We’re looking forward to introducing you to Briana Williams. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Briana, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I would say I’m definitely a bit more wandering right now. I find myself constantly moving between my different aspects of being a caretaker, a beginning runner, an anime and gaming nerd, an event planner, a youtuber, and a content creator all while searching for a new 9-5. It’s a lot, but it allows me the chance to see what I like or dislike as well as what I excel at and what I need some assistance with.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Briana DeShe’ and I am the creator of Blerd Chattanooga. I created this group because I saw a need and decided to fulfill it. There are so many people here who identify as nerds in some capacity and many of us are black. There are only a few opportunities to have community with fellow nerds and even fewer with those who look like me. I created Blerd Chattanooga to create a safe space for black nerds in Chattanooga to be able to come together, hangout, and have fun. We do not always have to go to Nashville and Atlanta to have fun and nerd out! I am currently working to grow this space and collaborate with other organizations within the city to be able to give back.
Our next event will be an Arcade Night at the Chattanooga Billiards Club – East on 110 Jordan Drive on September 13 at 7pm in Chattanooga, TN.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think misunderstandings are a major barrier to having strong bonds with others. In a world so full of information and opinions, its easy to get caught in an echo chamber and believe that others who do not share the same views as you are incorrect.
Restoration comes when we are able to actively listen to one another. When we are open to growth we allow others to water our gardens.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
When I realized that my desire to ensure that everyone around me was happy made me put my own happiness on the backburner, I had to make a serious change. That part of me that craved affection would do what ever was asked of me even if it completely burned me out because I thought that saying yes meant that people would care for me as much as I cared for them.
I had to heal by understanding that my boundaries are just as important as everyone else’s. Just because I say no to someone does not mean that I do not care about them, it just means that I care about myself as well!
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I believe that everyone has a bit of a persona that they put on for the public eye. You should always show up in every room as authentically as possible, but there is a time and a place for everything and you have to learn how to maneuver in certain spaces.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
Not making more art! I love painting and drawing. While I am not the best, I enjoy how i feel and the emotion that comes across with every pen or brush stroke. Life has a way of “life-ing” and I don’t always have as much time to dedicate to my art, but it will always be a passion of mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/blerd-chattanooga-105516957311
- Instagram: @BlerdChattanooga
- Linkedin: Briana Williams
- Facebook: Beautifully Nerding with Briana DeShe’
- Youtube: Beautifully Nerding with Briana DeShe’
