Today we’d like to introduce you to Brie Elise Turner.
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 was born to a teen mother and adopted at the age of three weeks. I am a tumor survivor who has had over 150 surgeries and has overcome many obstacles in life, including domestic violence and teen motherhood. I was told that I probably wouldn’t live to see the age of five and if I did, I wouldn’t be able to speak. I currently speak and present at conferences all over the United States, encouraging women to walk in their purpose and never settle for less than what they deserve in ANY area of their life.
By the age of 17, I was a mother of two, but I didn’t let this stop me from achieving my personal and career goals. My mother always told me that I wouldn’t be “just another statistic”. I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, a Masters of Science Degree in Public Health, and a Masters Certification in Healthcare Management. I am currently working towards my final degree, an MBA. I’ve worked tirelessly in my community with inner-city youth and I am passionate about the authentic empowerment of women. I’m the author of Glam Grace and Mercy Devotional and the Founder of the Glam, Grace & Mercy Conference.
I also have two devotionals published on the Bible App, which reaches over 500 million devices worldwide. I am also the curator of the Glam Code Prayer Calls and The Dignity Project (A project that helps homeless women get feminine hygiene products). Last but not least, I am the curator and creator of a home goods line called: Wife Of The Party Candle Co. In a nutshell, I’m a woman who loves Jesus, loves to laugh, and makes others feel absolutely amazing about themselves. When you truly get to know me, you’ll almost always leave with your love tank filled.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has never been smooth, but I use my own experiences that have turned to wisdom to help others. My husband says, “Experience is the best teacher, but wisdom helps you test out of the class.”
Some of the struggles I’ve had to experience included people simply not believing in me because they felt I was unqualified because of my past. Some people feel that because of the mistakes I’ve made, I have no place in empowering other women or encouraging people to never settle.
People tend to always bring up other people’s past mistakes. But I don’t know who that person is. I don’t live in that space anymore. I’ve never let what people say to stop me from doing anything. God gave me a platform and I plan on using it in the best way I know-how.
As you know, we’re big fans of Wife of the Party Candles Co. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Wife of the Party Candle Co. is a Black-owned and Woman-owned business that was birthed from realizing I needed to spend more time caring for myself instead of trying to be superwoman! Candle-making brings me so much joy and has truly helped with my anxiety. I’m a wife, a mother, author, entrepreneur and the list goes on and while all of those titles are nice, none of my titles define who I am as a person.
I really had to dig deep and accept that I’m more than my husband’s wife and I’m more than my children’s mom and more than my career. Many times we associate our emotional security with the titles we hold in life. I’m a passionately amazing, unique, eccentric woman and my worth is just as valid without my titles.
Wife of the Party Candle Co. is a home goods & essentials line that specializes in scented candles! We have a passion for womanhood, wifehood, sisterhood, mental wellness, humor, and homemaking. It was created with the ultra-feminine, ultra witty woman in mind. Women are often considered the “glue” that keeps everything together. We created this line to encourage self-care, self-love, freedom, laughter, inspiration, and relaxation.
So many things set Wife of the Party Candles apart from others! Many of our candle names have inside jokes and humorous descriptions and people absolutely love them! An example of some of our names includes: “He’s Probably Watching You Walk Away” – described as Peach Bellini, White Hibiscus, Cream & A Little More To Hold On To”. One of our best sellers is: “Smells Like A Fine Black Man”-described as Musk, Teakwood, Bourbon Moss, Woods & Money If You’re Lucky”.
We have a new candle launching around Mothers Day called: “Mom Life Is Hard, But At Least My Children Aren’t Ugly”. I’m really proud of my creativeness with my brand. I’ve found my niche and it’s truly a blessing to be able to craft candles and add a splash of my witty personality to them. Our candles currently come in two sizes: 8 ounces and 10 ounces. We are priced between $12-$25 and we have sales all the time!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Podcasts: Of course Ted Talks Daily, I’m inspired by the stories and experiences of other people. I also absolutely love Therapy for Black Girls, I believe every person should have a therapist. Mental Health is just as important as our physical health.
Finally, Woman Evolve Podcast by Sarah Jakes Roberts. Our passions and life stories are actually very similar, so I’m always inspired to break out of my shell and live my best life after listening to her or reading her books. Books: Bamboozled By Jesus: How God Tricked Me Into the Life of My Dreams By Yvonne Orji.
Glam, Grace, and Mercy By ME! (Brie Elise) – https://www.amazon.com/Glam-Grace-Mercy-Day-Devotional/dp/1535227486/ref=sr_1_1crid=356O85Q1YVTS2&keywords=glam+grace+and+mercy&qid=1645127236&sprefix=glam+grace+and+mercy%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-1 #customerReviews.
Lost and Found: Finding Hope in the Detours of Life by Sarah Jakes Roberts.
Woman Evolve: Break Up with Your Fears and Revolutionize Your Life by Sarah Jakes Roberts.
Pricing:
- Candles: $12.00-25.00
- Speaking Engagements: $200-$500
Contact Info:
- Email: brieanadriskill1908@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.wifeofthepartyco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wifeofthepartycandleco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WifeOfThePartyCo
- Other: https://linktr.ee/bdriskill
Image Credits
Sedrick Askew
Vera Hall
March 9, 2022 at 2:40 am
Awesome 👏🏽 so proud of you!
Katina Holland
March 9, 2022 at 3:40 am
Katina Davis Holland is the founder of Wear It Well, a nonprofit providing dignity and hope to those battling cancer and life altering events. They provide inspiration, education and motivation to men, women and children with educational programs.
Katina is the survivor of a traumatic brain injury and was told by doctors she would never work again. Her hard work and perseverance birthed Wear It Well!