Brie: You're Welcome, so glad that we are finally doing this interview. Yes, thats right!
The Savvy Event Guru: Brie you do a lot! OMGOSH, I see you on Social Media and you are moving and shaking! I guess to truly understand the life of an Entrepreneur would be to understand the number of "HATS" we wear in our businesses!
Brie: Its a lot but I am grateful for the journey!
The Savvy Event Guru: I have a number of questions I want to ask you today. I am interested in learning how you got started, etc. Let’s get started!
The Savvy Event Guru: I believe that in order to get the full story of one's life, up until now, you must start from the beginning.
Early Childhood:
Bridgette Michelle Crenshaw was born on August 24, 1989. Born and raised in Washington, DC. Brie, is the Oldest of 2 with 1 younger brother and Brie was one of the first Gerber babies in 1989.
Photo Curtesy of Brie
The Savvy Event Guru: Brie can you describe yourself as a young child?
Brie: Many wouldn't believe that I was a tom boy.
The Savvy Event Guru: Really? Wow, so was I! Funny thing I didn't like dresses when I was a little girl but I always had them on!
The Savvy Event Guru: So Brie, tell me a little about yourself in High School. Were you in any clubs? Were you in band, etc.?
Brie: Well, I attended an International Baccalaureate School.
Brie: My Junior and Senior year of High School I was in the DECA Club which stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America. I also participated in Fashion Marketing and Sports management for 3 years in high school and I started the step team at my High School and participated for 1 year.
Brie: To be honest with you I was a good student 😊but I did sort of create a Riot at my high school. It was in the year 2007 and I had an issue with the way that the audition process was handled for the step team. People got angry and it was ugly!
Entrepreneur Life:
Photo Curtesy of Social Media
Brie: We had models and artist. I ended up selling the company in 2010. I was ready to move on.
Brie: Yes, I consider myself to be a Self-Pro-Claim Model-preneur. I attended Damon John, the business school in 2010 and became certified. I did some free-lance model work for the M & T agency in 2012 as well.
Brie: I then attended the John Casablancas Modeling School in 2012 located in Townson, MD, and graduated the same year.
Brie: Yes, you can say that.
The Savvy Event Guru: Okay, I love that you embrace your creative skills and you use your skills to start the businesses that you want to start. Very admirable.
The Savvy Event Guru: So let’s fast forward some to 2020!! The YEAR of Pandemic Clothing!!
The Savvy Event Guru: By now we are all aware of the COVID Pandemic. This pandemic has began to take over by this time in 2020. People are working remotely from home, we are told to Wear Mask and follow ALL CDC Rules regarding the pandemic.
The Savvy Event Guru: So much is happening in the World at this time, many people are learning to exist in this New Normal. Many people are also working on ways to stay relevant in the changing economy and you yourself, started a Clothing line.
The Savvy Event Guru: What made you come up with the "Pandemic Clothing Line"?
Brie: During the Pandemic I saw a need for Mask. Especially a need for our homeless. I ended up supplying mask for free to our homeless.
The Savvy Event Guru: That's admirable. I feel like not enough of us, care about our Homeless Brothers and Sister. Thank you for caring!
Brie: No problem, of course.
Brie: During the pandemic, I had lost my job and I couldn't travel due to the pandemic. My business partner at the time was out of work as well. It was a no-brainer for me. I throw myself 100% into the company because there was no other income.
Photo Curtesy of Social Media
The Savvy Event Guru: (laughs) As I said, a "Heart of Service for People".
The Savvy Event Guru: On May 1, 2021, I had the pleasure of attending and covering the Pop-Up Shop event you participated in, located in Fort Washington, MD. It was great to see you in your element.
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May 1, 2021 POP-UP Event for Pandemic Clothing
Photo Curtesy of Brie
Brie: Not to mention, I went to Model School for Models Inc in 2021 for a few months.
The Savvy Event Guru: More training I see. Well I believe that Good Leaders, should be good students!
The Savvy Event Guru: What is your drive behind the businesses? What drives you to push your craft and your businesses to the next level?
Brie: Well, I am a mental health advocate; bio-polar, domestic violence, I've experienced it. I suffer from BPD, border-line personality disorganizer. And because I know how it feels to be misunderstand when dealing with mental health, it's my goal to help others who suffer with the same or similar mental health issues. I will always be there to help those people in need. All of those things listed are what drive me to push and do my best not only as a business but as a business owner.
The Savvy Event Guru: Brie, this world is a better place because you are here! Life has a way of throwing you a life line when you need, but you got to hold on.
Brie: I agree. 😊
The Savvy Event Guru: What made you start the Ultimate Dons and Divas Modeling Agency?
Brie: Well, I met the right partner who shared the same goals and I found myself wanting to get back into the modeling industry.
Brie: I want to teach the models what it means to have a "Model Bag" and what should go inside the bag. I also want to teach models runway skills, audition preparation, how to do hair and make up, etc. I especially want to help women and men of color who don’t have the advantages that others may have.
Brie: As a model myself, I went through so many different issues, with hair, makeup etc., I don't want other models of color to experience what I experienced.
The Savvy Event Guru: I can understand that.
The Savvy Event Guru: What separates you from other Modeling Agencies?
Brie: What separates my company from other modeling agencies is the fact that we tell the truth about the industry.
Brie: My modeling agency is made up of former models, Script Readers, Actors, Artist and Dancers. My agency is culturally diverse. We have Black models, Indian models, Asia models and Transgender models. We have our model's back.
Photo Curtesy of Social Media
The Savvy Event Guru: So how do you get your models? What cities or towns do the models come from?
Brie: Right now our models come from Washington, DC of course, New York, Los Angeles and Miami. We actually have branches in each of those cities.
The Savvy Event Guru: Thats pretty good! Your modeling agency covers many of the major cities. I can image the diversity you have with your agency.
Brie: What I hope to accomplish with my modeling agency is a significant amount of exposure for not only our models but also for our business. I want this modeling agency to grow and become one of the leading best quality boutique agencies in the country. I hope to get on the NY billboard in Time-square. I also help to be featured in New York Weekly and Time Magazine.
The Savvy Event Guru: Since we are talking 2023, What is upcoming for 2023?
The Savvy Event Guru: This event is HUGE!! I look forward to being in the building that evening covering your event!
The Savvy Event Guru: What else do you having coming up in 2023?
Brie: Well in addition to Our Grand Opening in January, the "Pandemic Clothing" line name is changing to the "Sweet Brie Collection" in Spring 2023.
The Savvy Event Guru: Clothing Designer, Model Agency owner, Entrepreneur, Coach, Mentor, you hold a lot of titles!
Photo Curtesy of Social Media
Brie: Ms. Oprah Winfrey!
The Savvy Event Guru: Hmmm Good Choice!
The Savvy Event Guru: As we ROUND out this Interview, let’s jump into the future!
The Savvy Event Guru: Where do you see the Ultimate Dons and Divas Modeling Agency in the next 5 years?
Brie: I see us expanding with offices in LA and NY but I would reside in ATL. My goal is to go international next year in 2024. Of course I hope to be married with my babies as well.
The Savvy Event Guru: Wonderful!! Thats one heck of a 5 year plan.😊
The Savvy Event Guru: For someone who wants to join your modeling agency and/or learn more about what your agency does where should they go?
Brie: Anyone interested in learning more about our Modeling agency can go to the Ultimate Dons and Divas website at www.ultimatedonsanddivas.com
The Savvy Event Guru: Wow, thank you so very much! I learned a lot of great information about you, your business and what you have going on for the future.
The Savvy Event Guru: Brie it has been a pleasure and thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview.
Brie: You’re very welcome and thank you for allowing me to share my journey.
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