Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brandy “Lade Breez” Elam. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Brandy “Lade Breez”, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The Concept of “Express Me Poetry Business Services and Events” actually started out as just hosting poetry shows. In 2010, the guy who I hosted for decided he was ready to move on and chase other endeavors; however I had just tapped into curating and hosting, while also have a few other talents under my belt. I wanted to create a space where artists could come together in creative love, feed on each other’s energy and rock the stage, and then also gain business pointers and tips on how to thrive in the business.
Brandy “Lade Breez”, 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?
If we were to basis it on a few titles, I am an awarding winning Spoken Word Artist, Host, multi-published Author, Life Coach, and Corporate Business Trainer and Operational Developer, to name just a few titles. However who I am? I’m a person for the People improving this world One Mind, One Life and One Stage at a Time. My core purpose is creating a space for developmental growth, to enhance experiences, and to elevate energy, processes and people who just need a push in a better direction. I curate multitalented event stages for unity and expression that caters to the uplifting of the people; I offer life coaching in relationships, and professional development; I mentor children 8-18 by assisting in building their emotional intelligence through writing and poetry under my nonprofit Educated Blessyns Inc; and I offer artist development stage presence and articulation. I’m drive, I’m passion, I’m progress in motion.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In 2016 as a thriving mother of 2 handsome boys, business owner, working and building, I committed suicide. I took about three bottles of pills, said my goodbyes and was done with it. The burden was so heavy. I was found on my apartment floor unconscious. I was hospitalized for a few weeks. It was time yet. I knew I was a vessel, but I was going about it the wrong way, hypocritically in a sense. I was spending so much time helping others to heal, encouraging them to see the light at the end of the tunnel and become better for themselves, while neglecting what I also needed to face and heal from. What about your tunnel? I didn’t. I avoided the hurt by helping those who hurt from the same pain I masked instead. The weight was so heavy. For 16 years I carried a pain that continued to eat away at me and my trust in people and I suffered alone. Then it hit me while I was laying in that hospital bed. “B, you skipped a step., what about you?” I had dedicated so much time to helping others heal, I avoided my healing process. In that moment I knew I would not be able to elevate to the next level carrying around baggage that served no purpose of progression. “Why not you?” It hurt you, but your truth will help more people, more girls and boys who felt they needed to hide what happened at home. I became intentional about not being ashamed of my story, but empowered. I became intentional about my healing journey. I allowed myself to feel. I took back what was stolen from me as a child. I rejected the narrative. I faced my attacker. I stopped beating myself up. I stopped allowing people to misuse me because I have a good heart. I stood up for me. I took 4 years to rebuild and refocus on the person I really was meant to be. In 2020, I accomplished the first goal I set for myself when I was 12 years old, I wrote and published my first and second book. I’ve been a motivational speaker for several events on never giving up on yourself and I am an open advocate for children abused by people they know. I currently have 4 books total. The point was, it’s ok not to be ok and need help. It’s ok not to be strong all the time, and the great thing is, it doesn’t make you weak.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
When I was younger The lesson I had to unlearn was saying no made me a bad person. Whew! “No!” is in fact a complete sentence! I was raised to respect my elders, do as I’m told and not to talk back. You know, the old school rules of engagement.
So as a young adult I would still give respect to my elders even when there was none reciprocated. I would say yes just because I was taught, I’m supposed to do as I’m told and respect my elders. I was always mature for my age and always found myself around those who could mentor me in spaces I wanted to learn from. I looked to them for wisdom and guidance, not realizing that respect is earned. Until one day, I was about 24-25ish, I was speaking to one of my REAL mentors who stood up for me when this elder lady spoke down on me for being younger and questioning my intellect because of it. She was absolutely wrong and my mentor asked, “ if you knew for a fact she was wrong, why would you let her undermine what we worked so hard to accomplish?” And I replied, “I’m not supposed to argue with adults.. She looked my square in the eyes and said, adults argue with adults all the time; don’t you ever let anyone treat you in that manner again old or young, respect is universal.” And I’ve kept that in all situations. I appreciate her to this day! And she is still mentoring me!
Contact Info:
- Website: ExpressMePoetry.com
- Instagram: Lade Breez
- Facebook: Brandy “Lade Breez” Elam
- Linkedin: Brandy “Lade Breez” Elam
- Youtube: Express Me Poetry