We’re looking forward to introducing you to Britni Azzam. Check out our conversation below.
Britni, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
A lot of times I can feel like I’m wandering because I have so many creative goals, but I believe all of the things i’m working towards will eventually come all together and start to connect. Although I sometimes think it would be better if I focused on one thing I’m realizing that’s just not my style and there’s nothing wrong for reaching for the stars. Some people may call it chaotic, but I say I’m building a portfolio career 😉
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Britni Azzam, but most people know me as B.R.A. I’m a multidisciplinary artist – rapper, brand owner, and crochet designer in the making who has been diving deeper into photography. This year I have decided to take a step back and refocus. I wanted to get clear about where I’m headed and how all my creative worlds connect. Behind the scenes I have been focused on developing my brand, Be Real Always Company – a slow fashion label creating one-of-one and small-batch pieces in hopes of putting out mindful and intentional designs. After my first few years of pop-up events, running my website, and experimenting with the creative process, I learned so much. That experience has pushed me to rebrand, refine my vision, and start on a new collection. During this all of this, I discovered a growing passion for crochet design and now am developing my own patterns, and custom pieces. I’m excited to start sharing and selling them soon; maybe even throwing in a few thrift flips in the mix. It’s a slow, intentional, and a completely hands- on process, which fits right into what Be Real Always stands for. At the same time, music is still at the heart of everything I do. This year alone, I dropped five singles, performed at Riot Fest, and hit the stage at Cervantes. I am now expanding into photography, another passion of mine. As I start to work on building my portfolio, I hope to continue to capture the same energy I bring to all my creative work, that being real, raw, and expressive – whether it be through fashion, fiber, sound, or visuals.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
My true essence as always been bold, and dominate. I was born with a sharp wit, and strong voice that often got me into trouble when I was young. I didn’t have control of my assertive energy. Along the way that eventually led me to shrink myself to fit the expectations of those around me and silenced my voice to not offend others. It was a means for survival and let’s be honest, I needed some humbling. At the same time, I look back and wish aimed to harness these gifts instead of mute them. That is something I now have been working towards releasing because it has blocked my true potential. Music has truly been the medium to unlearn these habits, and has given me the outlet to express myself and find my voice again, but with more intention.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that there’s nothing wrong with you, you just need to channel your power. Push the limit, girl. But with kindness and intention because you weren’t born to be subtle, but to use your voice for good.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’d like to think I put forth as much of my authentic self to the world as I can. I’m not afraid to admit when I’ve messed up or fell short and don’t feel the need to appear perfect. There’s so much freedom in being okay with the fact that you don’t have it all figured out, and I’m okay with acknowledging that maybe even I could’ve been more “real” in a certain instance. That’s a part of my Be Real Always motto that I hope to live by.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’ve definitely fallen into what I’ve been told to do and have let the outside voices in that tell me I can’t do it, or that it’s too “unrealistic” but I know God continues to work in my life, and that drive never dies. I always come back, even when I try to fit the mold for awhile.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://berealalwayscompany.com
- Instagram: @brizzni, @berealways
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brizzni
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/30jN3gSPZDVL3wAi8P
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/70NFDd5YRhE6n7Yw4kRr5B
https://music.apple.come/us/artist/bra/1465806775
Image Credits
5280_photographyanddesign
taylorshaemusic
