Bri’Ann Stephens is a 30-year-old black woman who owns a successful creative agency, Foundation First, that helps other black women create sustainable brands. Many believe that black women are against one another but Bri’Ann’s success comes from building and helping other black women, through Foundation First as well as her speaking engagements where she discusses overcoming addiction and suicide. Take a look at what she had to share with us below in a recent interview.
At what point in your journey did you feel like you were fulfilling your life’s purpose?
In 2015, I chose to isolate myself for a time after overcoming a traumatic experience. During that time, I had new ideas and developed my business plan. When I shared my plan with a few people, they offered to help. I felt like I was fulfilling my life’s purpose when multiple women wanted to be a part of what I was doing. It is truly special when people believe in your vision and want to help you make it a reality.
Let’s talk about your ability to birth a business, what does that process look like and can you share a success story from those you’ve encountered?
Contrary to popular belief, I never wanted to start my own business. I always wanted to be my own brand. Inspired by the quote “To know the road ahead, ask those coming back,” I interviewed multiple women to gain insight into branding and building a brand. These stories helped me grow my first company. In 2016, I started an online editorial platform that shared the stories of successful women. The company grew rapidly, but I pivoted when women began interviewing me. Women wanted to know my secret to success, so I began consulting businesses. One thing led to another, and I co-founded a creative agency to help women build successful businesses, starting with their branding. I knew I was successful when we had over 200 projects to complete each month for two years. We were booked solid. I can recall multiple occasions when we saw a logo design, website design, or other branding material that we created unexpectedly—like, “Wow, that’s our work on that building or in that book!”
Birthing a business is not just about being creative or having good ideas. It is also about your ability to grow, adapt, and build.
What inspired your Foundation First organization?
In 2016, I was offered a radio show and my first guest was Klarke Foreman. We hit it off immediately and started helping each other with projects and meeting deadlines. I was consulting businesses and running an editorial platform at the time. Neither of us thought about going into business together, until 2018, when one of my clients booked us for multiple projects. That client spent over $1,000 on our services. At that point, we realized we could make money together by combining our skills and experience, so we did. Foundation First was born!
Share the importance of helping Black women navigate life and build a legacy.
An entrepreneur is a person who takes risks and starts their own business. Black women entrepreneurs face additional challenges, but they are also incredibly resilient and resourceful. When I started working with my clients at Foundation First, we quickly learned that 99% of our clientele were black women. We also learned that black women wanted to support other black women-owned businesses. As a Black woman myself, I am passionate about helping other Black women build their legacies. I believe that a strong brand is essential for any business, and I want to help black women entrepreneurs create brands that are memorable and successful.
What message do you hope people receive from your work?
I want people to know that we are passionate about our work and that we are intentional about the clients we work with. It has not always been easy. We have received hurtful messages, cried many nights, and lost sleep. But we are motivated by the positive feedback we receive and the knowledge that our work is bigger than us. Black women have been marginalized for too long. We are the most creative beings on this planet and our work deserves recognition. I want people to know that we do this because we care and that our mission is bigger than us.
How important is it for our youth to see women like you hold leadership positions?
It is essential for our youth to see women like me in leadership roles. We need more representation in these spaces. I am not talking about women who are careless with their work, do not have policies in place, and have terrible customer service. I am talking about more black business leaders who are developing scalable business models with excellent infrastructure. It is essential to see us on stage with the likes of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.
What advice can you share for someone scared to take a leap of faith in their career or business?
Foundation First is a creative agency that prioritizes wellness. If you’re afraid to take a chance in your career or business, you may be afraid of rejection, what people think, failure, or the unknown. First, you should figure out what’s causing your fear and take practical steps to address it. Build your self-esteem, go to therapy, and surround yourself with people who will hold you accountable. You are your business. You are your brand. You must be well first, hence our business name. Foundation First is not just about your business foundation; it is also about you. Work on yourself and you will be taking leaps in no time!
Here are some tips to build your personal confidence:
● Identify your strengths and weaknesses.
● Set realistic goals.
● Break down large goals into smaller, more manageable steps.
● Take risks and learn from your mistakes.
● Surround yourself with positive people.
● Practice positive self-talk.
● Reward yourself for your accomplishments.
Connect and learn more about Bri’Ann Stephens by following her on Instagram!
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