Today we’d like to introduce you to Braea Tilford.
Braea, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My journey as an entrepreneur began when I was 22 years old. Coming from a family of businessmen and politicians, I always knew two things: first, that I too would own my own business one day. And second, that I wanted to not only change the world–but, most importantly, fiercely impact my local community. I began exploring my interest in entrepreneurship when I declared myself a Business major in high school. During my junior year, I entered my very first pitch competition at Northern Kentucky University where I competed against high school students from across the state of Kentucky. I walked home with 5th place. My pitch was nothing more than a small idea I’d had that I developed a strong marketing plan to support. It was then that I knew I not only wanted to be an entrepreneur, but I had the corresponding skillset to do it.
After my first major college internship at Ebony Magazine’s style and beauty department in NYC, I noticed the significant impact that working with a majority woman-led office had on me. Not only was the office filled with intelligent, creative, fashionable women, these women actually looked like me. All of them were bad-ass women of color, embarking on journeys similar to that which I aspired to. It was sometime between the ages of 21 and 22 that I began praying a consistent prayer asking God. I asked Him to reveal how I could cull my gifts, truths and hobbies to create a life that I love and grow a sustainable business that didn’t feel like work for me.
Fast forward years later and the idea for Grow Lead Inspire came to me so clear while on a flight. A leadership conference for girls that provided that same sense of inspiration that I received at Ebony. A place where girls from my hometown would learn and be empowered by beautiful women embarking on journeys similar to ones they too wish to take on. I started making phone calls to my immediate family to raise money and bring my bright idea to life, I reached out to a friend who I trusted to help with programming and planning and I found speakers who I thought represented my brand perfectly. I hosted my first conference in 2016 and from there began expanding my passion project. I’d determined I wanted to find ways to elevate my platform and brand as the founder of GLI. In 2017, I competed for the title of Miss Kentucky USA. I was later crowned in 2018 and it’s one of the best decisions I ever made. As a titleholder, I was able to get in front of many more crowds of young girls and women and talk to them about my passion for female empowerment.
Post pageantry, I decided to relocate. Atlanta was never on my radar in life. In fact, it wasn’t until a year ago that I’d even considered it as an option. I visited a few times and the newness and liveliness of the city really excited me. It is a city that is growing so rapidly with so much opportunity for young professionals. I’m now five months in and I couldn’t be any happier about my decision to uproot my life and businesses and relocate to such an energetic and developing city.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Are you kidding? I still face many challenges as a full-time entrepreneur in her twenties. First and foremost, overcoming the anxiety of coming up with an idea and sharing it with the world in hopes that you’re supported is a task in itself. As a creative, my ideas and creativity are my greatest assets and, naturally, I am very sensitive about them. So, in the beginning, hearing nos was a bit intimidating and discouraging. My experiences with them, however, taught me grit and grind. My reign as a titleholder of the Miss Universe Organization was no cakewalk either. It was actually one of the most challenging years of my life. Learning to balance the growing pains that come with self-discovery, coupled with juggling two full-time roles as I built my own brand and trained for what felt like one of the most nerve-racking days of my life (Miss USA) was just hard, in plain terms. But the most important thing I’ve learned thus far in life is that in every opportunity, interaction, relationship and endeavor there is a lesson to be learned that should prepare you for what’s next. The next version of you, business opportunity, personal or professional relationship–they teach you newly found wisdom in order to finally emerge.
Please tell us about Grow Lead Inspire – what should we know?
I am the founder of Grow Lead Inspire (GLI), a digital platform that empowers teens to be the best versions of themselves, for themselves and for their communities. What started out as an annual teen conference has now morphed into a platform for girls everywhere to be inspired, to grow, lead and inspire others themselves. We are in the process of rebranding and scaling as a company, so it’s really exciting to witness and share in all that is to come for GLI 2.0. I am most proud of the influence and rapport I have been able to build with so many young girls over the years. Seeing them flourish and witnessing their success is one of the most rewarding feelings. One of my favorite parts of the GLI experience is pairing girls up with real-life mentors who work in their respective fields. I get so much feedback from previous attendees and mentors about how grateful they are to connect with other like-minded women as well as the opportunity to pour into girls in their communities. It’s been such an honor to even see myself grow as a business person. What sets me apart from others is the passion and purpose that GLI was founded upon. There’s a quote that says, “No one is you, and that is your power.” So, although there are other organizations and platforms around that cater to teens, no one is Braea, founder of GLI. No one has her ideas, vision or purpose. Who I am and all that my heart, mind, and soul possess, was uniquely gifted to me. And long before I even took my first breath on this Earth. Because of that, no one person or company can stand in the way of the work and impact that Grow Lead Inspire will give to this world.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are so many members of my family, friends, a number of professors and former bosses that have tagged teamed and played a part in helping shape me to be the woman I am today. However, the number one person I must give credit to is God. My relationship with Christ is the only reason I know myself well enough to even identify my true passions and purpose in life. All of the things I have been the most successful at have to do with me taking the risk to be true to my authentic self. The only way I have enough confidence and nerve to do that is by relying on God’s sayso and judgment, not society’s. For that reason alone, I try my hardest to live a life I love and seek his approval in every move I make throughout my journey. He is truly my guide and the light of my life.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@braea.com
- Instagram: @growleadinspire
@braea
Image Credit:
Avistoria Photography
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