Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke Johnson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a born and raised Memphis native. I lived in various parts such as East Memphis, Cordova, Westwood, Midtown, and where I primarily grew up, Orange Mound. I have interests in singing, modeling, gym and fitness, acting, and cooking. I am a very spiritual person and believe in a higher power, known as GOD. My relationship with him is everything. I attended multiple schools around the city but got my High School Diploma at Central High School in 2018. I played volleyball and also ran track.
Because of hardships, I faced during high school and that prolonged during college, it was hard to win and come out successful, BUT look at where I am now. I attended college at Christian Brothers University in, the fall of 2018 and started as an undergraduate trying to pursue an unspecified science degree. While there, I explored my options and then decided to change my major to Psychology with a Criminology minor. Alongside my wanting to be an actress/singer, I also had dreams to become a behavioral analyst of some sort, even a teacher. I just knew that the minds of people and why they do the things they do, always fascinated me.
I knew I wanted to work somewhere in that field, so my major and minor were perfect for me. While in college, I learned a lot about myself and others. I experience failure, rejection, heartbreak, betrayal, and hardships outside of school that I had to bring with me into the classroom. But aside from those obstacles, I grew and developed, I became an outstanding leader, I served and fought through battles, and I made an impact and change on my campus. I was a part of so many different clubs and organizations.
I became an amazing member of THE Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. I was the president of the National Panhellenic Council, the Student Government Association’s Vice President of Campus Relations and Communications, I was the co-captain of CBU’s cheer team, I was an orientation guide, and a peer mentor. I was highly involved and did many positive things in honor of CBU. Outside of school, I worked 3+ jobs. This was very necessary due to the hardships I was facing aside from school.
Waking up for those 8 AM classes became very difficult, but I endured it. In 2020, COVID surprised the world and changed everything. I developed strong anxiety and stress, I started to work 10X harder, and things with school declined due to classes being online. Fortunately, during my senior year, we were able to return to campus, but things became even harder for me. My life took an unexpected turn, but it was senior year, so I had to work hard, focus and prevail.
During my senior year, along with the major issues I had, I also experienced disappointment at my school which led me to just focus on one or two organizations and my studies. My work became harder and harder. One professor was even on the verge of failing me. I was passing in every class and she would consistently make it even harder for me. I took a stand, started having Zoom calls with her, and did my 100% best on every assignment. Well, she passed me with a “D”. From this point, I was mentally disconnected and just ready to graduate. Graduation was coming close! I went to buy things to decorate my graduate cap, I picked up my cap and gown, had my Photoshoot appointments lined up. Unfortunately, on May 11th, 2022, life hit.
I found myself in a hospital bed, with a failing liver, high blood pressure, and a high risk for seizures, and needed emergency surgery. I remember crying and crying that day because I was immediately told that I wasn’t going to be able to attend my graduation on May 14th. Those were the LONGEST three days. My school knew that I wouldn’t be in attendance. On the day of, I watched the commencement ceremony on YouTube and felt saddened and sickened to not hear them call my name. This is an experience EVERYONE should experience in college. This is what we worked SOOO hard for. So, it broke my heart into pieces. On May 23rd, I then suffered a GREAT loss. Someone near and dear to my heart, someone who changed my life… passed away.
At that point, I didn’t understand why. Why me, why all of the pain and suffering… can things get any worse? And I’m fact, it did. More heartbreak and loss, people leaving out of my life like they didn’t mean anything, family members betraying me, and doing things I would’ve NEVER imagined. The amount of selfishness I experienced and realized that people would take my pain and use it as an advantage. Or find a way to make their sufferings greater than mines. I’ve experienced homelessness many times, being without food, money, or transportation. But 2022 gave me things that I wouldn’t wish on ANYBODY. But it made me who I am TODAY.
The year 2023. After all of that pain, I was ready to move forward and heal. Starting in July 2022, I started my ultimate fitness journey. I got myself a membership at a gym and used that as my coping mechanism. Along with hanging out with friends, instead of working 24/7, I also started doing new things such as yoga and going to therapy. I even did my first acting opportunity. I spent over a month being a stand-in for “Dewey” for a show filmed in Memphis called Young Rock. I even did background work for season 3, episode 1 of the show. This was such an amazing experience and pushed me further to pursue things in the acting field.
My following grew tremendously on TikTok and Instagram, which then gave me the motivation to continue to put myself out there with hopes of one day getting noticed by the RIGHT people. I started to learn more about fitness, the body, and working out. I don’t want to compete, but I have an ultimate goal for my body and goals to reach while working out. I wouldn’t mind being an influencer and sharing these things with others. The gym was my getaway. During my struggles, I HAD to work out because it had helped me through so much now it is a HUGE interest of mine. Through it, I’ve met some amazing and hopefully lifelong friends, and seen growth in myself and my physical being. I now would like to use my platforms to showcase that.
In 2023, I have been living, flourishing, and healing. I’m writing music, working out, learning how to do monologues, and just simply having fun, not stressing, getting to my bag, and loving myself. FINALLY. I’ve been accepted back into CBU for their Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling. Why this? Mental health is becoming a huge part of the world, well it already has been, but the negatives of it are at an all-time high right now. It has been said that we have had more mass shootings than days in the year. During my struggles, I faced major suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, fear, uncontrollable anger… My therapy helped but even my therapist needed help. I learned to heal on my own by journaling, singing, and doing things to keep me stable. But now I’m ready to learn how I can help others genuinely. There is a huge need for more counselors and therapists who will go above and beyond to help these people before they get to the point of suicide, murder, etc.
The world can’t change if there aren’t people willing to help change it. So CBU, I’m ready, WORLD, I being READY. Now I’m on my path of success, happiness, healthy relationships, stability, change, and peace, I don’t regret anything I’ve been through. I’m one of God’s STRONGEST SOLDIERS. He allowed me to triumph and be able to tell my story, and I hope I can tell it more deeply one day. Maybe even through a book. Without him, I am nothing. His plan is what I want and I had to go through hell and high water, lose many things, cry and cry. But despite my thoughts of the past and how much it hurts, I’m genuinely happy where I am now. And that was just God’s PLAN! “I live for GOD in which he lives in me” – Brooke Johnson, Gym & Social Media Influencer. Inspirer. Soldier. Woman of GOD.
#blessedNOTlucky.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has most definitely NOT been a smooth road.
I’ve suffered through things such as homelessness multiple times. Anxiety and depression. Suicidal thoughts.
Betrayal from loved ones. Loss of loved ones. Failure. Self-sabotage. The feeling of defeat and unworthiness. Lack of maturity.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work as a cashier and occasional supervisor at Kroger and have been with the company since 2017. This is my actual job while I complete my studies.
Apart from that, I am a content creator and social media influencer. I get paid to make reels, promote businesses’ brands and products, do special promotions, and also make content based on my interests.
I specialize in customer service, knowing how to work point-of-sales systems and self-checkouts. I also specialize in training and leading groups of individuals.
I have skills of –
Video and picture editing
Marketing skills
Journaling & Writing
Organizational Skills
Writing Music
Conflict Resolution
I am most proud of how all-around and outspoken I am. I am low-key but also able to shine bright. When I speak, I spent fluently and confidently. I also exude positive energy and radiance. When I walk into a room, you will know it’s me. And my mood and emotions are what set me apart along with my other attributes because I can’t fake anything about myself. When you see me, you’ll know it’s me. And that’s CONFIDENCE. Something I didn’t always have.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I am a living testimony and I am willing to share my story to whoever wants to hear it. I want it to empower others, and let them know that they aren’t alone.
We all go through things. And no pain is greater than others. I want to help and let others know that if I got through it, they can too!
Pricing:
- Product Promotions – Free w product or $50 per post
- Collaboration – Free w product
- Partnership – Base pay/negotiable w free products
- Speaking Events – $75/HR
- Performance, video editing, etc – $50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/BrookeAlexia
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/brookealexia_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-johnson-29a76b223
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexiaj___/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@brookealexiaj
Image Credits
Kalon Braxton Desmond and Brown Braxton Smith
