Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittney Oliver.
Brittney, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Lemons 2 Lemonade is a product of my personal story. I went on over 100 interviews in pursuit of a career in PR. That was 100 times I was rejected, made to feel like I was not good enough, and that was 100 times a company passed up on all I had to offer.
I had to learn some lessons in my difficult job search: 1. Be open to new ways to enter an industry or find your purpose. Our journey is not linear. 2. Ask for what you need. Build relationships and be clear on what you need from those relationships. 3. Rejection is not your burden to bare. Many times there are barriers that have nothing to do with your qualifications and skillsets. 4. You are more than a role or a company. Build your identity beyond your job.
Through networking, I met an editor at ESSENCE at an album release party. We kept in touch and after a layoff, she offered a chance to get on my feet by becoming her assistant. It was there that I learned how to be unapologetic about my past, future and presence and shared the job search journey online. It went viral on LinkedIn and was republished in several publications. The commentary made me realize there is a community of people who need the inspiration to keep going and tools to navigate their careers. It’s how I started L2L as a blog, then a newsletter and now event series.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I started L2LMixers, there was an influx of mixers popping up in the city, targeting the same Black millennial demo. Oftentimes we were going for the same venues, sponsors and of course, audience. I’ll never forget the time four of us had events on the same day. Our audience had to pick which one, and it started to be overwhelming for them.
The challenge would be not looking at others as competition and realize there are strengths in numbers and collaboration is key for growth. We all had similar missions in terms of wanting to create safe spaces, offer tactical advice and make an impact. Other obstacles include funding and finding the right business model for the platform. The last obstacle is growing in other cities and pivoting from in-person events to digital but keep the value.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Lemons 2 Lemonade is a platform that creates content and events to help people navigate career challenges. Since hosting our first #L2LMixer in 2016, over 2,000 people have attended our events across the country. I’m most proud of the access that the event series has created in terms of jobs and relationships. People have created friendships, found jobs or speaking engagements from attending or reading the newsletter.
What makes L2L different is that the community feels safe and supported. There is no judgment about where you are in your career. People want to help get you to where you want to be. I also help founders and creators pitch themselves to the media, I help writers pitch for freelance writing gigs and I help community organizers pitch for brand partnerships. As a contributing writer with a PR background, I’ve found my knack for pitching. I give the perspective of a journalist who is looking to write your story. I pivoted to content creation and found my purpose of storytelling at ESSENCE. Since then, I have contributed to Fast Company, xoNecole, CNBC, Marie Claire, Glamour and Business Insider.
There is power in storytelling and opportunities have been limited for people of color. I see how much press can change lives and have watched a founder get book release dates due to an article I wrote about them because their publisher was unsure if they could sell a book. I’ve seen founders reach the $1 million fundraising round because an article gave them a push during their pitch to get investments. I’m proud of that.
What were you like growing up?
Quiet, but vocal when I saw things that were not fair. I always had my head in a book or magazine. I loved playing outside with my friends. I had a fear of taking on leadership roles but would always find myself in those positions in order to get things done. How I looked to the world matter, so my clothes and my fashion sense were everything to me.
Pricing:
- Brand Partnership: Elevate your brand through collaboration – $60
- Bylines & Outlets: How to leverage opportunities as a freelance writer – $60
- Bylines & Outlets: How to leverage opportunities as a freelance writer – $50
- #L2LMasterclass – $15
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.brittneyoliver.com/events
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/Lemons_2_Lemonade
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/L2Lemonade
- Other: http://www.brittneyoliver.com/shop
Image Credit:
Moments By Mama Bear Photography
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