We had the good fortune of connecting with Brieanna Lightfoot Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brieanna, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my “success” is my faith. It’s what gets me out of bed every day. As most if not all business owners will tell you, entrepreneurship is not easy, but because of my faith I realize that my business is bigger than me. It’s not just about making a dollar, it’s about leaving a lasting impact on the people that I meet.
What should our readers know about your business?
I am the proud owner of a boutique creative agency called Brands by Brie. We help small business owners enhance the professionalism of their brand by offering logo development, web design and creative direction services. Our clientele are what make us unique. We primarily serve black women entrepreneurs who work 9 to 5s and are building businesses on the side so they can enhance the lives of others and be of greater value to their families. I never intended to start this business but in 2014 my aunt asked me for help with developing a website and newsletter for her child placement agency. I had absolutely no experience but I am someone who loves to learn and never backs down from a challenge. Once I completed her website I slowly started building my client base which was far from easy. I didn’t understand the value of having a target market at the time so I worked with any and everybody. Eventually I gained the courage to niche down and actually invest in learning more about business practices. I learned more about marketing, social media and put systems in place that would help me automate a lot of my business. After getting pregnant with my second child I took a two year sabbatical to stay home and raise my children. The time away completely transformed me and I’ve come back to this business clearer than ever on the value I bring to my clients and the impact I want to make in the branding industry. If I wanted the world to know anything about me it’s that I don’t quit. I may pause. I may slow down but eventually by God’s grace I’m going to get back to it. I have such a passion for helping women walk in the fullness of who they were created to be and helping them see themselves in a way they never had previously. That’s why I love being able to elevate their brand identities. It helps them walk in the confidence that they’re doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing.If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend visiting the area we’d likely start the day at True Kitchen & Kocktails downtown. We’d order Shrimp and Grits, then walk down the street to the park on Main and sit for a bit. From there we’d head to the Bishop Arts district and check out that scene and then head to Spiral Diner for their DELICIOUS vegan dining. After that we’d go to Lee Park for an impromptu photoshoot so she’ll remember her visit then go to Cimone Key’s Creative Studio in the Arts District. Cimone is someone everyone in Dallas should meet. She’s another phenomenal black female business owner who is changing up the branding, coworking and creative industries. Finally, for dinner we’d visit the fish spot pretty close to Cimone’s place. Ironically their burgers are what keep me coming! They have delicious bread pudding too. I’d send her on her way full of memories of great times and even greater food.Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to shoutout my husband. He has seen me through so much “crazy.” He has been around when I’ve wanted to quit and he’s an amazing partner to be raising children with. I also have to shout out my parents and my sister Brittany. They kept me sane during quarantine. I have no idea how I would have been able to make it through the pandemic without being able to spend time with them or having them as a sounding board for the variety of emotions I was feeling.

Website: http://brandsbybrie.com

Instagram: instagram.com/blightfootsmith

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brieanna-lightfoot-smith

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv8WtJAxHqODWMe9_zJHxvA

Image Credits
Angela Flournoy Cimone Key Cristina Wisner

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.