We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Briana Jackson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Briana below.

Briana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.

Yes, we have recently donated a percentage of sales to the Democracy Forward Foundation. This organization was especially meaningful to me during a pivotal time in my life. As a government employee who was impacted by a reduction in force (RIF), I experienced firsthand the importance of having strong support systems—both personal and institutional.

Many of my colleagues rallied around me, and one unique way I was able to give back was through my apparel business. I used it as a platform to raise funds for Democracy Forward, which is committed to protecting civil rights and upholding democracy through legal advocacy and policy work. Supporting this cause was a way to channel my experience into something positive and impactful—not just for me, but for the broader community as well.

Briana, 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?

Thank you for sharing that context—here’s your revised and detailed response incorporating all your points in a clear, authentic, and professional tone:

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I’m Bri Jackson, the founder of a community-centered apparel and customization brand built on the foundation of resilience, purpose, and service. I launched my business during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic—a time of deep uncertainty but also reflection. I was inspired to spread messages of hope and positivity during a moment when the world needed it most. That mission continued to evolve during the Black Lives Matter movement, where I saw an even greater need to use creative expression as a form of unity and advocacy. From that spark, the business has grown into something much more powerful.

Today, we offer customization for hundreds of products—everything from t-shirts and hats to drinkware and more. Whether it’s for a business, a family reunion, a school event, or a nonprofit, we deliver high-quality, personalized products with great customer service and fair pricing. But more than that, we solve a problem many families and businesses face: finding a vendor who is not only reliable, but also genuinely invested in the community it serves.

What sets us apart is that every order placed with us contributes to something bigger. We reinvest in the very communities that help us thrive, supporting causes and initiatives that align with our values. Our slogan—“the brand that steps up to give back”—is lived out in everything we do.

I’m most proud of the way I’ve pushed through the challenges that come with being a business owner. This journey has helped me discover my purpose, develop new strengths, and inspire others along the way. As a mother and a professional outside of my business, I’ve had to balance many roles—but each experience has equipped me with critical skills that will carry me through every season of life. At the end of the day, I want people to know that this brand is more than just a business—it’s a vessel for purpose, passion, and positive impact.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

That’s a powerful and relatable lesson—here’s a thoughtful and authentic response you can use or tweak as needed:

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One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the idea that success only counts if you achieve it completely on your own. For a long time, I believed that asking for help or relying on support somehow diminished the value of my accomplishments. I thought that in order to really “make it” and get the credit I deserved, I had to carry the weight by myself.

But over time—and especially through the challenges of starting and growing a business—I realized how limiting that mindset was. The truth is, nobody gets anywhere entirely on their own. It took mentors, community encouragement, advice from other entrepreneurs, and even emotional support from family and friends to help me stay grounded and keep pushing forward. And leaning into that support didn’t make me any less capable—it made me stronger, more resilient, and more open to growth.

Unlearning that belief has been freeing. It’s taught me that collaboration, community, and shared victories are just as meaningful—if not more—than trying to do everything alone. Now, I take pride not just in what I’ve built, but in how I’ve allowed others to walk with me through the journey.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

That’s a great story that highlights both hustle and heart. Here’s a compelling and vivid version of your response:

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One of my favorite—and most nerve-wracking—marketing moments came as a result of good old-fashioned word-of-mouth. I had done a few custom jobs for local clients, and the positive feedback started to spread fast. Before I knew it, I was asked to complete a 146-garment order… with just one week’s notice.

Now, let me paint the picture: I run a small operation, with just one press machine and a tight-knit team. I outsource some products as needed, but this was the second largest single order I had received to date—and the turnaround time was intense. The pressure was on, and I won’t lie—I felt major anxiety and fear. Part of me questioned whether we could actually pull it off.

But we leaned in. We mapped out every step, streamlined the production process, and worked late into the night. I communicated clearly with my client every step of the way, stayed organized, and leaned on my small but mighty support system. By the end of that week, every garment was complete, quality-checked, and delivered on time.

What made it so rewarding wasn’t just the finished order—it was realizing what we were capable of under pressure. That experience showed me how powerful word-of-mouth marketing can be, and how preparation, teamwork, and determination can overcome even the tightest deadlines. It pushed me past my comfort zone and reminded me why I started this journey in the first place: to show up, deliver, and make a lasting impact through every piece we create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bristepsforward.com
• Instagram: bristepsforward
• Facebook: Bristepsforward

Image Credits

I can provide photos withing the next few days.