Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Daniels.
Hi Brittany, 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?
I’m an LA native born and raised in Los Angeles. I’m a mother of four, a wife, daughter, sister, cousin, friend, and what some will call “A role model of hope”.
I started TheRareOproject nonprofit organization back in 2019 as a way to help impact, support and encourage young mothers here in the city of Los Angeles.
My past and present experiences as a teen mom planted the seeds for me to create a safe space to help inspire, uplift, and impact other young mothers in need of support. I had my first child at just fourteen years old. I was just finishing up middle school and had no clue what to do next. During this time of my life, I had made so many bad choices, my support system was no longer available and I was literally on my own to figure out how to prepare myself for such a life-changing decision. I went through much of my pregnancy alone, homeless and feeling overwhelmed but a little part of me remained encouraged that I would soon overcome the challenges and find my way.
Let’s fast forward to now almost 22 years later. I’m a working mother of four beautiful children, 2 boys and 2 girls. My kids are my whole world and motivate me each day to keep going. My son is the oldest, working and a high school graduate (graduating with a 3.7 honors) which for me was a moment of much pride and gratitude being that he was the one who experienced homelessness and real financial distress as we navigated through life. My fifteen-year-old daughter is now a sophomore in high school, plays sports and also has a 3.6 GPA. My youngest daughter is in the first grade doing well in her dual language class and loves drill team and dancing. I just recently had my youngest son who is just two months old and is the highlight of our family.
I must admit that life for me has never been easy and that there have been many obstacles to overcome but one thing about me “I never give up”.
My children are truly my light and inspiration. They have watched me for the last three years show up for other young mothers in our community even being front and center at our events to also help serve. These moments make me smile.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The struggles of being a young mother were extremely difficult. The financial issues, lack of support and guidance made it even harder. There were many days I wanted to give up. The weight I carried on my shoulders was heavy. There were many days all I had in me were tears. I used to think if only I had one person to turn to maybe things would be a little easier but……..life went on and I continued to push through those hard days with my young son on my hip.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At just 17 years old things turned around for me. I got a job as a front office receptionist (thank you to the person who took a chance on me) and that opportunity turned our lives around. I remained a receptionist for such a short time because working in a medical office around other medical professionals I became encouraged to enroll in school and also sustain a career in the medical field.
I did just that and have been in the medical field for almost 2o years. I’ve played multiple roles so they call me “The octopus” because my hands touch everything lol.
I am proud of my determination and dedication to stay strong through all the challenges life has thrown my way. Starting out so young with a child and having everyone turn their back on me gave me the motivation to prove everyone wrong. That I could find my way. And here I am today with a career, family of my own and have created a no-judgment space to share my story while being a role model to other young mothers in need of a helping hand and sprinkle of encouragement.
How do you think about happiness?
My children make me happy. Being able to take care of my children makes me happy. Having a chance to create a nonprofit organization that helps other young mothers have a moment of happiness, light and joy to know there are people, organizations/communities who care.
I’m that for them. I’ll be that for them.
Just call me “Big Sister Braveheart”
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.TheRareOproject.Org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/therareoproject?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
