Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Carter.
Hi Brianna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Newport, Rhode Island, which is known for its ocean views, mansions, and tourism. It’s a popular place to visit in the Summertime, especially for celebrities. Although it has some amazing scenic views and food, it doesn’t offer many opportunities in the areas of arts and entertainment.
I am an all-around creative. I was interested in singing, dancing, drawing, and writing at a young age. My family is filled with singers and musicians, so music was always playing at home and at my Gram’s house. I got my start singing in school and in the church choir. As I got older, my interest slowly grew towards dance. I didn’t have any formal training though. Instead, I would watch and record music videos and award show performances on VHS tapes and play them back to teach myself the choreography. I played sports in high school, so I didn’t start going to drop-in classes until my junior year.
In college, I continued going to dance classes each week. I also choreographed for the university dance club and taught at the middle school and two elementary schools in Newport. Shortly after graduating, I started teaching at several schools and dance studios throughout Rhode Island. I even went back and taught as an adjunct professor for two Spring semesters at my alma mater, Salve Regina University. I also continued to write articles for Salve’s quarterly magazine, ‘The Report from Newport,’ highlighting alumni news.
After going back to school and graduating with an MBA in May 2012, I decided that it was time to move to LA. When I finally arrived in February 2013, I felt a sense of accomplishment. Little did I know, that’s when the real work and sacrifice would begin.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Living in LA has not been the easiest journey. I’ve endured losses and a host of noes, which is mainly why I chose to create. It’s a source of expression for me and gets me through the worst of times. When you lack in resources or opportunities, you have no other choice but to be creative and open doors for yourself. I’ve even volunteered my time at several events for The GRAMMY Foundation and have written articles for The Culver City News, The Blue Pacific, The Singersroom, and Obvious Magazine as a freelance writer, just to gain additional experience.
When you do things alone, no one really sees the struggle or the difficult times. Sometimes it’s hard to overcome self-doubt and the trials along the way, but it is so rewarding when you see your ideas materialize into something great.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m most known for dancing and teaching, but I’m also a journalist, calligrapher, and engraver. Dancing and teaching have carried me through a lot over the years, and I’ve gained so many experiences. The most rewarding thing is that dance has allowed me to be a mentor and watch my students grow. As far as calligraphy and designing, I have built my business, Briinspired Designs over the past year. I personalize drinkware, signage, home decor, and greeting cards. It all initially started from a few people showing interest in mugs I designed and posted, which were gifts for family members for Christmas. From there, people continued to request various customized items. I have always wanted a business such as this, as I’ve created personalized gifts for friends and family in the past, including framed poetry that I wrote and framed portraits that I drew. I just didn’t expect it all to happen the way that it did. I had to go with the flow and figure out how to use new mediums along the way. I recently started engraving, so it’s exciting to see how much I have grown and to see all of the things I have created within one year.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
As tough as the journey has been here in LA, there is a lot I have to be grateful for. I’ve built great friendships and gained amazing mentors, many of whom I grew up watching on TV. The challenge is forcing me to grow and is allowing me to experience things I’d never see in a small city like Newport.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.briidesigns.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/briinspired and www.instagram.com/briinspireddesigns
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/briidesigns
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/briinspired
Image Credits:
Photographer: Haythem Lafhaj Courtesy of the National Association of Black Journalists – Los Angeles Chapter
Photographer: Nate McLean Courtesy of JanFam: The Movement
Photographer: Samantha Sheldon
