We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brennen Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brennen below.

Brennen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

You need the backstory to really understand how this all went down.

So, back in 2011, I was a guest artist at a major radio station’s luncheon. They were honoring Donnie McClurkin, and I was the opener for him. His flight was delayed, so by the time he arrived, I had already performed and people were raving about me. Shaun Martin pulled Donnie aside and told him, “You have to hear this guy.”

So, Donnie asked me to sing again.

After my performance, we sat at the table and started talking. At the time, I was going by my artist name, Nerdboi. He looked at me and said, “You’re amazing. I don’t want to call you ‘Nerdboi.’ What’s your real name?”

I told him, “Brennen.”

His face lit up. “Oh wow. Your name is beautiful it’s transgenerational, polished, and privileged. Why don’t you go by that?”

I explained my whole thought process behind Nerdboi the branding, the movement I had built, the tours, everything. He listened, nodded, and then hit me with:

“That’s nice and all. Very clever. But in my humble opinion… kids don’t buy records. Parents do. You should go by your name, and it will be big.”

I won’t lie it stung. I had put so much into Nerdboi, and people loved it. But then again… who is everyone when a legend like Donnie McClurkin is giving you sound advice?

A year later, I heard that same voice again: You should change your stage name to your name.

I was shook. Like… again?! But I had questions how was I suppose to rebrand? Where would I even start? I didn’t know anything about branding.

So, I took a crash course. I learned the ins and outs of rebranding. And then? I did it.

And when I tell you… my music and pictures went viral. People were hitting me up left and right, asking Who did my branding? How can I book them?

I never responded. Because I did it myself. And at the time, I didn’t think I could do it for anyone else.

Fast forward to 2013.

My God-sister invited me to a Bible study at her house. She told me this amazing guy was starting a church, and I had to check it out. So I went.

She wasn’t lying dude was incredible.

Afterwards, while everyone was mingling, he found me. He walked up and said, “Everyone’s telling me I have to meet you.”

I was like, “…Me?”

“Yes. You’re Brennen, right?”

“Yessir.”

“So… what did you think about tonight?”

I hesitated. “You want me to be honest?”

He nodded. “Yes, be honest with me.”

I took a deep breath. “I think you’re amazing. But your brand doesn’t match you.”

Without missing a beat, he asked, “What can you do about it?”

I froze. My eyes got big. And out of nowhere, I blurted out:

“Give me a thousand dollars, and I’ll show you.”

I had no idea what I was saying.

At that time, I was young, and to me, $1,000 was a LOT of money.

But the very next day, he handed me that thousand dollars.

And the rest? History and that’s how I made my first Dollar. Lol

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My granny used to say, “Your life is the tree, and the way you live is the fruit.” That’s always stuck with me. Because at the end of the day, we know a tree by the fruit it bears.

So, I’ve made it my mission to live like a tree rooted, steady, always growing and to do life like the fruit, something nourishing, something that adds value. I think people saw that in me. They wanted whatever I was offering to be a part of what they were offering. Everyone wants a vitamin life, full of the good stuff. And I believe that’s exactly what I bring to people, to businesses, to brands.

That’s how I got into the industry. Not by chasing it, but by being that tree, bearing good fruit.

I’m a creative who can see before I see. It’s one thing to have vision it’s another to see what’s coming before it even happens. That’s why it’s vital to have someone like me in the room. I can recognize the avenues of success just as clearly as I can spot the roads to destruction. I’m a subject matter expert I see and I fix.

What sets me apart? I don’t just see with my eyes I see with all my senses and my heart has eyes it doesn’t just carry a feeling. Vision is necessary for everything.

My perspective is healed, and that changes everything. It allows me to process differently than most. Yea, I think that’s what sets me apart.

Having learned all I’ve learned , I don’t have to tell people who I am. If they keep watching, my life it will tell them everything they need to know.
Because good fruit speaks for itself. And I know that what I bring will give people the nourishment they need even when my words can’t express it.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The Dream Giver is one of the best books I’ve ever read in my entire life! It’s a powerful story about stepping out of your comfort zone and pursuing your purpose, even when fear and doubt try to hold you back. I read it at least once a year because it always reminds me to keep chasing the dreams placed inside me.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is that

“I get to dream and live in my imagination as a reality.”

I take what I see and feel internally and bring it to life in a way that connects with others. It’s a constant journey of creating, evolving, and inspiring turning ideas into something tangible that can impact people beyond just myself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Brennens.W0rld
• Facebook: Brennen Johnson
• Youtube: brennensroomshow
• Other: https://www.thealliswellbrand.com

Image Credits

Greg Daniel’s
Chris Fotobooth