We recently connected with Briyanna Releford and have shared our conversation below.

Briyanna, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Just like Issa Rae said, “I’m rooting for everyone Black.” I’m all about nurturing and bringing positive attention to the Black community. I push this in my podcast, non-profit, and merchandise. I grew up off Glenwood Ave and Memorial Drive with my single mom and 2 sisters and 2 brothers. Often we would find ourselves receiving help from local organizations, friends, and family. My mom’s disability only increased our need for outside assistance. I am thankful for the help and resources we received and that shaped me and my business missions. “Roll One Wit Me”, is a non-profit, dedicated to serving “people without homes”. Once a month, I drive around Atlanta donating rolled quarters, water, and non-perishable food to those in need.

With “Tryna Match? Podcast”, guests are given the opportunity to speak about issues concerning them and showcase their business and talents. Many of the topics covered are centered around mental health, family life, and lifestyle. In our community, we tend to overlook the importance of mental health. I can attest to this. In Season 2, premiering this October, I speak openly about my own mental health struggles and how I went from staying silent to speaking up. I feel like we need more open spaces to “Be” and my podcast is that platform.

I knew I wanted to be more involved in the cannabis industry. Tryna Match? Hemp Rolling papers was created with the mission of providing a healthy smoking alternative. I don’t think is an unknown trend, but a large number of smokers use tobacco products. My papers advocate for a healthier and environment-friendly smoking experience.

Briyanna, 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?

People would never know it, but I’m an introvert. It’s my passion for connectivity and community that really propels me to speak out and up. I was a part of Amnesty International for a few years marching and starting calls to action for events happening in other countries. It wasn’t until I met a group of friends after going through my own troubles mentally that I should bring attention to my community in my own city. For years, I struggled with naming Depression and Anxiety. Then a few more years battling it. My podcast, Tryna Match? Podcast, highlights how important it is to be vocal and express who you are and your story. If, you have an opinion speak on it. If, you have a story share it.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Tryna Match? Limited Co. is my pivot. I began podcasting in July 2019 with a different group. It was fun and we were doing so well. Unfortunately, that ended in December 2020. It did get a little discouraging because I not only lost the platform but my friend/co-host. I still wanted to podcast and grow. I took some time to refocus, rebrand, and as you put it, pivot. I was scared to start over. I had those negative intrusive thoughts. I was scared that no one would want to listen or get on board with my mission. Thankfully, I ignored those thoughts and debuted “Tryna Match? Podcast” in July 2021. Season 1 of “Tryna Match? Podcast” did great. With trial and error, and the many lessons learned, I am gearing up for Season 2. I’m excited to have more profound conversations with my various guest. Season 2 episodes will highlight financial literacy, lifestyle, self-discovery and growth.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My social media presence and audience is still growing. At the moment, I have close to 900 followers on Instagram. That may not seem like enough to gloat about but “Imma Do It”. Contrary to what my friends and family may say, I’m an introvert. I speak when necessary and like to stick to myself. I don’t even have a personal Instagram account. I disabled it years ago leaving my 200 followers in the wind. I had a hard time putting my real self out there and feared rejection. Podcasting and meeting new people one conversation at a time forced me to overcome this fear.

I solely operate under @TryanMatch.Podcast. I can attribute my social media growth to me being authentically myself. I have a bubbly disposition with a few offbeat quirks and put that out there in social settings. I attend related events in Atlanta and spark conversations with people marketing my business and mission. I also use hashtags to my advantage. I research related hashtags and look up the users who recently tagged them. I’m generous with likes, comments, and follows. If you are trying to grow your platform I recommend meeting your audience where they are and being yourself. Join in on related conversations that can also get you noticed. All in all, just put yourself out there.

Contact Info:

• Website: TrynaMatch.com
• Instagram: @trynamatch.podcast