Photo By: Aaron Lee Craig
Hi Loves❤️

As I stated in my feature a few weeks back… Nothing lights me up more, than sharing the wisdom and success of these amazing women on my many platforms.  Not just that, coming together as a collective to celebrate their fearless spirit. There is something very power that happens when we join together as a unit to encourage one another toward greater & deeper accomplishments. 

Over the years as I navigated through my own journey of self discovery. One of the most important and meaningful things I have had, is my tribe of supportive women.  These women have helped me tremendously to move into my true authentic self with strength, courage and unstoppable power. Therefore, I continue to make that an essential part of my life, programs and my many platforms that I created.

One of my mottos is: “Let’s come together and help others build epic empires one step at a time!”

Next up, is one of my favs Brynn Elliott Watkins @brynnelliottwatkins and she has impeccable taste in all things and an eye for style. She is a stylist and travel guru, turned clothing designer, based out of New York City🗽 Her passion is to help people explore the most exotic parts of the globe all while looking and feeling their best. Believe me, she does just that🌎🌵🗽🚕⛱🏝

She has worked in corporate fashion for a while, but never felt like it was where she was supposed to be!  I know all about that because I did the exact same for years! It took a tragedy in my family for me to finally make the move from corporate to starting my own business.  You just you know deep on the inside when you are suppose to leave something behind that no longer is serving you even if it is “The Corporate World Dynamic!”

In 2013, Brynn took the leap and started her own styling business. Best decision she ever made and then she had the opportunity to met the most beautiful people along the way. Soon afterwards, She was flattered when  @vanityfair Vanity Fair awarded her “Internationally Best Dressed” and featured her in their magazine.

Over the years, She has been able to expand her travels and partnerships worldwide, reaching everywhere from Morocco, to Iceland, to The Maldives, and far far beyond. 🗺🗿🗼🏰⛲️ You can also find tidbits about her through features on @refinery29 , @forbes , Vanity Fair, @instylemagazine , @dominomag , @mydomaine , E! @eonlineasia , @nylonmag , and many more. She’s also had the pleasure of collaborating with brands such as @amazon @samsungus , @giorgioarmani , @neimanmarcus , Wendy’s, @voguemagazine , @madewell @kitchenaidusa , South African Tourism, @fodorstravel and @anthropologie … just to name a few.

One of Brynn’s favorite quotes,

“Kindness is a language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see”-Mark Twain

Years ago I stumbled upon Brynn’s Blog | Being Elliott

www.beingelliott.com and loved her style that she shared from all over the world.

Then in 2018 Brynn and I connected and I interviewed her. Since our interview, Brynn and her husband have welcomed a precious little girl into the world.

Watching them grow together as a unit is so inspiring!!!!

She aways dreamed of designing her own brand of luxury women’s wear, and that is now coming to a reality. Watching this project of hers grow has been so fascinating💙

I am so honored to have her in my upcoming book, “Empowered Women that Empower Women- Vol 1″📚

I appreciate you so much Brynn for sharing your story with me and going into great depth about your journey. Thank you for joining me in my journey and being apart of my book project 📚🎙💛

I love and adore you beautiful🥰

Brynn Elliott Watkins
Founder + Designer Elliott Shop

Featured Entrepreneur: Brynn Elliott Watkins – Founder + Designer @elliottshop // Wardrobe Stylist + Mom & Hair Florals Enthusiast
Soon to Come:✨elliottshop.com

Interviewed by: Anna Svetlik De La Rosa 

Episode # 52

Date: 2/14/2021

Q1.   What did you want to be growing up?

When I was very little, I wanted to be a marine biologist or an explorer.  As a child, I explored a country cabin complete with woods and a spring-fed river.  I also combed the shores of my grandparents’ Florida home. Who wouldn’t want to continue that adventure? 

Q2. Tell us all about your love for writing?

I love to share my story. It’s not always perfect. I want to be true and help people relate. My writing reflects wrinkles, cellulite, and definitely some breakouts!  I think sharing struggles helps my writing. This creates connection.  I like using writing as a way to connect, even through flaws! 

As far as the blog goes, if I can just make people feel they aren’t alone or help them smile, all the hard work is worth it. 

Q3.  What do you think are the three biggest mistakes women make when it comes to achieving their goals?

Number one is Comparison. Comparison robs us of creativity. I really think this is the biggest and most important mistake to focus on. 

We need to put on blinders as women. Don’t get caught in the comparison tornado. There will always be someone more successful, beautiful or who seems to have money coming out of their ears, but you do NOT know the story behind the image.  Everyone has problems.

Each one of us is unique. We need to do the things we’ve always dreamed about doing without comparing our work to others.  

I suggest you move toward your goal in your own wonderful way! 

Q4.  What is your favorite quote?

“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.” 

― Fred Rogers (a.k.a Mr. Rogers)

Q5.  Do you have a morning ritual?

I’d like to say I jump out of bed at 6 a.m. and drink my hot water with lemon promptly…but let’s just say it doesn’t always work out that way (haha).

In reality, I try to take a quiet moment in the morning, whether it’s for prayer, meditation, writing, reading or browsing for a look which inspires. Pausing before plunging into my day really helps me start off right. 

Q6. Do you have a secret to your amazing look and what motivates you?

I like to mix high and low end clothing. I grew up on a farm in a small town in Illinois. I didn’t have money to buy “ fancy clothes,” so I’d go on the hunt in my local thrift stores. I have a huge love affair with thrifting and searching for vintage finds even to this day. 

For example, when I won Vanity Fair’s International Best Dressed Contest, one of the photos I submitted pictured me in a $3 shirt from Goodwill! I love the hunt for the perfect, unique item. Besides being thrifty, recycling clothing is good for the environment! 

Q7.  Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming successful?  To what do you most attribute your success?

I’ll try anything. Sure I’m scared of failing. I often have a voice in my head screaming I can’t do it, but I still have this drive in me to try. 

I attribute my success to my family and God. I was raised by parents who showed me the true meaning of hard work. My father worked tirelessly to make his company successful and to provide experiences for his children. My mother was always a force to be reckoned with. She’s a singer, speaker and writer. She worked in the early days of health care marketing, doing a lot of performing and free-lance writing on the side. She also volunteered a LOT. She taught me to never watch another person work without offering to help and she taught me to be “no-fuss”. 

Q8.  As a Beautiful women wearing many hats, how do you handle workload stress?

I don’t always handle stress well. Believe me, I’ve had my fair share of breakdowns, blow-ups, and cries. Sharing my stress or struggles with people close to me (or sometimes readers on my blog) really helps me cope in tough situations. 

It’s also important to keep in mind none of us will ever have it all together. There will always be tough times in life, even when things seem perfect. I’ve found  realizing there’s something bigger controlling what’s going on, helps. For me, faith in God helps me know I can get through hard times.

Q9.  If you could talk to one woman from history, who would it be and why?

Mary, the mother of Jesus. I am so curious about her. She was so brave and faithful. I’d honestly have so many questions in my head, but I’d be speechless in the moment. I’d ask her what it was like to be near Jesus. My relationship with Jesus is extremely important to my life which is why this encounter would be so phenomenal. 

Q10.  Please share with our tribe of Women, one piece of advice you have received which has helped you throughout your journey & continues to help you?

I was taught to dream big from when I was a little girl. No dream was too small or too big for me. I dreamed of moving to New York City when I was 10 years old. With a lot of hard work, many disappointments and the ultimate support of my friends and family, it happened. 

Dreams don’t come true without fear. Fear is the pinnacle of stepping off into a dream. If you face the fear head on, you’ll never be sorry. 

I have a deep feeling the desires in our hearts as children are there for a reason. Those little dreams are so worth fighting for. Sure, you’ll be met with naysayers and adversity, but remember: nothing great is ever accomplished without feeling a little uncomfortable. 

As with everything, I am always chasing beautiful things, whether it be dreams, stories, or travel. I just try to keep it exciting.

Go sign up for updates on the stunning styles that will be available for purchase soon on ✨elliottshop.com

Also you can follow Brynn’s additional social media platforms below: Instagram/ Facebook/ Twitter/ Pinterest @aaronleecraig