Today we’d like to introduce you to Misha Brown.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I started my career as a theatre actor. I lived in NYC for 12 years and worked full-time as a singer and actor for theatres, national tours, cruise ships, and Cirque shows. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, I found myself lost because everything I knew was unavailable to me for the first time. So, I did what every other millennial did and got on social media. Unlike theatre, I used it as a creative outlet and a place to show myself, where I had to fit in a box that casting prescribed. I took advantage of the pandemic, focusing on growing my platform, and at the end of 2021, I was ready to shift my focus entirely from theatre to social media. I have spent hours analyzing the over 1 billion views I have received regarding what works, who my audience is, and how I can connect with them. Today, I have over 4.3 million followers across platforms. That has awarded me many opportunities, like becoming the host of a Wondery podcast called ‘The Big Flop,’ which was recently the #4 podcast in the country. I have recently signed up with a literary agent and am feverishly working on a book proposal that is equally overwhelming and exciting. I still do theatre on the side, most recently as the swing track in the ZACH’s production of Head Over Heels right here in Austin. Growing my brand and becoming the CEO of my own life has been the most incredible journey, and I am so excited to see what’s next!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road to get here. The early days of building my brand were right in the thick of the pandemic. I was financially struggling and, believe it or not even coming from the theatre world, it was the most unstable I had ever been. But I never gave up on my dream. I have come across people who I worked with that were self-serving, I have had to learn to read contracts thoroughly the hard way and at times I had complete imposter syndrome. However, I have a wonderful support system with my fiance, my family and close friends. I have been supported and encouraged to keep going and I owe a lot of my success to those around me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I guess you could say that I am an influencer, although I don’t know if the traditional meaning of that title completely fits. I have always tried to use my platform to make the world a better place. I talk about some really difficult topics on my pages like misogyny, homophobia, racism, cancer and comparable topics. But what sets me apart from other influencers or news outlets is my unique approach. I always try to bring a sense of humor to it. I believe that laughter is a powerful tool that can help up heal, connect and learn. A lot of people have laughed at one of my videos and decided to watch more, and eventually heard the real message behind the stories of respect, kindness and standing up for ourselves. I am most proud that I get feedback in comment or direct message form, that my stories are making people feel better about themselves and love themselves, sometimes for the first time.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the power of authenticity. Being myself – loud, sparkly, a little naughty, empathetic and nurturing is my superpower. I spent a long time trying to present myself how I thought others wanted. But my success soared when I tossed that aside and pressed the big red record button. This journey of self-discovery has not only been empowering for me, but it has also resonated with my audience, making them feel seen and understood.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @dontcrossagayman
Image Credits
Linda Rukavina Photography
