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

Mandii , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

A defining moment in my professional career was when I was a middle school teacher for Chicago Public Schools. I loved my students to pieces and I was happy not only was I their safe space, but they were mine. They felt they could relate to me the most and my classroom typically was the room where I could allow them to escape from the outside world and even issues in school. Some students would sneak away just to have lunch with me instead of sitting in the cafeteria just to vent. Even when they would get into it with other teachers, I knew I could easily calm them down and become grounded again. Bonding with them taught me that maybe I could more than just teach.. that I could offer resources and a safe space to others. So after that school year, I decided to enroll into graduate school to become a mental health counselor while also make the career change to social work. While doing both simultaneously, I learned about so many traumas that we as a people hide and suppress deep inside for the sake of “keeping the peace”, “saving face, and even protecting family. I learned how generational trauma works, how certain communities become food desserts, how the judicial system works in multiple states and with different scenarios.. I opened my mind to so much, I knew I couldn’t hold onto all this knowledge and I must tell others. I learned to not ignore the signs and that it’s okay to put yourself first because you can’t pour into others when your own cup is empty. And to do this day, I am hours away from my finishing my program but I can proudly say I’ve changed the lives of others and I’m humbled to have that experience; whether it was with education, food stamps, mental health services, recommending a book to read, etc. Anything. Thank you to those people who trusted me with their vulnerability; I’ve learned from them as they learned from me.

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 background and context?

For those who don’t know me, I live by my own personal motto/catchphrase: Mother, Model. Mental Health Advocate.

First thing first, I am a mother and my children will always come first. Being a mother has taught me how to be more patient, communication is really key with children, to give them and myself grace, discipline, and how to give myself pats on the back even when I fall short; all the things people would request themselves from others. This honour bestowed on me has allowed me love and protect others as I would protect my own. And not only that, being a single mother, other women can relate to me. Our experiences are so similar at times, their feelings and concerns can be properly validated.

Model; I’ve been modeling on and off since I was about 11 years old. From modeling for “Limited Too” teen clothes, local boutiques, and etc throughout college. I began taking it seriously officially in May 2019. There were many days, where I questioned myself and if I was good enough just solely because I’m an “untraditional” model.

May 2021, I began shooting with Brandon Hopkins, and he boosted up my confidence so much to where I just dived in! Shooting with him really put me on the map with multiple photographers and brought exposure in rooms I haven’t stepped in.

My first runway show in 2021, was with Blake Martin Production, at the Chicago Black Women’s Expo 2021. When I say he WORKED me! But I needed that. Actually, I wouldn’t have gotten into that fashion show without the help of Cheryl Swanson; retired army vet and boudoir photographer. This woman literally came to my rescue in one day and helped build my portfolio and my runway video. These amazing people gave me the mindset that I can do anything. If I wanted to walk in NYFW, I can do that. If I want to be on the cover of a magazine, I can do that.

I love the camera and the camera loves me. But most importantly it feels empowering to still feel alive and beautiful after going through so much, especially carrying children. That does so much on the body, to bounce back and feel normal is a process. But thanks some amazing photographers, runway coaches, and models, this experience has been fulfilling. Currently, I’m working with a few black owned clothing brands, one happens to be “TAP IN” located in Nashville, TN by a young black woman and mother named Alexis “Lexx” Liddle. When I say these clothes are beyond comfortable, I literally can’t wait to wear the sweats and crew necks. The other one clothing brand is “RSL”, also black owned but by a Chicago Public School’s principal, father, and mentor named Turan Cornell. Both brands are extremely fashionable and affordable.

Mental Health Advocate: My journey began on April 30, 2017, the day I tried to take my life… I was extremely depressed, I just gave birth to my new daughter, and I was in a mentally and emotionally abusive relationship that was falling apart PUBLICLY… I woke up that morning, going through the motions.. I was left as a single mother of two, no job, in school full-time, and on e-board for multiple organizations … I felt really low, unloved, and I woke up and thought “I should just end it”… and I tried, and thank God, I didn’t succeed.

After that moment, I recovered and took my mental health more seriously. I wanted to be an advocate not only for my social and educational community but for single mothers; especially those who are non-traditional students as I was. I want to let other women know, a relationship does not define you or your worth. It is okay to be tired and drained from being a “Superwoman” but what is not okay, is not getting help… use those resources to get better not only for yourself but for others around you. My mothers Maria, Ann, & Elizabeth taught me this.. if you’re reading this, I love you mom.

The services I have now are under my internship as a Master’s Level Clinician. I work with those who suffer from PTSD, Trauma, Racial or Social Injustice, Prenatal or Post Partum Depression, and I’m expanding to working with those who have disassociation disorder.

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

A lesson I had to unlearn was everyone is going to hurt me no matter what. I was always afraid to get too close to others and also allow my children to get close to people if that person’s plan was only to use me and my resources and leave. Now I’m no longer afraid; I’ve learned to allows others in when deemed fit but with boundaries. I learned I had the right to say no without feeling guilty and to always trust my better judgment/instincts.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I’ve learned to let clients know, modeling and counseling wise, that I’m human too. My accolades does not make me better than you nor does it give me power over you. I am humble as the next person and I make mistakes just like they do. But it’s okay to get back up again.. Once others see that, it’s easier to have their guide down and vice versa.

I pride myself in being “the relatable counselor”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://msha.ke/mandii_iman_93/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mandii_iman_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-b-0435501a9
• Other: LPC Intern Page: https://instagram.com/the_relatable_lpcintern

Image Credits
Brandon Hopkins (bhopkins photography)