal and restore all skin at any stage of life without compromising luxury or efficacy. I provide both beauty services as well as skincare products to ensure satisfaction of each client.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to navigate trends while maintaining a steadfast commitment to what is tried and true. I believe in sticking with what works, which may seem rigid to some, but I highly value longevity and consistency. Unlike the fleeting nature of jumping from one bandwagon to another, my approach focuses on quality, trust, and building lasting relationships with my clients.

My brand is centered around a system that places a strong emphasis on exceptional customer service, satisfaction, education, artistry, and problem-solving. I believe in the importance of punctuality, face-to-face conversations, and ending agreements with a firm handshake and eye contact. These timeless principles reflect my dedication to professionalism and authenticity. Additionally, I make it a point to nurture relationships beyond transactions, such as sending clients holiday cards, because I believe genuine connections are the foundation of lasting success.

Ultimately, my goal is to provide a reliable, honest, and personalized experience that stands the test of time—because I believe that true quality and integrity never go out of style.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Clients, artists, photographers, videographers, models, agencies, and any other individuals interested in collaboration or services are warmly welcome to contact me via email at info@briannaknight.com. I am open to networking opportunities, speaking engagements, vending opportunities, and collaborations with artists who share a vision for working towards a common goal. I look forward to connecting and exploring how we can create something amazing together!

Pricing:

• Makeup Services for clients begin at $150.00 per hour

Contact Info:

• Website: https://iiiviartistry.mypixieset.com