Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brianna Lyons-Willis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Brianna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

In 2023, I took one of the biggest risks of my life—I founded The Niche Mentorship Program and its sister initiative, The Niche Social Club. It wasn’t just about launching an organization—it was about filling a void I had personally experienced growing up without a dedicated mentor, and building the kind of support system I wished I’d had.

At the time, I had no roadmap, no guarantees, and no playbook to follow. All I had was a deep belief that I could create a space for women—especially BIPOC women in Chicago—to connect, grow, and thrive both personally and professionally. I recognized that while Chicago is incredibly diverse, it’s also a deeply segregated city. I saw an opportunity to bridge that divide and bring women together across race, age, and experiences, guided by shared values of authenticity, acceptance, accountability, and belonging.

Together with my co-founder, Giselle Reyes, we started from scratch—learning, evolving, and building in real time. There were moments of uncertainty, especially as we navigated the complexities of creating something entirely new. But in 2024, our risk paid off in a major way: we launched our first official mentorship cohort. Seeing women form meaningful connections, support each other, and find community through our programming has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

The Niche is more than mentorship—it’s a movement. Through peer connections, mentor circles, workshops, and social events, we’ve created a space where women can show up fully as themselves. We’re still growing, still learning, and still dreaming big—but taking that leap in 2022 changed everything.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m the founder of The Niche Mentorship Program and The Niche Social Club—two interconnected initiatives created to foster authentic connection, personal growth, and intentional community for women of color. My journey into this work started with a deeply personal realization: I had spent much of my life without a dedicated mentor, constantly seeking an affirming social circle. As I grew older, I began to see just how transformative it is to have people in your corner—not just to help you professionally, but to walk alongside you in life.

In 2023, I took a leap of faith and launched The Niche, believing there had to be a better way for women—especially women of color in Chicago—to find meaningful connection and community. I didn’t have a perfect plan, but I had purpose. Together with my co-founder, Giselle Reyes, and a growing circle of women who believed in this vision, we’ve spent the last few years building, learning, and evolving.

What we offer:
The Niche is a space for real connection. Through our mentorship program, social gatherings, workshops, and group experiences, we offer opportunities for women to find friendship, guidance, and joy. Our mentorship model goes beyond professional advice—it’s rooted in life mentorship and stewardship—the kind that helps you grow as a person, not just a professional. We believe in mentoring the whole woman, honoring every chapter of her story.

Our sister initiative, The Niche Social Club, brings women together through curated events and shared experiences—from panel conversations and intimate dinners to creative workshops and community service. These aren’t just events—they’re moments of belonging.

The problem we’re solving:
Too many women feel disconnected, isolated, or without a village—especially as they enter new seasons of adulthood. Our generation is craving deeper, more intentional relationships. The Niche was created to meet that need. We’re here to close the gap between diversity and actual community—to create a place where women can show up fully as themselves and be surrounded by people who truly see them.

What sets us apart:
We center personal connection, emotional wellness, and a values-driven community. While other programs may focus strictly on career advancement, we’re more interested in nurturing identity, self-awareness, and supportive relationships. We believe that growth happens when women are loved, affirmed, and accepted just as they are. That’s the heart of our work.

And while The Niche centers women of color, we warmly welcome our white sisters who are committed to showing up with humility, compassion, and a desire to bridge racial divides. This work is about collective healing, shared learning, and building the kind of community that reflects the inclusive world we’re all striving toward.

What I’m most proud of:
Launching our first mentorship cohort in 2024 was a beautiful milestone. It confirmed that there’s a real need—and desire—for this kind of space. Seeing women build friendships, mentor one another, and cultivate joy through The Niche has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

At the core of everything we do is a simple but powerful belief: every woman deserves community. And The Niche is here to help her find it.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I met my co-founder, Giselle Reyes, in one of those rare, serendipitous moments that you just know was meant to be. We crossed paths at an event hosted by Sin Titulo in April 2023. Sin Titulo is a brand and community organization centered around mental health, networking, and social justice awareness. Their series, Fruits of My Labor, brings together artists, thinkers, and change-makers for intimate, purpose-driven gatherings—and this one was no exception.

The event, titled “Dope Poetry. Dope Discussion. Dope Networking.”, brought together creatives and community builders for a night of live poetry, thoughtful dialogue, and meaningful connection. I was invited to be a panelist and had the opportunity to share my vision for The Niche and what was to come in 2024. The discussion was centered around “What If the Internet Fails Us?”, a booklet by Tobalase Apata of Poetic Goods, and explored how we can reclaim community and connection in a tech-dependent world.

Giselle was in the audience that night. After the event, she reached out to me on Instagram, sharing how inspired she was by The Niche’s mission. She told me about her background in social media marketing, her passion for philanthropic work, and her desire to contribute to something meaningful and rooted in community.

When we met for coffee, everything aligned. Giselle was thoughtful, driven, and completely in tune with the heart behind The Niche. What started as a conversation turned into a co-founder partnership—built on trust, shared values, and a deep belief in the power of connection. The rest is history, and I couldn’t imagine doing this work without her.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Outside of training or formal knowledge, I believe emotional intelligence, community-mindedness, and a deep sense of purpose are the most important qualities for succeeding in this kind of work.

In the world of community-building and mentorship—especially when you’re creating intentional spaces for women of color—what matters most is your ability to listen deeply, lead with empathy, and build trust. People don’t just remember what you taught them; they remember how you made them feel. That emotional connection is what turns a program into a movement and an event into a moment of belonging.

You also have to be adaptable. Working with people means holding space for all kinds of lived experiences and navigating challenges with humility. There’s no one-size-fits-all roadmap, so resilience, curiosity, and the willingness to grow alongside your community are vital.

And finally, heart matters. You have to really believe in what you’re doing and stay rooted in your why. That purpose is what sustains you through the unknowns, the pivots, and the seasons of building. For me, The Niche has never been about checking boxes—it’s about showing up with intention, and creating the kind of space I once longed for.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thenichementorship.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.niche.mentorship/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/91439569/admin/dashboard/

Image Credits

Jasmine McIlvenny Photography
Lily McLaughlin