Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brensley Knowlton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brensley, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

Definitely. When you live boldly and authentically, it’s almost inevitable someone won’t fully understand. I’ve often heard I’m “too much”—too loud, too intense, too queer, too chaotic. Those labels initially stung deeply. Our culture tends to favor people who fit neatly into predictable categories, but that’s never been me. I’ve always thrived in vibrant, energetic chaos and openly embraced my neurodivergence rather than masking it. Unfortunately, some misinterpreted my transparency as seeking attention or lacking seriousness, completely overlooking the deeper purpose behind Neon Rainbow Creatives: creating inclusive spaces where everyone can show up exactly as they are.

In my previous job, my ideas were frequently dismissed as “too ambitious” or unrealistic. Rather than embracing fresh perspectives, leadership actively silenced my voice, isolating me from important conversations. It was isolating, hurtful, and discouraging.

But the experience taught me something vital: breaking free from those constraints and fully owning my authenticity sparked massive growth and joy. Misunderstandings, I realized, aren’t barriers; they’re actually signposts pointing toward your unique strengths. I stopped defending myself and began doubling down on what makes me, me. Neon Rainbow Creatives isn’t designed for everyone, and that’s precisely why it works. Authenticity attracts your true tribe, those who deeply appreciate your genuine self.

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

I’m Brensley, the creative rebel behind Neon Rainbow Creatives. My journey wasn’t straightforward—it was honestly a bit of a beautiful mess. I’ve always been deeply creative, but for a long time, I struggled to find spaces where I truly fit. My background spans everything from performing as a guest entertainer on cruise ships to coordinating events and designing bold, playful stationery. The thread connecting it all? A relentless drive to create joyful experiences, especially for people who’ve felt overlooked or misunderstood.

Neon Rainbow Creatives emerged as my vibrant rebellion against predictable branding and events. We provide unapologetically bold creative services—custom greeting cards that make you laugh out loud, personality-rich stationery, intuitive branding that captures your true essence, and event planning that’s genuinely inclusive and refreshingly unique. My goal is always to help clients feel truly seen, understood, and celebrated.

The core problem I tackle is bridging the gap between authenticity and impactful expression. Many clients feel trapped by traditional expectations, particularly if they’re neurodivergent, queer, or don’t align with mainstream ideals. My role is to help them confidently showcase their uniqueness through branding and events that genuinely reflect who they are.

What sets Neon Rainbow Creatives apart is our fearless commitment to individuality and authenticity. I’m not here to please everyone; I’m here to make people feel seen, inspired, and empowered. I’m most proud when clients fully embrace themselves, watching their confidence and success soar because they’ve stopped hiding and started authentically shining.

To anyone considering Neon Rainbow Creatives: this isn’t just a business—it’s a vibrant community and creative sanctuary for the bold, weird, and wonderful. If you’re tired of dimming your light, welcome home. Here, your boldness isn’t just welcomed; it’s celebrated.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Oh wow, sure! One of the most intense pivots of my life happened when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. At the time, I was a Cruise Director, responsible for guest entertainment on cruise ships. Suddenly, I found myself stranded on a ship with no passengers for two months, creating entertainment schedules for the crew to help maintain our sanity and morale. On top of that, I was managing temperature checks with the department I ran for 450 crew members multiple times a day—truly a surreal and disorienting experience.

When I finally disembarked, I packed up my entire life from my home in the Netherlands and moved back to the US. It felt like the world had flipped upside down overnight.

Landing back stateside was tough, to say the least. I found myself navigating through random guest-facing jobs—working at an athleisure retail brand, working the front desk at a fitness studio, and later, running an event venue. Each role felt worlds away from the stage and cruise life I’d known and loved. It was incredibly challenging, and I often felt lost and uncertain about my path.

But those difficult times taught me resilience in ways I never anticipated. Every unexpected twist pushed me closer to discovering a deeper sense of purpose. The chaos and uncertainty ultimately fueled the creation of Neon Rainbow Creatives, my greatest pivot yet. This business was born from lessons learned through adapting, reinventing, and stepping fearlessly into the unknown.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

One thing many non-creatives might struggle to grasp is the intensity of emotional investment and vulnerability that goes into creative work. Creativity isn’t simply producing something pretty or visually pleasing; it’s deeply personal and often tied directly to our identities, experiences, and emotions. When we share our creative work, it feels like putting a piece of ourselves into the world. Rejection, critique, or even indifference can hit much harder than it might in other professions.

Another challenge is the misconception that creativity is always spontaneous or easy. In reality, creativity often involves tremendous discipline, resilience, and the ability to push through doubt and fear. Non-creatives sometimes underestimate the bravery it takes to consistently put authentic, vulnerable work into the world. My advice? Approach creative work with empathy, curiosity, and openness—you’ll be amazed at how much depth, meaning, and complexity you discover.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.neonrainbowcreatives.com
• Instagram: @neonrainbowcreatives
• Facebook: @neonrainbowcreatives
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.ca/biz/neon-rainbow-creatives-durham

Image Credits
Black Pepper Photography