We had the good fortune of connecting with Brittany Eve and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Brittany, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Life has a funny way of giving you the answers you need, all you have to do is listen. Being self aware helps you to navigate your emotions when encountering obstacles. When we are faced with challenges, it is natural for us to want to give up or maybe our optimism encourages us to push through but decrement should be your determining factor in everything you choose to do.
I’ve learned that your intuition will always guide you in your journey. The moment you are repeating the same process hoping for a different result or if you have genuinely given your best and it still isn’t working, it is now time to take a step back to reevaluate. It is time to reflect. Are you moving from your heart or ego? Are you operating from understanding or fear? Answering these questions will force you to readjust your perspective or simply shift your direction.
Remember, everything has an expiration date. It is up to you to see your dreams through. Also, “giving up” does not mean you failed, it is you understanding that this path is not yours to travel.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a multi-hyphenated creative & artistic administrator it took years for me to get to this space. I am a person of many talents that wants to utilize them in as many ways possible to make, not only my dreams, but other’s come true. I am a writer, podcaster, producer, event/production coordinator, arts administrator and more. Each of these skills perfectly intertwined within my ordained purpose of creating and nurturing spaces for black creators to share their gift(s) with the world.
My biggest challenge to date has been understanding that I am more than one professional title. For years, I tried to put myself in the appropriate box. I thought I could only proclaim be a writer or maybe a producer but when I realized that I encompass multiple elements, I removed the box completely to allow myself to simply take up the space needed for my gifts to flourish. Once I removed the pressure of living up to my perceived expectations others had of me, the right opportunities that aligned with my personal mission miraculously knocked at my door.
I am the brand, Brittany Eve. I am a living, walking billboard of all the gifts I possess. My freelance work in tv/film production feeds my need to hustle, while writing & creative producing fuels my need to creatively release.
Rum Punch & Beignets Podcast is the platform that myself and my co-host use to simultaneously reach different groups of people and share our life experiences. This podcast has been a pivotal shift in my growth as a creative and as a person. We talk about real challenges, external & internal, that happen within adulthood.
Modern Renaissance Media is the pièce de résistance of my brand. It exemplifies the impact I want to have on the world. ModRen is a multimedia company for Black creatives by Black creatives sharing Black stories. This company was intentionally created to be a network for creatives to foster their gifts, build community and provide valuable resources.
The most amazing part of my journey is being able to find an organization like the New Orleans African American Museum that is magically aligned with my personal mission. Being able to work with this particular institution truly gives me the space to use all my talents in a way that allows me to serve my community the best way I know how.
There is a single thread through all the work I have done in the past 10+ years, it is community. I love being connected to visionaries and providing guidance to help them achieve their wildest dreams. I imagine a utopia for Black creatives to bloom beyond our wildest dreams. I believe my life work will be a catalyst in achieving it all.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
New Orleans is such a magical place and I honestly could not imagine living anywhere else. There is always something to do, places to go and people to meet. Nowadays, I love to indulge in good food, drinks and music with great people and my recommendations will give you that and more.
To start off your day, good coffee and vibes are a must and you can’t go wrong with either of these places; Baldwin & Co., Park Island Brew or Mr. Wolf Espresso.
When I’m not getting comfortable at someone’s kitchen table to eat, I love eating at Gris Gris for their amazing fried gizzards or catching Nice Guys on a Sunday for a jammin’ Brunch with DJ Captain Charles.
When I want to be immersed in New Orleans art or culture, I visit the New Orleans African American Museum, Backstreet Culture Museum or roam the French Quarters.
I love a place with good drinks and a chill vibe! You can never go wrong with these; NOLA Art Bar, Second Wine Vine and St. Vincent Hotel.
For the people who love a good arcade game or to play pool, Emporium is for you.
Now, you can’t be in New Orleans and not listen to music or dance. It’s a must you try catching these curated events, Abstract NOLA & Energy! or stopping by these places; Ace Hotel, Hummingbird Lounge & Dragon’s Den, to dance the night away.
If you’re not ready to go home, it’s always great to stop by Red Door for the last drink of the night or maybe even to pregame.
Lastly, the best way to be a part of the culture is to actually be in the culture. Sundays are the BEST and ONLY days to participate in a traditional Second Line.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I can’t name just one person to attribute to my success because as my grandma used to say, “it takes a village”. From each challenge, lesson and success that has taken place in my life, it took MY village to push me through.
Currently, I have to give a major shout out to my work family at the New Orleans African American Museum which is led by an amazing artist, curator and all around leader, Gia M. Hamilton. As a new addition to my circle, they have truly helped me understand my power as a leader. In turn, this has translated across the board for me in every facet of my life from work to personal.
Next, would be my partners in creativity, Dom Campbell, my co-host on our podcast Rum Punch & Beignets, Anastasia Ebel of BabyBangz Natural Hair Salon, Cameron-Mitchell Ware of CMW Consulting and so many more. These people keep me inspired and push me creatively to go beyond the boundaries.
Lastly, I have to shout out my mother. My rock. It’s because of her I strive for my best, remain grounded and I am held accountable for all my actions. There is no possible way I could be in this position today without each person in my life pouring into me constantly.
Website: www.wearemodren.com
Instagram: @bettersht2do & @rpb_podcast
Youtube: @rpb_podcast
Image Credits
Kay Wilson Photography SJ Walker Studios