Conversations with Brianna Brown Keen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Brown Keen

Hi Brianna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began as a shy, self-conscious, seemingly average young woman in the suburbs of Minnesota – who was too shy to sing past the page during middle school play auditions, and ironically didn’t make any of those plays – and became a working, successful actress in Los Angeles, where only the top 2% of actors make a living in the industry.

I’ve been a professional working actress for over 25 years, and am currently in season four of Netflix’s hit series Outer Banks. I’m most known for my roles on General Hospital, Homeland, Devious Maids, Eastsiders, Dynasty and over 300 other appearances on the small or silver screen.

During my journey, after being told to sink or swim by my family, I learned to soar through trial and error, tenacity, grit, community building, and learning how to excel with habits and goal-setting. I usually relied on books as my mentors and then, when I could afford it, coaches to help me leap frog over my competition.

In my twenties, I created a like-minded community of women also focused on self-discovery, being purpose-driven, and amplifying other women who want to support women. For the past 18 years we’ve put forth philanthropic events and fundraisers, and eventually became a 501c3 nonprofit supporting socially conscious artists, entrepreneurs and changemakers with grants, goal and mentorship. I’ve produced stage and film projects, sang beside Broadway legends, spoken at illustrious events like the National Women’s History Museum, and been a keynote speaker for Fortune 500 companies – and created a guidebook, coaching program, and podcast called Manifesting Your Mission. My nonprofit, The New Hollywood, is the official alumni program for Harvest Home, where we help formerly homeless single mothers. I am also a mother and wife.

ManifestingYourMission.org
TheNewHollywood.org
BriannaBrownKeen.com

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? I’m laughing out loud thinking about the response to this question.

No. No one I know who has succeeded in fields where almost no one does has had a smooth experience. It is, of course, full of setbacks (aka learning opportunities), but grit, tenacity, faith and intuition have helped me navigate the choppy waters.

I struggled with severe acne for decades (which is not ideal for a visual medium business like acting) and extraordinary bullying in elementary, middle, and high school. When I injured my back at 19, I had to go on disability and was told I would never run again; I then later healed it and ran half and full marathons. I went half a million dollars in debt from a real estate scam during the housing crisis, and nearly had to declare bankruptcy; I figured out how to navigate it, and formed investment clubs to help educate myself out of a situation where the FBI thought I might have been in on the scam.

I struggled with my father dying in my twenties and my mother being unable to be there for me and her grandson due to her muscle degenerative disease and dementia – she has been in a home since her late 60’s. I have had my heart broken more times than I would like to admit and been fired and/or replaced several times. I’ve struggled with anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and had to navigate more “Me Too” moments than most of my peers. I also was suicidal at 14 and hospitalized, until I had a God moment where I felt a peaceful light go through my body and knew that everything was going to be okay and that I had a purpose. I’ve overcome stage fright and emotional eating, and learned to love myself, set boundaries, and change transgenerational habits.

And I am so grateful, because all of those setbacks helped me grow into the woman I am today: surrounded by people I love and doing what I love on a daily basis.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I feel like my purpose is to create value. Whether it is my guidebook or podcast, which help support others with continued education to thrive and not feel alone on their journey, to coaching those that need the safety of support within one of my three groups, (MYM Mastermind Goal Group, Thriving Community, and TNH Accountability Program). And to use the gifts I’ve been given and cultivated to send love, light and laughter.

I try to be additive when I am on set, creating my own project, having dinner with a close friend, or leading a retreat. I am also a reiki practitioner, which has been a really fun way to connect with others, myself, and my spirituality – I’ve learned we are so much more connected to the divine if we choose to open up and listen within, as well as pay attention to kismet moments. My guidebook, Manifesting Your Mission, also helps people unlock and strengthen their inner voice by learning to pay attention. I believe we all have incredible talents and purpose, and if everyone was living their purpose, our world would be a happier, healthier, more harmonious place.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have had so many people who have helped me along the way, and also so many people who have motivated me to learn and expand by being the opposite of helpful. But the handful of folks who have been earth angels to me are Natalie Pace, Stuart Rogers, Nancy Kremer, Sarah Jane Hill, Richie Keen, Gladys Gonzalez, Joel King, Marcy Morris, Iris Tanz, Sheril McCormick, and the incredible friends and family I have, as well as my core support system within MYM Mastermind Goal Group. I am who I am because I have incredible people both there for me during the dark times and who I can celebrate my wins with.

Pricing:

• Podcast: Manifesting Your Mission with Brianna Brown Keen – FREE
• Manifesting Your Mission Guidebook – $35
• MYM 12-Week or Private Coaching – email [email protected] for rates.

Contact Info:

• Website: manifestingyourmission.org, thenewhollywood.org, briannabrownkeen.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannabrownkeen/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557955096962
• Twitter: https://x.com/brownbrianna
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@briannabrownkeen

Image Credits
Ragan Wallake.
Twin Cities Live.
Manifesting Your Mission.