Today we’d like to introduce you to Brilann Coleman
Hi Brilann, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Brilann Coleman’s journey is of determination, passion, and a commitment to making a difference. It all began in 2012 when she was recognized as the Juneteenth Kidpreneur of the Year, igniting her entrepreneurial spirit. In 2015, at just 15 years old, Brilann founded the BSOY Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and minorities through entrepreneurship, performing arts, gender equality, community development, and economic revitalization.
Her dedication and hard work were acknowledged when she received the intern award from ALSAC St. Jude in 2015. The following year, she earned a Certification in Music Business from Belhaven University, showcasing her diverse interests and talents. In 2018, Brilann graduated high school as valedictorian, earning a certification in Mental Illness and Health Psychology, further highlighting her academic excellence and commitment to mental health awareness. That same year, she was honored with the Rotary International Hero Award for her outstanding contributions to the community. Brilann’s talents and drive caught the eye of major brands, leading to her appearance in an AT&T Revolt commercial in 2019.
In 2021, she graduated from Southwest with an Associate’s degree in Sociology and was inducted into the Honors Society. Her academic journey continued as she pursued her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Memphis. Brilann’s passion for advocacy also led her to found Narcolepsy Unveiled, a grassroots movement dedicated to raising awareness about narcolepsy, a condition she lives with.
In 2024, she was featured in commercials for Adidas, Athlete’s Foot, and Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash, further establishing her as a prominent figure in the community and the media. Brilann became the first and only Miss Black Frayser to compete in the Miss Black Tennessee and Miss Black USA pageants, representing her community with pride and distinction.
Throughout her journey, Brilann’s unwavering dedication to her community, her advocacy for mental health and narcolepsy awareness, and her entrepreneurial spirit have driven her success. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and the impact one individual can make.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Brilann Coleman’s journey has certainly not been smooth; it’s been filled with challenges and obstacles that have shaped her resilience and determination. One of the significant struggles she faced was managing her diagnosis of type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy. Living with a chronic sleep disorder has posed daily challenges, including frequent narcoleptic episodes that have impacted her ability to work and perform everyday tasks. This condition required her to advocate for herself and others, leading to the creation of Narcolepsy Unveiled to raise awareness and support those affected by narcolepsy.
Another major hurdle was balancing her academic pursuits, philanthropic efforts, and personal health. As a high school valedictorian and later a university student, maintaining academic excellence while leading the BSOY Foundation and dealing with her health condition demanded immense dedication and time management skills. The pressure to excel in multiple areas often felt overwhelming, but Brilann’s passion for her causes motivated her.
Starting a non-profit organization at a young age also came with its own set of challenges. Gaining credibility, securing funding, and managing the operational aspects of the BSOY Foundation required significant effort and learning. Despite these challenges, Brilann’s commitment to empowering youth and minorities through entrepreneurship and community development drove her to overcome these obstacles.
Additionally, as the first and only Miss Black Frayser to compete in the Miss Black Tennessee and Miss Black USA pageants, Brilann faced the pressure of representing her community on a larger stage. The responsibility of breaking new ground in these pageants came with heightened scrutiny and expectations, but she embraced this role gracefully and determinedly. Through these struggles, Brilann has demonstrated remarkable resilience and a steadfast commitment to her goals. Each challenge has strengthened her resolve and inspired her to impact her community and beyond positively.
Thanks for sharing that. So, tell us more about your work next.
Brilann is a dynamic philanthropist, entrepreneur, and advocate who has made significant strides in multiple areas.
Founder and CEO of BSOY Foundation:
Brilann is the founder and CEO of the BSOY Foundation, a non-profit organization she started in 2015. The BSOY Foundation is dedicated to empowering youth and minorities through various initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, performing arts, gender equality, community development, and economic revitalization. The foundation runs impactful programs that provide resources, mentorship, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, helping individuals realize their potential and contribute to their communities.
Advocacy for Narcolepsy Awareness:
Diagnosed with type 1 narcolepsy with cataplexy, Brilann is a passionate advocate for narcolepsy awareness. She founded Narcolepsy Unveiled, a grassroots movement to raise awareness and advocate for those affected by this often misunderstood condition. Through this initiative, she works to educate the public, break down stigmas, and support individuals living with narcolepsy.
Academic and Professional Achievements:
Brilann’s academic journey is marked by excellence. She graduated high school as valedictorian and earned certifications in Music Business and Mental Illness and Health Psychology. She continued her education by graduating with an Associate’s degree in Sociology from Southwest, where she was also a member of the Honors Society. She is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Memphis.
Media Presence:
Brilann’s talents and advocacy have also brought her into the spotlight. At just 16, she has appeared in commercials for major brands like AT&T Revolt, Adidas, Athlete’s Foot, and Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash, further establishing her as a prominent figure and role model.
Historical Achievement in Pageantry:
In 2024, Brilann made history as the first and only Miss Black Frayser to represent in the Miss Black Tennessee and Miss Black USA pageants. Her participation in these pageants highlights her commitment to representing her community and promoting diversity and inclusion.
Proudest Accomplishment:
Among her many achievements, Brilann is most proud of the impact she has made through the BSOY Foundation. The foundation’s success in empowering youth and minorities and fostering community development is a testament to her dedication and hard work.
What Sets Her Apart:
Brilann’s unique combination of personal experience, academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering advocacy commitment sets her apart. Her ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and her dedication to making a positive impact in various spheres make her an inspirational leader and role model. Her multifaceted approach to empowering others and raising awareness about important issues defines her work and continues to drive her success.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Brilann’s favorite childhood memory is a profoundly inspiring one that reflects her early passion for entrepreneurship and community involvement. When she was just 12 years old, she was recognized as the Juneteenth Kidpreneur of the Year. This award was a proud moment for her and a pivotal one, as it marked the beginning of her journey as a young entrepreneur. Receiving this award at such a young age was a moment of immense pride and validation. It sparked her passion for business and community service, setting her on the path to founding the BSOY Foundation just a few years later. The recognition she received as a Kidpreneur fueled her determination to make a difference in her community and inspired her to pursue her dreams with unwavering dedication. This memory stands out because of the award itself and because it encapsulates the moment when Brilann realized her potential to effect change and empower others, laying the groundwork for all her future endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iambreeze.com
- Instagram: https://www.bsoyfoundation.org
