Meet Brisa Marie | PhD Candidate & YouTuber

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

Hi Brisa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Historically, graduate school has not been organized for diverse and different types of people to thrive. I had always wanted to get a PhD. My parents were always so encouraging and really reinforced into me that I could do it. I went to Penn State as an undergrad and had a lot of success, but when I got into my master’s and eventually my PhD, I realized things were a lot different than anything I knew.

My first few years in grad school were very disorienting and difficult because I felt like everyone around me knew way more than me. I felt like I had to work so much harder to just catch up. Eventually, I did and when I graduated from my master’s program, I realized I wasn’t the problem. I learned so much about academic hidden curricula and how systems are constructed in academia to keep certain people in and others out. When I started my PhD, I thought this revelation would be my saving grace. However, I found out there was even more I didn’t know about doctoral programs. It felt like every turn there was just always so much more to know.

This impacted my academics, but even more so not knowing the hidden curriculum of grad school also impacted my finances. I was extremely underfunded and overworked. I was exhausted and trying to make work, life, and school all balance. It was really difficult. Once the pandemic hit, things slowed down and I was able to think. I didn’t want other graduate students to have the same experiences as me. During this time, I was watching a lot of Youtube and I learned that people who make content can actually form a sustainable living.

These two things made making a YouTube channel for grad students the next logical move. I wanted to demystify the grad school process, but I also wanted to have a more sustainable living and financial situation. And I am very proud to say, almost exactly a year from posting my first video, I was monetized!

The journey has been wonderful, and I enjoy getting to know and talk to so many people online. I knew I had a lot to give, but I had no idea how much I would receive in return. People online are kind and supportive. For me having a resource like this also helps me. When things go wrong or don’t work out, I now have a positive outlet where I can share my experience. Its cathartic to speak your truth and it is empowering to know you are helping others do better than you ever could imagine.

I feel very grateful for this experience.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When you start a YouTube channel, you may watch a lot of videos that say something like “your superpower is you” or “you are the thing that makes your YouTube channel special.” It’s funny, now after about a year and half of having a channel they are right!

There are a lot of different YouTube channels out there that discuss grad school. I realized that many of them present a very similar perspective. I notice there was value in a grad student that doesn’t like to read, didn’t get any grants, and holds many intersecting marginalized identities. I am proud to say my channel comes from not being ashamed of my failures. There are lot of grad students like me, but they might not always feel like they belong. I work really hard to make grad school accessible for all people. I share things that worked for me, and all the many many things that did not. I work really hard to be honest and as straightforward as possible.

At first, I felt really vulnerable. There is a sort of shame to say as a grad student, “I didn’t win that grant” or “I did everything wrong.” As I practice vulnerability and being honest, not just with YouTube but also myself, I realized this shame was not mine to carry. This shame was a product of external pressures trying to convince me I wasn’t good enough. Now, I feel an obligation to say “I failed” because I know now that my failures don’t discredit my value as a graduate student and a person more generally.

I really hope that others can see that too. Even though it feels like it, you don’t have to be perfect or even “super smart” to be a successful grad student! I think humanizing the grad school process and showing the many ups and possible downs of grad school can help people realize they are not only capable to be a grad student but also that they deserve to be!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LA is such a beautiful place and I am a foodie at heart.

When I think of all the best places to go in LA they almost exclusively focus on food.

First day of the trip, we would head to the valley. Universal Studios Hollywood is one of my favorite past times. First thing I did when I got to LA was get a season pass! Afterward we would get food from a Black-owned Jamaican food restaurant called JamaFo! I always get the oxtail!!!

Day two
We have to go to the beach! I personally love Venice so that’s where we would start. There use to be a vegan ice shop in Venice called Kippy’s and it was my FAVORITE! So we are going to pretend its pre-2020 and that it is still open! After the ice cream, we would rent out a bike and leisurely ride to Santa Monica beach! For dinner we would head to Inglewood to get Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen. Also Black Owned and also delicious! They have the best mac and cheese in Los Angeles.

Day three
We are going to Disneyland. I love Disneyland! I went for my 25th and 28th birthday!

Day four
We would head back to the Valley! First we would go to where the Office was recorded! Then we will head out to explore Ventura Blvd. There is just so much happening, and the Palm trees always look amazing. While there are a lot of delicious food places on Ventura, we would actually venture off the beaten path to Mom’s Haus for dinner! Which is a Black-owned cajun resturant! It is IMPECCABLE! Everyone who works there is so kind and the food is super flavorful!

Day five
We would head to the Griffith Observatory and see LA from the top. Hiking is so much fun and Griffith is a good place to start. Then we would drive Culver City to get a Milliet Crepe! Which is a crepe filled with creme brulee, ice cream, and fruit. It is soooooo freaking good!

Day Six
We would head to Huntington Library & Botanical Gardens. Though before we leave, we would stop at one of the BEST boba shops I have ever had! ParTEA! I usually get the Rose Oolong Tea with Cheese foam. It is heavenly. After a few hours at the Huntington, we would stroll over to the 626 Night Market. It’s basically a food fair and there are sooo many foods to try and taste. Though it can very quickly add up and get expensive.

Day 7
We will have a nice little bruch at Elysee’s cafe in Westwood. Also since it is my best friend, it is only right to visit UCLA’s campus and have a nice relaxing stroll around the campus. Before the day is over, we would eat some of the best junk food we can find, and Fat Burger is the obvious answer!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A lot of people are afraid to start of YouTube channel because of what their friends and family might think. My experience has been quite the opposite. My parents, brothers, and partner Erick are one of the main reasons I am able to keep going. I have been blessed enough to have friends from all points of my life re-post my content and share encouraging words with me. It is really easy to believe in yourself and your journey when you have a strong community cheering you on along the way. I appreciate my mom and dad, my brothers Israel and Ismael, and Erick for being there for me every step of the way. For listening to me talk about analytics or strategies all day! For being patient with me! For being so positive and supportive! For creating space for me to work on my channel! I love you all dearly and would not be who I am or where I am without you!

Website: brisamarie.com

Instagram: @brisaMarie

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brisamarie/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrisaMarieFuturePhD/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/brisamarie