Today we’d like to introduce you to Brilann Coleman.
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’ve always been a go-getter, someone who sees a gap and works to fill it. Growing up in North Memphis, specifically Frayser, I saw firsthand the lack of resources, opportunities, and representation for youth, entrepreneurs, and creatives in my community. I knew I wanted to change that.
My journey started with community advocacy and youth development, which led me to launch the BSOY Foundation—an initiative focused on empowering young women, fostering leadership, and providing resources that help underserved communities thrive. But my work didn’t stop there.
As a public figure, entrepreneur, and artist, I’ve worn many hats. Under my artist name “iamBree-Ze”, I use music as a form of storytelling and empowerment. In business, I’ve built my brand around entrepreneurship, media/entertainment, and community impact, always looking for ways to merge creativity with purpose. My experiences in advocacy also led me to political and business partnerships, where I focus on economic development, education alternatives, and community-building efforts.
Being crowned & the self proclaimed “Miss Black Frayser” was a full-circle moment because it reaffirmed my mission—to uplift and create lasting change in my community. Today, I continue to expand my impact by collaborating with organizations, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and working on initiatives that give people, especially in Memphis, the tools to succeed.
Everything I do is rooted in representation, empowerment, and action—because when one of us wins, we all win. 💙
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?
Not at all—it’s been a journey full of challenges, lessons, and resilience.
Growing up in North Memphis, specifically Frayser, I saw firsthand how a lack of resources, opportunities, and mentorship could hold people back. I knew I wanted to change that, but stepping into entrepreneurship, advocacy, and leadership as a young, Black woman came with its own set of struggles.
One of my biggest challenges has been navigating spaces where I wasn’t always welcomed or taken seriously. Whether it was launching my own initiatives, breaking into the business world, or advocating for my community, I’ve had to constantly prove myself and fight for a seat at the table. At times, funding and support were scarce, and I had to bootstrap, build relationships, and get creative to make things happen.
Another struggle was facing resistance to change—whether from systems, people, or even self-doubt. When you’re challenging the status quo, especially in community development and education reform, not everyone is ready to embrace new solutions. There were moments when I questioned if the work I was doing was truly making an impact, but every success story, every young person I’ve mentored, and every milestone proved otherwise.
Despite the setbacks, I’ve learned to turn obstacles into opportunities. Every challenge has fueled my drive to build something bigger—whether it’s through the BSOY Foundation, my entrepreneurial ventures, or my role as Miss Black Frayser. This road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it, and I wouldn’t trade the lessons for anything.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I wear many hats, but at my core, I am a community advocate, entrepreneur, and changemaker dedicated to uplifting youth, minority entrepreneurs, and underserved communities—especially in North Memphis, where I was born and raised.
What I Do & Specialize In:
I am the Founder of the BSOY Foundation, a nonprofit that empowers young people through mentorship, leadership development, and access to resources. Through BSOY, I work to create sustainable opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
I also work as a consultant, speaker, and content creator, helping businesses, organizations, and individuals amplify their impact and build meaningful connections. As Miss Black Frayser, I use my platform to advocate for youth empowerment, education reform, and community development in Memphis.
What I’m Known For & What Sets Me Apart:
Bridging Gaps – I don’t just talk about problems; I create solutions. Whether it’s launching initiatives for youth, advocating for education reform, or connecting independent artists through BSOY’s “S.T.A.C – Support the Artist & Creatives” initiative & S.T.A.C Summit Event coming July 2025 , I focus on real, impactful change.
Multi-Industry Influence – I’m not limited to one lane. I operate in community development, music, business, media, and policy, allowing me to approach challenges from multiple angles.
Fearless Advocacy – I stand up for what’s right, even when it’s not the popular choice. Whether it’s fighting for education equity, small business funding, or women’s empowerment, I refuse to stay silent.
Authenticity & Relatability – My journey hasn’t been easy, and I’m open about that. People connect with me because they see themselves in my story—the struggles, the wins, and the relentless pursuit of success.
What I’m Most Proud Of:
One of my biggest accomplishments is seeing the direct impact of my work—whether it’s a young entrepreneur getting their first grant, a student discovering an alternative path to success, or an artist gaining recognition for their craft. Being able to create opportunities for people who were once overlooked is what fuels me every day.
At the end of the day, my mission is to break barriers, build bridges, and empower the next generation—because when one of us wins, we all win.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck—both good and bad—has played a role in my journey, but I believe that opportunity meets preparation is what truly determines success.
Good Luck:
I’ve been fortunate to meet the right people at the right time, whether it was mentors, collaborators, or supporters who believed in my vision. Some opportunities have come unexpectedly, like being invited to speak on major platforms, gaining media attention, or forming partnerships that I never saw coming. I also see being born and raised in Memphis as a form of luck—because it gave me the perspective, resilience, and drive to fight for my community and create real change.
Bad Luck:
I’ve faced roadblocks, setbacks, and unexpected challenges—from dealing with unprofessional organizations, losing funding opportunities, or struggling with gatekeepers who didn’t want to see me succeed. But every “bad luck” moment has turned into a lesson or redirection that led me to something greater.
The Bigger Picture:
I don’t rely on luck—I create my own opportunities. When doors don’t open, I build my own. When I faced setbacks in the pageant world, I took control and secured my own trademark. When I saw a lack of resources for youth and independent artists, I created my own platforms through BSOY Foundation and the S.T.A.C Summit.
At the end of the day, luck might play a small role, but hard work, resilience, and faith have been the real game-changers in my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bsoyfoundation.org and https://www.thestacsummit.com
- Linktree: https://linktr.ee/MissFrayser
