Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Clark. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Born out of the pressing need to address mental health stigma within the Black community, the Elizabeth-Gaye Foundation emerged. Founded by Brianna Clark, who initiated the transformative Mind Your Business Conference in 2019.
Our mission is to establish inclusive and secure environments where Black individuals can engage in courageous conversations often dismissed in childhood. The Elizabeth- Gaye Foundation was established in 2023 through thoughtful deliberation to foster continuous growth and empowerment within the Black community. We are committed to placing the needs of our community at the forefront, acknowledging the multitude of challenges we face in a world shaped by entrenched systemic injustices.
This foundation is an ode to my mother, Elizabeth; a thank you to her for raising me as a single mother, and in a world where black women were not allowed to express themselves, where we (black women) had no other option, but to be strong all the time now that I’m older. I’m going through my own adult experiences. It amazes me the amount of sacrifices She probably had to make to raise me, my older sister, my niece, and everyone else. My mom taught me how to love myself, stand up for myself, set my worth, and constantly raise the bar. I owe everything to her, so I want to get a head start while she’s still here. This foundation will impact and influence and change black lives, and I’m most excited about that. We’re creating a new path for us.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting off, there are always some lessons to be learned. I was finding qualified board members and some who you can trust and have the same values. That, for me, was the biggest struggle (which I don’t even like calling “struggles” I see it all as lessons. I am not good at asking for help or receiving help, so having a team that I can trust and who sees the vision sometimes better than me is a breath of fresh air. Especially when we know there’s going to be a lot of lessons to be learned. Since we are just starting, I’m excited to see how much we grow over the next year and beyond. I’m sure we will have a lot more lessons that we have learned by then.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Elizabeth Gaye Foundation and Blossom and Bloom Home Decor?
With unwavering love for ourselves and drawing strength from the resilience of our ancestors, we empower our communities to soar higher, creating a safe space for growth and achievement. Our unwavering dedication to addressing the Black community’s unique needs and challenges sets the Elizabeth-Gaye Foundation apart from other non-profits. We prioritize creating safe spaces and promoting open dialogue to confront mental health stigma head-on. By centering the voices and experiences of Black individuals, we ensure that our programs and initiatives are tailored to their specific cultural, social, and emotional requirements. Our commitment extends beyond occasional events or conferences as we strive to provide year-round support and resources for Black people to learn, heal, and thrive. Through our proactive approach and deep understanding of the systemic injustices that impact our community, the Elizabeth-Gaye Foundation stands as a beacon of empowerment, fostering genuine transformation and lasting change. We are not limiting our service to economic, physical, mental health, or education. Instead, we are focusing on addressing the unmet needs that plague our communities through three-year initiatives.
Please talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy.
Alot of things make me happy; being with my man, my family, and friends, spending time with my niece all those things make me happy, but, real true happiness, I make myself happy. I make myself the happiest. Everything else adds to that, like the icing on the cake. But real, true happiness? I do that. People should make themselves happy and then find things that add to that happiness.
Pricing:
- Wax, Wicks and Wine Workshop – $55
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elizabeth-gaye-foundation.square.site/
- Instagram: @elizabethgayefoundation
