We were lucky to catch up with Bria Mays recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Bria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

I originally formed Real Queens Fix Each Other’s Crowns as a little Facebook group, born out of a desire to create a safe, beautiful space for women during a time when everything felt uncertain in 2019. .
Starting as a humble Facebook group, it became a haven where women could share, uplift, and connect in the face of the challenges that unfolded. The resonance it found within the community was both humbling and inspiring. The shared stories of strength and resilience during such a trying period emphasized the profound impact of human connection. Having battled my own bouts of depression and anxiety, I understood firsthand the power of connection in overcoming life’s challenges.

As Real Queens continued to grow and the feedback poured in, I realized that this was something bigger than me and a need for our community of women. This was the moment that fueled my decision to dive into the world of nonprofits headfirst.

In the early days, skepticism and challenges tested the very foundation of Real Queens. The weight of responsibilities, coupled with the inherent uncertainties of running a nonprofit, became an unexpected hurdle. There were moments when the path seemed foggy, and doubts about whether I could truly make an impact crept in.

Then came a pivotal moment. A woman from our community reached out to share her journey. She spoke about how Real Queens had been a beacon of strength during her darkest days. Her words were a reminder of the profound impact we could have.

This encounter reshaped my perspective. It was a testament that even in the face of uncertainty, the work we do at Real Queens is a lifeline for those navigating the complexities of mental health. The challenges didn’t dissipate, but the resilience within me, and within the Real Queens community, became the driving force.

Real Queens Fix Each Other’s Crowns ceased to be just an online space; it became a testament to the transformative power of community and support. This journey has taught me that, even in the darkest times, the collective strength of empowered women can illuminate the path forward.

Bria, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am Bria Mays, a young woman born and raised in Austin,TX President and Founder of local nonprofit, Real Queens Fix Each Other’s Crowns. My journey into the nonprofit world wasn’t a conventional one. Having navigated the corporate landscape, I discovered my true calling in fostering mental health awareness and community support.Real Queens is more than just a platform; it’s a movement that arose from my own experiences with depression and anxiety, a testament to the transformative power of shared narratives.

Real Queens began as a simple Facebook group during the initial throes of the pandemic. It was a response to the glaring need for connection and support, especially when dealing with mental health challenges. Fast forward, and it has evolved into a community, a movement, and now, a nonprofit.

Our mission is simple – to change the way the world thinks about mental health for women and young girls. Real Queens Fix Each Other’s Crowns uses education and awareness opportunities to connect with the population we serve. Through our programs and initiatives, we aim to cultivate brave spaces, foster community healing, and promote public education to ensure that every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive, be heard, and make a lasting impact. Our initiatives focus on providing mental health resources, public education, and safe spaces where individuals can receive support and access necessary resources.

What sets Real Queens apart is the authenticity of our journey. I’ve battled with my own mental health, and that vulnerability is woven into the fabric of what we do. We’re not just an organization; we’re a community, a support system, and a testament to the transformative power of shared experiences.

One of my proudest achievements is navigating through the shadows of mental health adversities and emerging stronger. It’s a journey that fuels my commitment to fostering mental health awareness within our community.

What sets us apart is our dedication to transparency. We don’t just talk about overcoming challenges; we live it. Real Queens is a space where vulnerability is strength, where shared narratives become the threads of a tapestry that showcases the beauty in our collective journey.

Join us not just as followers but as active participants in this movement. Together, we’re rewriting the narrative around mental health, one crown at a time.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As a biracial young woman, my journey has been marked by encounters with behaviors that, at times, felt discriminatory. However, each of these challenging experiences became an opportunity for growth, resilience, and resolve.

A poignant chapter in this journey unfolded during my senior year in college. Eagerly seeking guidance on pursuing my MBA, I approached a counselor, anticipating encouragement and insight. Unfortunately, the conversation took an unexpected turn. Instead of support, I was met with discouragement. The counselor questioned my financial capacity to undertake graduate studies and even cast doubt on my academic abilities.

Rather than succumbing to frustration, I tapped into my resilience. This conversation became the catalyst for pursuing my MBA at Concordia University. Graduating as a proud member of the class of 2019, my MBA not only opened doors in corporate America but also fueled my personal passion for Real Queens.

This narrative is a testament to how adversity, rather than deterring me, became a driving force. It’s a story of turning challenges into stepping stones, a journey that fuels both my professional endeavors and the commitment to empower women through Real Queens.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My journey in building a reputation within my market has been guided by two fundamental principles: personable transparency and an unwavering passion for what I do. I firmly believe that people connect more deeply when they see the authentic human behind the brand or organization.

Being transparent about my own struggles has been a cornerstone of this approach. I’ve found that sharing personal experiences, including my battles with depression and anxiety, fosters genuine connections. It’s not just about the glossy successes but also about the hurdles and how I’ve overcome them. This openness creates a relatable narrative, and in turn, cultivates trust.

Passion is the driving force behind everything I do. When people see the genuine enthusiasm and dedication, it becomes contagious. I aim to convey that Real Queens isn’t just an organization—it’s a movement fueled by a deep-seated passion for empowering and uplifting women.

I believe the human touch, coupled with transparency and passion, has been instrumental in building a reputation that goes beyond transactions—it’s about forging meaningful connections and making a lasting impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: realqueens.org
• Instagram: realqueenstx
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealQueensTX
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/realqueenstx/