We had the good fortune of connecting with Briony Copeland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Briony, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Travel changed my life—not just through the places I’ve been, but through the person I became. After years of working as a flight attendant, I realized I wasn’t just living a travel lifestyle—I had a gift for helping others do the same.

Truthfully? I got tired of waiting for the “perfect” opportunity. So I created the space I wish I had when I started. I built this brand to help Black travelers feel seen, supported, and inspired to go further. My business blends storytelling, tips, and tangible resources: blog posts, a podcast, digital products, and travel advising [find all of it here at Travelismylifestyle.com]. It also ties into my campaign I Bring My Black Everywhere—a movement created to showcase our presence, pride, and power across the globe. My thought process was simple: If I could help people navigate the world with more confidence, representation, and ease, then I wanted to build a platform that made that possible.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Whether I’m sharing destination tips, speaking about my experiences, or planning someone’s first international adventure, my goal is simple: to help Black travelers feel like the world is already theirs.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I didn’t follow a perfect plan—I pivoted. A lot.

When COVID hit. The fear of losing my job inspired me to start sharing—this time as a content creator. It looked fun from the outside, but it required me to rebuild from the ground up. I had to stop chasing perfection and start showing up as my full self.

The reality? People romanticize this career, assuming it’s all perks and aesthetics. But you need thick skin, quick thinking, and serious strategy behind the scenes with the drive to be willing to evolve over and over again.

There’s a quote that always grounds me: “Go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated.” Now, I show up loud, proud, and purpose-filled.

And if there’s one thing I want to be remembered for?

That I did it scared, I did it fully, and I made space for others to do the same. If someone says, “Because of Briony, I saw the world differently,”
I’ll know I did what I came here to do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Dallas (Downtown, Uptown, Deep Ellum, Lowest Greenville)
Eat:
•Pecan Lodge (BBQ, Deep Ellum)
•The Charles (Italian, Design District)
•Town Hearth (steaks, chandeliers)
•Tei-An (Japanese, Arts District)
Drink/Nightlife:
•Midnight Rambler (speakeasy at The Joule)
•Apothecary (wild cocktails)
•The Tipsy Alchemist
•The Henry (rooftops)
Do:
•Dallas Museum of Art
•Klyde Warren Park (grab a scooter)
•Mixology class w/ People’s Choice

Make sure you stroll and chill in Bishop Arts + Oak Cliff
Food: Paradiso, Tribal All Day Café, La Reunion, Encina
Vibe: Walkable, artsy shops, great people-watching hang out until the night with some great vibes too!

Arlington
Must-Do: Six Flags Over Texas
Night Out: Arlington Improv (comedy)
Eat & Chill: Texas Live! (bars + food, game days are wild)

Frisco + The Colony + Carrollton
Eat:
•Cattleack BBQ (serious meat)
•Jang Guem Korean BBQ (Carrollton)
Sip: Landon Winery at The Sound (on the lake)
Relax: WorldSprings (global spa oasis)
Shop: Legacy West or Grandscape

Fort Worth
Explore:
•Fort Worth Water Gardens
•Kimbell Art Museum
•Sundance Square
Bars:
•The Library Bar
•Thompson’s Bookstore (hidden speakeasy)

Local Tips
• Rent a car—DFW is massive
• Guys: No slides or shirts. Bring a collared shirt
• Come fall or spring for best weather

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
To my husband Michael — who sparked the first creator thought with his podcast idea. Thank you for your unwavering support and steady guidance, especially when building this business felt overwhelming. You’ve been my compass and my calm, and I couldn’t do this without you.

To my sister Bethany — the unofficial manager I never hired but absolutely needed. You’ve kept my head in the game every time I wanted to walk away. Your pep talks turned into power moves, and I appreciate you more than you know.

To my mom, my dad, and my grandma — you gave me the foundation to dream big and stand tall. Your love and example are woven into everything I do. Everything I build carries your legacy forward.

To my neighbors — who quite literally changed my life. You saw something in me before I saw it in myself. That one “yes” set the course for a life filled with purpose, adventure, and impact.

And honestly? Shoutout to every closed door. The rejection from the Disney internship. The jobs I didn’t land. Every detour pushed me toward the life I was meant to live.

Lastly, to every Black traveler who’s ever felt unseen or underestimated: You’re the reason I show up, and the reason I’ll keep going.

Website: http://www.travelismylifestyle.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brionylikepeony

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/brionylikepeony

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18SUFj9xnD/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TravelismyLifestyle_

Other: Shop This Black Travel Wave: https://www.travelismylifestyle.com/items/black-everywhere-travel-style

I’m Your Travel Agent Now: https://www.travelismylifestyle.com/travel-agent-client-intake

Book You Brand and Travel Planning Cunsult: https://www.travelismylifestyle.com/travel-consultation-intake

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.