#BEYOUROWN MEETS BRENDA THOMPSON

Meet Brenda Thompson, a true Leo on a mission to motivate and create as an entrepreneur, writer, and mother. Having a firm belief that God has called upon her to help motivate others, B50love was born, carrying both healing and love in mind, and through that motivation in helping others, it continues to heal her.

Hey Brenda, can you introduce yourself to us?

As I began my business ventures, I found that, like many areas of business, there were barriers regarding age, but many of the barriers were residing in our own narratives. 

Being in many cases, an indirect participant in alcoholism, abuse and mental illness I realised that I was entering a new phase in my existence, and as I began my own journey of self-determination, self-discovery, and reinvention,  I was determined to not just share my journey, but help others follow on that same path. Thus the birth of B50love.

Congratulation on turning 50! Can you take us through your journey to where you are now?

My journey was a difficult one, but I listened, learned and through faith, it became a triumphant one. As a child of an alcoholic parent, I eventually joined the United States Navy, married and had four children. I struggled and although many times was weakened alcoholism did not consume me. 

As a Mother of a child suffering from the same disease, and an attempted suicide. I was Tested to my lengths, Financially, emotionally and spiritually, yet remained strong for my now recovering, son and the healing of my other children.

As a survivor of abusive relationships and marriage, where love was dysfunction in the guise of physical and mental abuse, I remained positive, fun, and loving to my children and through strength began the process of divorcing my husband of 25 years.

Can you tell us more about the brand DNA and ethos of you personally and how you are standing out from the crowd?

Initially, the Instagram page used artistic representations through visualisation, but then I realised that “I” have gone through or continue to go through these issues so why not use me, as the muse and open myself to the masses. I believe that I am one of the unique folks that are putting their face in the view of others to represent the prose of encouragement, faith, life, and hopefully love. 

I began stating: B kind, love and B Loved. I figured that if we just did those things, that we each wake, ready to face each day. My brand is about, encouragement, motivation, strength and eventual Power in what I deem the phases of life to be: Revealing, Rebuking, ReDiscovery, and Reflection.

Can you give us highlight 3 ways we can feel motivated to achieve our true potential?

1. To understand that the insecurities, anxiety or self-doubt, has been given to you by someone else. Someone provided you with the negative words or actions that birthed those self-destructive narratives you have. 
2. To know to listen and learn, understand that people may have done what you are going to do, or want to do. Don’t let barriers prevent you from asking the right questions and learning and in some cases re-learning something new about yourself. 
3. To live in the moment, if there is something you want to do and you have a passion for it, Do not let people dictate your narrative. People will tell you what you cannot DO, very few will hold you up so you reach what you can do.

Where can you see yourself within the next 3-5 years?

Working on and for B50love as a  movement, To continue the sponsoring of several B50Fam events, and springboarding my other business which is helping large breed dogs.

What outlets do you use to promote yourself?

Currently, B50 is promoted via Facebook and Instagram.

What or who inspires and motives you?

When people tell me I am doing a good job and I have helped inspire them. That’s when I know I am doing the right thing, that’s when I truly see my path. I am inspired by all people that fight through adversity to triumph for themselves. People inspire me every day to be better, to learn,  and to comprehend. 

What is the number 1 critical business lesson you have learned so far?

In all my business ventures one of the main issues, I have learned is Patience.  Sometimes your vision is so vivid that you jump over hoops to complete it, but this can drain you, creatively, spiritually and emotionally. 

A highlight in your career so far?

• Earning my Undergraduate degree and walking across the stage 8 months pregnant with my last child. 
• Currently asked to spread B50’s message to local radio stations.
• And seeing my book published that will encourage all ages in the phases and navigation of life.

What gives you ultimate career satisfaction?

That I have at least provided an idea, helped someone leave or stay in a relationship, share my story with someone who felt that they were the only one. This will forever continue to satisfy me.

What challenges have you seen to have been presented during the growth of your career?

Currently, the challenges are ensuring that I keep my narrative and to ensure that I financially ensure that I continue to take this company to the highest level. The venue for motivation is a large one. Setting myself apart of the crowd continues to be a challenge.

Which other leading entrepreneurs and pioneering game changers do you also admire and why?

I admire those like Elon Musk, Tony Robbins, Steve Jobs as well as a myriad of African American Entrepreneurs and artist.  I love those that have lived the life of through the eyes of naysayers and rose above and became someone we can emulate and aspire towards.

What is a good article or book you have read recently?

Last Book I read was three big questions for a frantic family by Patrick Lencioni.

Top 3 go-to Podcast channels?

1. ‘The Dave Ramsey Show.’
2. ‘Serial.’
3. ‘THE NOD.’

How do you define your own success?

I define my success, with one-word of faith. I believe that if we have faith in what, we do, how we do it and why we do it, we can achieve anything. 

What does #BEYOUROWN mean to you?

#BEYOUROWN means a door that has opened up to validate what I have been doing by seeing reading about others that exemplify that triumph of not just success but the determination to succeed. I absolutely adore and I am honoured by BEYOUROWN and so very thankful for their existence. 

Finally, what are you working on throughout 2019?

Completely my book on the phases of life, which will be individual books with a workshop to be hosted annually. Collaborating with like-minded companies to grow B50 by the end of 2019 which will see the movement begin its process.

This year I will be in Thailand and Europe and I hope to show the inspiration of travel, in bringing the B50Love Fam, a glimpse with pictures, prose, and videos. Working on an initiative involving mental illness and also working with young adults programs for addictions. 

Instagram: @b50love

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/b50love

Website: Coming soon