In a world where the voices and experiences of Black men are often marginalized, Brianna Laren, an acclaimed author and artist, is making waves with her latest creation, “Empowerment Affirmation Cards for Black Men.” Featured on the Defying Gravity podcast, Brianna shares her journey and the inspiration behind her work, which has been celebrated by icons like Viola Davis and Charlamagne Tha God. Her mission is to uplift and inspire Black men on their journey to self-love and confidence through powerful affirmations paired with stunning artwork.
Q&A with Brianna Laren
Sarad: Brianna, thank you for joining us today.
Brianna Laren: Thank you for having me.
Sarad: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you hail from before we get into the meat and potatoes? Tell us about your origin story.
Brianna Laren: I’m originally from Maryland, and I grew up in northwest DC as well. I’ve lived in Virginia, North Carolina, Houston, Spring, Tomball, Texas, and most of my adulthood has been spent in North Carolina. I graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina. So Aggie pride. That experience really helped shape me into who I am today.
Sarad: I found your work while scrolling through Instagram. Your artwork and the writing that accompanies it really caught my attention. Tell us a little bit about this art and your intentions behind it.
Brianna Laren: The images I create are designed to celebrate and affirm Black men. The affirmations and messages are crafted to truly resonate with them. It stemmed from seeing Black men in my everyday life, like my dad and uncles, who have always been there for me. They often portray an image of strength, but I realized they might be going through things silently. I wanted to create something that allows them to be vulnerable and feel supported.
Sarad: There’s this issue of vulnerability and the unwillingness to go into vulnerable spaces. How does your art address this?
Brianna Laren: Art invites open-mindedness and interpretation. If the art catches your eye, you’ll stop and read the words. My hope is that the words speak to your soul, helping you realize that the same walls stopping you from getting hurt are also stopping you from being healed and loved fully. It’s about letting people in and allowing them to support you.
Sarad: Talk to us about your trajectory as a writer. When did you become a writer, and why did you think this was the best use of your gift?
Brianna Laren: I’ve been writing since I was little. My family encouraged me, and I wrote stories, poems, and plays. As I got older, I lost sight of my gift due to life’s responsibilities. But in 2015, I returned to writing, wanting to show my son that he can do and be anything. Writing is something I have to do, and it’s my way of sharing my experiences and helping others.
Sarad: You mentioned writing eight books. Talk to us about that journey.
Brianna Laren: Writing is something I’ve been called to do. My first two books were published through a friend’s publishing company. My first book, “Ruby’s Brand New Baby Brother,” was based on my experience with my little brother. Once I became a published author, I couldn’t imagine not writing. It allowed me to create things like the affirmation cards and share them with the world.
Sarad: How can people connect with your content, books, and cards?
Brianna Laren: My website is BriannaLaren.com, where you can find my books and affirmation cards. Some of my books are also available on Amazon, Target.com, and Walmart. If you want signed books and personalized packaging, you can order through my site. I also offer digital affirmation cards for those who prefer them.
In conclusion, Brianna Laren’s work is a testament to the power of art and words in fostering healing and empowerment. Her dedication to creating safe spaces for Black men to express vulnerability and find strength in their identity is both inspiring and necessary. Through her books and affirmation cards, Brianna continues to make a significant impact, encouraging others to embrace their true selves and find solace in community and self-love.