Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bri Holland. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Bri, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?
When I was young and expressionless, I found myself trying everything in High School to escape my reality of home life. I was lost in the many stressors of life back then. I signed up for art class like most of the other students but, the difference was the teacher. My teacher was wildly and crazily free! I never saw anyone throw the book across the room and declare “we’re not learning from the book”! It was wild to see someone exude so much passion and belief in Art. I think that was the switch in me to really pour out my creativity in this form. Painting took over me and helped me throughout my life. I would love to have had multiple options to express what I was going through as a young adult. Now part of my goal is to be able to create a center that encourages youth to express themselves. Therapy is sometimes a scary word but. I think if different types were incorporated into the school curriculum, it could help the youth express and heal past the childhood traumas. Now, I am a creator of many different forms. I create custom waist beads. Up cycle clothes and customize them. Lastly, I still paint and now incorporate new themes and elements to express.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I was inspired to explore my many talents in art at different times in my life. I was first encouraged in HS to paint a mural for my school project. Later, I was encouraged to make beads from a lovely person at a women’s conference. Throughout this time, I was encouraged by the art community and that feeling of wanting to express. I have an associates degree in Global Arts. This helped me understand the different expressions that I use now. I recently earned my bachelor’s degree in Operations and Supply Chain Management. I built my business from a small folding table in the basement of B-side to now being at different types of vending events here in Arizona.
I’m in the business to help encourage people and the youth to explore the creative side. Part of my waist bead model is to help encourage self care, self love and esteem. We have to love ourselves first. This was a hard lesson I learned while I was just beginning my bead journey. I’ve learned a lot through the process and decided to start an LLC. 2020 was the year everything changed for me! I moved to Arizona with a dream and knowing I don’t have an option to fail. I see my life growing and business is booming! It makes me so happy to see my customers faces when they come out to the events. It’s really rewarding to see people glowing with confidence and happiness.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
Capital is always needed when starting out. I was a full time student in my last year of college and it was tough with no help from anyone. During that time, my internship was ending and I was told graduation was right around the corner. It was a little further than I thought. I couldn’t get a traditional job in my field yet because I didn’t have the degree. So I decided to drive for Uber during the nights and weekends. It wasn’t enough to keep my rent paid, and pay for next semester with books, let alone my business desires. I decided to join a dance group and work a few shows. It was helpful at the time and I could finally start to pay for my needs and most of my wants. After a while I was finally able to hit the craft stores to get supplies and see how best to make my hair coils and waist beads with the small budget that I had. The start up cost was kind of a lot when I think back. I’m not sure how I got through it, but I did. My homegirls were some of my biggest supporters! Even Danny’s Beauty Supply had free markets that you could sell at. I found all types of free events and made my own flyers for the events. Man, life was pretty hard at the time but, I felt like I had to push through. I’m so glad I did!
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
So my audience was originally based in Cleveland, OH, where I’m from. I had a pretty decent following and I made my own flyers for different events and markets that I found around the city. Once I moved to Phoenix,AZ, I had to start over. It was hard because I didn’t know anybody! It was rough getting connections on social media. I just started posting and using so many hashtags. After a few months, I went to a few markets and just checking out the scenes. It was amazing seeing all the small businesses working hard for themselves. I also went to the smoke shop that has an art gallery called Just Blaze. I was able to showcase my art there for a while. It was amazing to be able to meet local artists while I was there. So I would say for anyone trying to get a social media presence, you need to hit the streets and make yourself known. Have cards and when you vend, have proper signage with your QR code so people can scan super fast. Sometimes it helps to shout out all the new followers. I love sharing stories of my new customers. It shows I appreciate them and it helps with marketing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecsb.bigcartel.com/
- Instagram: @thecreativesunshine
- Facebook: @thecsb