We were lucky to catch up with Brittney Brackett recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Brittney , thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the decision of whether to donate a percentage of sales to an organization or cause – we’d love to hear the backstory of how you thought through this.

In order to create sustainability efforts for our 501(c)(3) nonprofit, my brother Brooks and I have decided in 2022 to donate all the proceeds of our award-winning mindfulness children’s activity book, My Safe Place, to benefit ongoing mental health awareness and healing arts programming efforts for youth and teens who need it most.

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?

Brittney Brackett is an accomplished actor, award-winning children’s book author, professional voice talent, and nonprofit champion with more than 14 years’ experience helping children and teens flourish personally, scholastically, and emotionally. She is the founder and executive director of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit called The Outstanding Youth Awards Initiative that has awarded more than $5,625 in scholarships and internships since 2011, hosted service projects and offered ongoing empowerment workshops to youth and teens.

In 2022, OYA was awarded a $25,000 grant from Senator Karl B. Allen and the South Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services to publish My Safe Place; to produce and stream a teen podcast called The JoCo Show and create Kindred Kids Clothing- a children’s affirmation clothing line with more than 40 items including clothing, home decor, inspirational jewelry and various bags and accessories. All proceeds from each of these projects are assisting with creating long-term sustainability for the nonprofit’s programming efforts. Brittney holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Marketing and Communication from Ashford University, along with counseling and professional certifications.

Brittney is also Owner & Operations Manager of b dynamic! Productions, with more than 18 years in the entertainment business. Past clients include Deloitte University, InComm, Food Lion, McAlister’s Tea, Tyler Perry Studios, The Alzheimer’s Association, The Global Leadership Summit, Denny’s, The North Carolina Education Lottery, and many others. Brackett’s work has afforded her featured articles in Greenville Business Magazine, Upstate Business Journal, SHEEN Magazine, Voyage ATL, In South Magazine, The Community Informer and The Greenville News.

I’m most proud of the legacy I’m leaving behind to empower youth through my acting and executive nonprofit career. I hope that I give black and brown children the encouragement to know that they too have access to these opportunities, as long as they prepare themselves and constantly work hard at their craft.

My work ethic sets me apart… because I’m always working! I have sacrificed PLENTY to be where I am over the last 20 years in this business. I have to stay engaged in both the nonprofit sector and entertainment business so that I can remain competitive and adapt to how the world changes.

IG: bbactress85
Nonprofit site: www.outstandingyouthawards.com
Business site: www.brittneybrackett.com
Our award-winning book, My Safe Place is currently available on our landing page, Barnes and Noble & Amazon!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

That talent always gets you to the top of your industry. Talent helps, but it doesn’t keep you there, alone. Your desire to work hard, put in your best effort in every project and continue to learn and evolve in your field.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Simon Sinek’s books and speeches have given me such great clarity on running a business and staying grounded in my work. I have numerous books of his on my bookshelf! Michelle Obama’s The Light We Carry has also been a huge encouragement to me to help me remember to remain authentic to myself and know that my presence in this world is necessary.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.outstandingyouthawards.com
• Instagram: @bbactress85
• Facebook: Brittney A Brackett
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittney-brackett-110a0931/
• Other: www.brittneybrackett.com

Image Credits
Photographers: Sea Jae Diehl Ira Carmichael Lisa Salas