We recently connected with Briona Clyburn and have shared our conversation below.

Briona, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Before my life’s venture took hold in the field of entrepreneurship, in early 2019, my life took an unexpected turn when I faced a sudden and debilitating illness that led to hospitalization. I was only two years in to my post-college career, working in a dual administrative role, when my health began to deteriorate rapidly. This led to a timespan of five days and four nights spent in the hospital. While doctors can explain many things, what was happening to me, was certainly puzzling and unexplainable as they could not pair the unknown medical phenomenon affecting me. Hoping to receive some insight to this unknown medical phenomenon, doctors administered a series of tests only to find nearly every result return back normal. Still yet my nervous and muscular systems were clearly exhibiting real and abnormal responses. I was only 24 years old, in the prime of my life, healthy, and able bodied. This experience was truly a hard one to push through. My mind was incredibly strong as I recalled the many times looking down at my legs and arms and saying “get up, you can walk” only to discover the surreal reality that I didn’t have the able strength to do so. The doctors could only rule out various diagnoses and treat me according to my symptomatic elements. Later it was determined that I experienced temporary paraplegic paralysis that later developed into temporary hemiplegic paralysis in association with RLS.

Over the passing days of my stay, I was regaining strength and collaborating with my medical team, heading towards the road to recovery. Upon my release, doctors recommended that I transition to a 24-hour skilled nursing facility to fully meet my recovery goals. Going to a nursing home at 24 years old seemed perplexing and surreal to hear, let alone reside. However, with the unwavering support of my husband and family and their advocacy, we took a risk, believing that even though my mobility was temporarily compromised, I would walk by faith! Determined to continue fighting for my life, I heeded the doctors’ advice to avoid work and refrain from intensive activity for a while, and I went home!

Upon returning home, I was embraced with such care and love from my family as they rotated and helped me around the clock. I was on continual skilled home care, working with a physical therapist each day. While my husband worked throughout the day my mom took beautiful care of both me and my two sons. When he got off, I watched my husband carry the load of ten men on his back. He was strong, and made sure that his family was cared for. Everyday he carried me up the flight of stairs to our house, made sure we all ate, cleaned the house, work with me through my excercises, and prepped everything we needed for the next day. I love him beyond words can express. As I continued my therapy and aligned to purposeful prayer and believing God for healing. I fully regained my strength and graduated from physical therapy.

At this point, returning to work seemed unfeasible due to the stressful demands of the job. Yet, God inspired me with a dream, a skill, and a new direction. What initially felt like a setback laid the groundwork for a new chapter in my life. This recovery period allowed me to reflect on what truly matters and to reshift focus on fulfilling life’s true purpose; I discovered that my true calling extended beyond a successful career—it lay in my faith and family.

Empowered by heavenly divine strength, I took the next risk and ventured into the world of entrepreneurship. Using various creative ideas of my own, I began my efforts into building a small business that resonated with my values and interests, being sure that my business centered behind my priorities as a wife and mom- something that was much harder to do on my career job. It was during this transformative period that Naturally Gifted: Bri’s Hair Care, LLC was established. From this business, birthed a plethora of other succeeded endeavors such as my own line of trademarked natural hair products called Regimend(TM), and a new blog hoping to soon be released called MOMSEEMOMDO, which supports parents and trainers in raising biblical families. Additionally, I have explored various writing endeavors, and to date still stand firmly believing that God’s work in my life is far from over.

What began as a modest venture soon flourished into something greater than myself. Today, my life is enriched by the love of my family and the community I share it with and ALL glory belongs to God; without Him, I would not be here today.

This journey has taught me to cherish time, as it is not guaranteed to anyone. And if I could forward this life lesson, it would be, to make the most of your time not only by living but by living with purpose and intention, because you never know when your time may be the last time. Better than taking any risk, any chance, is taking the leap of faith. By faith, you’ll always fall into the matters of possibilities. And never forget what matters most! I am successful because my husband and my children are successful and flourishing. Better than any pat on the back any man/woman can ever give, it’s nothing compared to the one from God and the ones you share life with.

Briona, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a native of North Carolina, having grown up in the small town of Marshville. I’ve been joyfully married to my dear husband and high school sweetheart, Marcus T. Clyburn, Sr., for eight wonderful years. Together, we are blessed with five amazing children: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Josiah, MJ, and Mya, and we are eagerly expecting our sixth little one! While I have achieved many personal milestones throughout the years, my greatest accomplishment is my devotion to serving God and nurturing the gifts He has entrusted to me as a woman, wife, and mother. My roles as a natural hair specialist, business owner, product formulator, writer, and content creator are simply extensions of the fulfillments I have come to enjoy.

After an unexpected health crisis that led to a complete life altering change, I experienced a miraculous healing and road to recovery with the support of my husband and family. This change positioned me to embrace my role as a stay-at-home wife and mom while also begin the launch into my entrepreneurial journey, starting with my deep passion for hairstyling. As clientele began to build, I realized the necessity to grow as the service needs of my clients began to change, therefore I went to hair school and successfully graduated as a licensed Natural Hair Specialist. Upon licensure, my business advanced to Naturally Gifted: Bri’s Hair Care, LLC (NGBHC for short). Through NGBHC, I have been able to provide a range of hair care services aimed at enhancing the hair health of clients with natural, unprocessed, or transitioning hair. I also understood the importance of equipping women with a comprehensive care plan for maintaining their hair health at home, which inspired me to formulate and trademark my own product line, REGIMEND™.

My journey has since expanded into a myriad of aspirations, all of which circle back to this renewed perspective on life—cherishing Christ, family, and living with purpose and intention. I have found immense joy and blessings in investing in my home while also reaching out to others in my community. My mission is to serve my family, clients, and community with love and purpose, celebrating every opportunity for a second chance at life.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

My business began with a capital of ZERO dollars—no funds in the bank and nothing to invest. I started with what I had, making use of various materials and necessities available in my home. I creatively repurposed items and stretched resources as far as they could go. If there was one thing I excelled at during that time, it was SURVIVAL! Before I ever considered formalizing my business and as I prepared to start hair school, I was meticulous about saving and tracking every dollar I received from services, gifts, or tips, whether it was $10 or $100. I allocated each dollar into five different envelopes, each representing a specific percentage, and adhered to that budgeting system. These five envelopes were labeled: State/Quarterly Tax, Tithes/Offering, Savings/Emergency, Personal Salary, and Products/Supplies/Inventory. By keeping my overhead low, I managed to build a steady and respectable income over time!

There’s something beautiful about investments because investments say “Hey, I believe in you!” I vividly recall my very first significant investment in my business, which originated from a beautiful woman who had long been in the hair business industry before I entered. I call her “My Jacnita.” Emphasis on the “my” because I don’t wish to share her with any and everybody- she’s a true treasure. She literally supplied me with the muscle I needed to get licensed and equipped. She gave from her heart, the necessary tools and equipment I needed from her very own shop. I am forever appreciative and blessed to have the love of such a woman in my life. And because of this love, my business and profession continue to thrive today.

If you are a new or aspiring business owner, you may or may not get the investment, BUT that is not a qualifier or disqualifier. I am a living witness to attest that great things can emerge from humble beginnings; all you need is consistency and courage to just take the first step!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

There’s only one you among of the millions of businesses afforded throughout the world. We can narrow the scope down to your specific business industry, you’ll find a plethora of businesses selling or providing the same or similar products or services that you are. So, what sets your business apart? The answer is simple: “you!”

Through my conversations with consumers and clients who have purchased my products or received my services, one undeniable truth remains consistent: it’s not just about what you sell; it’s about the experience you provide. How did you make them feel upon receiving your product or service?

People want to be heard, loved, valued, and recognized as individuals rather than just numbers. Sometimes the experience is about your unique story or message behind the product you have or service that you give that stands apart or resonates in union with the heart of people. When clients connect with this, you don’t have to worry about the effort in growing your clientele because people who’ve had a great experience will tell another, and then another, and so on, and so on…Ultimately, your growth truly depends on the consistency of your uniqueness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://naturegimend.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturallygiftedbri/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NaturallyGiftedHands

Image Credits

JCPenny Portraits
Canva Logo Maker