Meet Brianna Simone

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brianna Simone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brianna, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
Other than wanting to be my own boss, I’ve been a magnet to community organizing and leadership. I have been able to do that since 2018 through The Women’s Leadership Project. What started out as a club in high school that I would escape to during lunchtime is now the organization that myself and many others intern for and collaborate with. Over the years, WLP has given me a lot of room to grow within the program and become a peer mentor to BIPOC youth across genders and sexualities. The organization and the mentors involved have been a motivating resource in my life by also encouraging my professional, artistic and entrepreneurial dreams. I’m really appreciative of all the opportunities and connections that i’ve made over the years with this program.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an artist, I am mostly self-taught. I feel like it’s difficult to put my art in words, but my journey so far has consisted of my art style slowly unravelling as I understand myself more. I create art in multiple mediums which has not been easy to juggle while trying to make art a career. I’ve dealt with creative blocks, learning curves, and imposter syndrome. Going forward, I’ve decided to not put any limitations on my creativity to explore whatever medium feels the most authentic to me at the time. I can even see projects where there are multiple mediums involved so i’m excited to show the world what i can do. I am very proud of myself for the things that I have accomplished with art so far. I love when I can see the affect that my art has on people and how big of a statement it can be. A huge part of my exploration with that has been creating art for Women’s Leadership as their art director. Hand painting merch, designing flyers, and assisting with photography and videography My perspective, background, and expression are what sets me apart from other artists, but it also connects me with other artists because we’re all examples of how creativity can be expressed in different ways. On this journey it’s good to keep in mind that “comparison is the thief of joy” because it really is. When we can accept someones individuality, it opens our eyes to something unique about ourselves. I want the world to know that I fought to keep this story going and to make my brand something tangible. In the meantime through the ups and downs, you can expect me to prioritize my self-care so that I can continue to share the gift that I have been given.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re a breakfast person, I’m going to have to take you to The Pan in Gardena, but not the one on Western, we’d go to the one on Artesia because they serve mimosas there and they will do the job. You’ll probably wanna nap or chill after that because it’s very filling. If you’re not from Cali you have to see the beach. We could visit Venice or Santa Monica, but if you want to have a low-key beach day, Manhattan Beach (Bruce’s Beach) is the place to be. I love the vibe over there. Once the sun goes down, the beach gets windy and cold so we gotta get out of there! lol Plus, if we’ve been at the beach all day I definitely want to eat again! There’re so many options of where to eat its ridiculous. I’m always gonna suggest Three Spice Thai Kitchen in Gardena, or Teddy’s Red Tacos in Venice for a good outdoor eating vibe at night. If you’re plant based though, we could go to Planet Health Compton, BaBa’s Vegan Cafe in LA, or Monty’s in Culver City. As an activity, I’m always down for a concert or any live music. I would also invite you the Da Poetry Lounge on a Tuesday night to catch a good word, cry, and/or laugh. Tuesday night is also cheap movie day at your local theatre so if theres’s something good out we should go see it! Before the vacation ended we would have to visit SoCal Vibes Brewery for a cider or mead flight. Guaranteed a good time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to the Women’s Leadership Project/ Black Skeptics and everyone involved. Shoutout to Sikivu Hutchinson, Clay, Zorrie, Cera, & the GHS WLP Crew! Also shoutout to all my close friends for always being so supportive throughout our friendship. Shoutout to all the sides of family because everyone is so authentic and that is the foundation in which I live my life. Last but not least, shoutout to my partner for teaching me so much, seeing the real and the best in me and for also being by my side while we navigate through our experiences.

This shoutout could be the size of a dictionary because i’m so thankful and appreciative to anyone who’s ever taught me something, inspired me, and was comforting and kind to me. This shoutout would also be incomplete if I did not acknowledge the reason to why I keep going. Although they were taken away from us way too soon, I still think of them every day. Long Live Daryl Johnson, and Jordan Michael Griffin and the other fallen angels who’s presence is missed and absence is felt. They taught me that we live through our creations and connections. 333Forever

Website: 333forever.com

Instagram: @3eyebriii

Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/YVT92J25xZ86S1uX8

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@b33doesit 

Image Credits
@artforgoons @zap_2 @_shotbyjoey Isak Bae