We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brittany Veney a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Brittany, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career.

I believe that the education system could benefit immensely from incorporating practical life skills into the curriculum to better prepare students for adulthood. One story from my own life illustrates the importance of such a change.

During my early career, I found myself in many situations that made me reflect on the gaps in our education system. While traditional subjects like math, science, and literature are undoubtedly important, there’s a significant lack of emphasis on practical life skills that students will inevitably encounter as adults. Filing taxes, understanding mortgages, managing personal finances, and making informed investments are all crucial aspects of modern life that are often learned through trial and error.

Here are a few changes I would propose to the education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career:

Financial Literacy: Integrate comprehensive financial literacy courses into the curriculum. Students should learn about budgeting, saving, investing, understanding credit, and preparing taxes. This knowledge empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

Practical Life Skills: Offer courses or workshops on practical life skills such as cooking, basic home maintenance, and understanding legal contracts. These skills are essential for daily living and can boost self-sufficiency.

Career Guidance: Implement career readiness programs that introduce students to various career paths, provide resume-building skills, and offer guidance on job interviews and networking.

Emotional Intelligence and Mental Health: Incorporate emotional intelligence and mental health education to help students manage stress, build resilience, and foster healthy relationships.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving skills in all subjects, as these skills are invaluable in both personal and professional life.

Digital Literacy: Equip students with digital literacy skills, including online safety and responsible internet use.
Civic Education: Teach students about their rights and responsibilities as citizens, as well as the functioning of government and the importance of civic engagement.

By incorporating these changes, we can better prepare students for the complexities and challenges they will encounter as adults. It’s about equipping them not only with knowledge but also with the practical skills and resilience needed for a more fulfilling life and career. Education should empower individuals to thrive in all aspects of life, not just within the classroom.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Brittany Veney, the driving force behind B. Real Creative Studio, a brand and website design company with a profound story and a passionate mission. My journey into this dynamic industry was unconventional yet deeply motivating. As a stay-at-home mom transitioning to single motherhood while pursuing my master’s degree, I faced a crossroads that led to the birth of B. Real Creative Studio. It’s not just a business; it’s a testament to resilience and a commitment to authenticity.

At B. Real Creative Studio, our core mission is to empower businesses and individuals with a powerful online presence through innovative and authentic design solutions. We craft visually captivating logos, compelling brand collateral, and user-friendly websites that not only capture attention but also ignite meaningful engagement. Our services are not merely about aesthetics; they are a medium through which we tell stories, express brand essences, and create lasting impressions.

What sets us apart is our unwavering belief that every brand has a unique narrative waiting to be unveiled. We don’t just design; we uncover the essence of your brand and encapsulate it in every visual element. Our work isn’t about conforming to trends; it’s about creating timeless, authentic designs that resonate with your audience on a profound level.

The heart of our service lies in solving a crucial problem faced by businesses today: the challenge of standing out in a crowded digital landscape. We understand that in a world awash with generic designs, authentic and distinctive branding is the key to capturing your target audience. Our designs go beyond aesthetics; they forge genuine connections and build brand recognition.

What makes us most proud is our commitment to nurturing businesses, especially small and emerging ones. We’ve witnessed firsthand how our design solutions can transform a business’s trajectory. It’s not just about visual impact; it’s about the tangible results we bring to our clients’ marketing campaigns, the recognition they gain, and the emotional connection they foster with their customers.

My story is one of resilience, determination, and adaptability. As a single mother and a student pursuing higher education, I navigated numerous challenges to establish B. Real Creative Studio. These experiences have instilled in me an unshakable belief in the power of authenticity and the ability to overcome adversity.

In the ever-evolving world of design, staying at the forefront of industry trends and technologies is paramount. We invest extensively in continuous learning and professional development. Additionally, as a small business, we’ve mastered resource allocation and time management to ensure on-time project delivery without compromising quality.

What potential clients, followers, and fans should know about us is that we don’t just design; we create transformative experiences. We don’t just follow trends; we set new standards. We’re here to help businesses express their unique essence through exceptional design, make meaningful impacts, and leave indelible marks in their respective markets.

Our commitment to authenticity, innovation, and excellence is unwavering. We’re not just a design studio; we’re your partners in storytelling and brand building. At B. Real Creative Studio, we are redefining design by making it personal, meaningful, and authentic. We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you and bring your brand’s story to life in the most captivating and memorable way possible.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative in the field of website design extends far beyond the pixels and code. It’s the opportunity to inspire and mentor students, many of whom may have never been introduced to this exciting career path during their academic journey.

For me, teaching and mentoring are at the heart of what I do. It’s immensely fulfilling to see the spark of curiosity ignite in a student’s eyes when they realize the boundless possibilities that website design offers. Some may have never considered it as a career option before, and watching them discover this new avenue is truly gratifying.

In an increasingly digital world, website design is a dynamic and ever-evolving field. It’s about more than just creating beautiful websites; it’s about crafting digital experiences that engage, inform, and inspire. Being able to share my knowledge, experiences, and insights with the next generation of designers is not just a responsibility; it’s a privilege.

I’ve had the privilege of guiding students as they embark on their own creative journeys. It’s about nurturing their talent, fostering their unique creative voices, and helping them develop the skills they need to thrive in entrepreneurship.

Moreover, it’s about opening doors to career possibilities they might not have even known existed. Website design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about problem-solving, user experience, and creating digital solutions that can change how businesses operate. By introducing students to this multifaceted field, I aim to broaden their horizons and empower them to pursue exciting and fulfilling career paths.

As a mentor and educator, I find immense satisfaction in knowing that I am contributing to the growth and development of future designers, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed, and broadening their perspectives on what’s possible. It’s about inspiring the next generation to think creatively, design boldly, and embrace the limitless potential of the digital world.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been rooted in a genuine passion for what I do, operating with unwavering integrity, and embracing an open approach that avoids gatekeeping.

Passion is the driving force behind every successful endeavor. It’s what fuels my commitment to website design and brand creation. When you’re genuinely passionate about your craft, it shines through in your work. Clients can sense the authenticity and dedication, and this naturally attracts them to your services.

Operating with integrity is non-negotiable. It means being honest, transparent, and ethical in all business dealings. Clients appreciate when they can trust you implicitly. Integrity builds lasting relationships based on mutual respect and honesty. It’s about delivering what you promise, even if it means admitting to mistakes and finding solutions together.

Avoiding gatekeeping has been instrumental in expanding my clientele. In the world of website design and branding, knowledge is power. Rather than hoarding information or creating an exclusive club, I’ve embraced a collaborative and open approach. I believe that knowledge should be shared, not withheld. This means offering guidance, sharing insights, and supporting fellow designers, whether they are newcomers or seasoned professionals.

By fostering a sense of community and collaboration, I’ve not only gained the respect of peers but also expanded my network and client base. Clients appreciate a professional who is confident enough in their abilities to share knowledge and elevate the entire industry.

In essence, my strategy for growing clientele is built on passion, integrity, and openness. It’s about being driven by a genuine love for design, conducting business with unwavering ethics, and embracing an inclusive approach that benefits not only my clients but the entire creative community. Ultimately, it’s about building relationships that are grounded in trust and mutual respect, which leads to both personal and professional growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brittanyveney.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebrittanyveney
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyveney

Image Credits
Brand Photography by Tavon Lawrence | One Accord Photography