Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr Ava Eagle Brown
Hi Dr Ava Eagle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
DMy Journey: From Adversity to Achievement
My name is Dr. Ava Eagle Brown, and my journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Born in Jamaica, I moved to the UK in my early twenties, where I faced significant challenges, including battling racism and overcoming personal hardships. My story of overcoming these obstacles has shaped who I am today.
In the UK, I worked in various roles, from teaching to banking and retail management. These experiences were not without their struggles, and I encountered profound racism and discrimination. These challenges drove me to use writing as a tool for social change. My memoir, The Mango Girl, details my personal struggles and triumphs, including a particularly harrowing incident of racism in the London Borough of Merton.
Despite these difficulties, I have made significant contributions to my community. I am the founder and CEO of the Black River Film Festival (BRFF), a platform I established to celebrate and promote film and storytelling. Under my leadership, the Black River Film Festival has grown into a major event, attracting international celebrities and supporting local talent.
I am also the founder of Book2Biz Publishing, which offers coaching and support for new authors. Book2Biz Publishing helps authors turn their books into successful businesses by providing guidance on publishing, marketing, and creating impactful book titles and covers. Through Book2Biz, I empower writers to navigate the publishing world and achieve their goals.
Additionally, through Book2Screen Publishing, I assist authors in transforming their books into films. This service focuses on adapting literary works for the screen, helping authors to bring their stories to life in a new medium. Book2Screen offers support in scriptwriting, film production, and securing distribution, aiming to make the transition from page to screen as seamless as possible.
In addition to my work in publishing and film, I serve as the Community Development Manager in Jamaica. In this role, I work in politics and community development, striving to make a positive impact in my country.
My journey from facing severe personal and professional obstacles to achieving success in multiple fields is a testament to my perseverance and commitment to helping others. I hope my story continues to inspire and empower, reflecting my dedication to personal growth, social justice, and community development.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been far from smooth. I’ve faced numerous struggles and challenges that have tested my resolve and shaped my path.
In the UK, where I moved in my early twenties, I encountered significant obstacles, including systemic racism and discrimination. These experiences were profoundly challenging and often disheartening, affecting both my personal and professional life. For instance, one particularly harrowing experience involved facing racism in the London Borough of Merton, which had a severe impact on my family and me.
Building my career has also come with its own set of hurdles. As the founder and CEO of the Black River Film Festival (BRFF), I’ve navigated the complexities of organising and running a major event while also dealing with the inevitable setbacks that come with such a large-scale undertaking. Additionally, establishing Book2Biz Publishing and Book2Screen Publishing presented its own challenges, from securing the right resources to helping authors and filmmakers overcome their unique obstacles.
In Jamaica, where I now serve as the Community Development Manager, the work is rewarding but also demanding. Balancing the demands of community development with the personal challenges I’ve faced requires resilience and a steadfast commitment to making a positive impact.
Despite these struggles, each challenge has taught me valuable lessons and strengthened my resolve. My experiences have reinforced my dedication to helping others and driven me to persevere in my mission to promote social justice and support the arts and literature.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is a blend of creativity, storytelling, and community impact, driven by a deep passion for empowering others and fostering social change. As the founder and CEO of the Black River Film Festival (BRFF), I specialise in curating and celebrating exceptional films that highlight diverse voices and stories. The festival is a platform for emerging talent and established filmmakers alike, providing a stage where creativity meets social consciousness.
In addition to my work with BRFF, I am the founder of Book2Biz Publishing and Book2Screen Publishing. At Book2Biz Publishing, I focus on transforming books into thriving businesses. My role involves coaching authors on everything from publishing strategies to marketing, ensuring their literary works make a significant impact. Book2Screen Publishing extends this vision to the world of film, helping authors adapt their stories for the screen. I guide them through the complexities of scriptwriting, production, and distribution, turning literary dreams into cinematic realities.
I am perhaps best known for my memoir, The Mango Girl, which captures my personal journey through adversity and triumph. This book is not just a reflection of my experiences but a source of inspiration for many who face their own challenges. The candid nature of the memoir has resonated with readers and contributed to meaningful conversations about race, identity, and resilience.
Currently, I am excited to be on the verge of publishing my new book, In Another’s Skin. This work explores a world where everyone wakes up as the opposite colour, delving into the social, psychological, and cultural impacts of this sudden transformation. The book aims to challenge readers to reflect deeply on themes of race, identity, and human connection, offering a thought-provoking narrative that encourages unity and introspection.
What sets me apart is my ability to bridge multiple worlds—publishing, film, and community development—while maintaining a commitment to social justice and empowerment. My experiences with systemic challenges have given me a unique perspective and drive, allowing me to create platforms that uplift voices and stories that might otherwise go unheard.
I am most proud of the impact my work has had on individuals and communities. Seeing authors succeed, films that inspire, and community projects come to life reaffirms my belief in the power of storytelling and creative expression. Each project is a testament to the idea that with dedication and support, we can turn challenges into opportunities and make a meaningful difference in the world.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the profound power of resilience and the value of staying true to oneself despite the obstacles faced. Life has taught me that challenges are inevitable, but our response to them defines our path.
In navigating the systemic racism and personal hardships I encountered in the UK, I realised that while we cannot always control the difficulties that come our way, we can control our determination and how we rise above them. This lesson has been crucial in my roles as a founder, author, and community development manager. It’s the strength to persevere, adapt, and maintain my vision even when faced with setbacks that has been key to my success.
Moreover, staying true to my values and mission has been instrumental. Whether through my work with the Black River Film Festival, Book2Biz Publishing, or my upcoming book, In Another’s Skin, I have learned that authenticity and a commitment to one’s principles not only guide me through tough times but also inspire others and create meaningful impact.
This lesson of resilience and authenticity has shaped how I approach both my professional and personal life, reaffirming that with dedication and staying true to one’s purpose, we can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and positive change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://book2bizpublishing.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackriverfilmfestival/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093617298487
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Sisterholdmyhand
- Other: https://www.dr-avaeaglebrown.com/
