Today we’d like to introduce you to Bri Lewis.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started as a blogger a year ago on February 10, 2020, and it has been the most rewarding experience. I’ve always been one to motivate others but kept myself up at night thinking about how I could touch more people. I lost my father in October 2018 and he was one of my biggest champions for doing what sets my soul on fire. In his passing, I learned how many lives he touched. I was able to hear the testimonies of people who felt like he played a major role in their betterment as a person. I was more than inspired, I was eager to do the same thing. I had just gotten into the thick of the first semester of my doctoral program and was struggling. Not because of the workload, but because of the work + grief that I was feeling as a result of his death.
I kept myself up at night thinking about him, his impact, and how I could do the same. I didn’t only want to reach people through public health. I needed another vehicle. In December 2018, I decided that three months following his death (February 10) I would launch a blog. I would follow through with what makes me most happy and what he did so effortlessly – helping other people feel more empowered and less broken.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As long as you are on a journey, you can always expect turbulence, road bumps, or potholes. They may slow you down, but they should never stop you. I’ve struggled on both sides of the spectrum as a blogger, doctoral student, and full-time public health professional. I’ve lacked motivation because I’ve felt like no one was listening. I’ve wanted to quit because I’ve been overwhelmed. I’ve lost loved ones and wanted to shut down. And those examples do the struggle no justice.
No matter what you choose to do in life, you will struggle. Life is like a journey – literally! When you are traveling towards your purpose, you will be faced with obstacles. Your check engine light may come in, your gas may run low, you might get a flat tire. These are your tests. How bad do you want it? Will you come off of cruise control, pull over, and check the tire? Will you get out of the car to fill up the tank?
In other words, will you do what you need to do to overcome the obstacles, barriers, haters, and STRUGGLES that come your way? That’s my advice to other women who are starting their journey. If you want it, go get it. Everything that you want is attainable. Stay steadfast in your journey and remain consistent, work hard, and overcome whatever is standing in your way.
We’d love to hear more about Unprocessed Lifestyle: A motivation & lifestyle blog.
I am a sexual and reproductive health researcher at a major institution in Houston, Texas; I am a doctoral student in public health; and I am a motivation and lifestyle blogger of Unprocessed Lifestyle Blog. Unprocessed Lifestyle is a platform that encourages women and men to be unprocessed about who they are and who they are becoming. I take great pride in my brand because it aligns with who I am at my core.
Unprocessed Lifestyle is grounded in the following principles:
(1) Always be true to who you are and who you are becoming.
(2) Always work to do better and be better. Everything that you want is on the other side of consistency.
(3) You can do both. You can work a 9-5 and be an entrepreneur. You can be a professional and be a socialite. You can live your life on both sides of the spectrum.
(4) Other people are not your competition, you are! Every day when you wake up, you compete with yourself. You can either evolve or repeat – the choice is yours.
(5) Anything that you want is attainable. Nothing is out of reach. Consistency, perseverance, and focus will get you there.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
I would recommend for them to find a mentor and continually work to grow in their field. I have mentors who I admire greatly. I didn’t acquire them by chance, I acquired them by asking. I scheduled a meeting with them and pitched myself as a mentee. I told them who I am, what I value, and how I want to succeed in life. I told them how I valued who they were in their industry and where I could see them adding value to my life as a mentor. I told them my expectations and what they could expect from me. I respected their time and treated it as an interview. They admired me for that and agreed to be my mentor. That said, who do you admire? Whose advice do you value? Who has climbed a ladder similar to the one that you are climbing? Reach out to them and pitch yourself. Remember, its ME vs ME – and the only thing holding you back is you.
Networking is also key to growing as a professional. There are many ways that I network. I’ve joined professional organizations. I’ve followed up with people that I’ve met in passing and asked them to meet over coffee. I’ve attended events that would expose me to like-minded people. There are a lot of opportunities in Houston! Just put yourself out there.
All other advice aside, the main thing is to be confident and know that you can achieve what you desire. Tap into your #MambaMentality and go get it!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.unprocessedlifestyle.com
- Email: unprocessedlifestyle@gmail.com
- Instagram: @unprocessedlifestyle and @itsbrilew
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/unprocessedlifestyle
Image Credit:
Roy Garcia
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