Author: The Event Community
Date: Aug 24th 2023
Image Credit: The Event Community
Black Business Month: What Will it Bri
Image Credit: The Event Community
August is celebrated as National Black Business Month!
Black Business Month is a reminder to celebrate the innovation, resilience, and remarkable contributions of Black entrepreneurs and businesses, all while empowering equality and diversity!
We're all about embracing the entrepreneurial spirit, so we're shining a spotlight on an amazing businesswoman, Brianna Palacio-Weidner, the Event Stylist of What will it Bri LLC, based in Temple City, CA.
Throughout this Q&A, we’ll delve deeper into Bri’s personal and professional backgrounds, explore her experience in navigating setbacks, and gain insights into her perspective on community and collaboration as a Black entrepreneur in the events industry.
Bri, let’s give readers a short introduction about you, your business ‘What will it Bri LLC’ and the services that you offer.
Hi, my name is Brianna; most people call me Bri! I started 'What will it Bri' a few years ago and took it seriously about 2 years ago. I quit my 9-to-5 job in the medical field in June 2021 and have been doing balloon/event styling full-time ever since. I specialize in balloon styling and custom backdrops. The balloon method I prefer and use is the “luxury” style, which means balloons look neat and have a pattern. We offer full event styling as well.
Photo By: What will it Bri LLC
Bri, Can you share the journey of how you started your business, What will it Bri LLC? What inspired you to take this path?
My little sister (Olivia), siblings, and parents inspired me to create 'What will it Bri.' I was always the planner and decorator in the family for our get-togethers. My little sister had a 13th birthday party coming up, which was SUPER last minute, leaving me to do extra work! I ended up doing everything and was so happy with the outcome - keep in mind I had no experience, haha! This event sparked so much creativity & joy. I found my passion that day and have been creating ever since.
Starting any small business is challenging. What is the most difficult thing you have had to face as a small business owner? (Optional: Were there any unique challenges you have faced as a Black entrepreneur and how did you overcome these challenges?)
All small businesses have their challenges. One of the most challenging things for me was actually becoming an LLC; I had no clue what I was doing and I kept going back and forth on the idea for a while. Making sure my business is legit was my main goal, and I am so happy I got it done. I also struggled at first with creating the perfect clientele. I remember starting off with such low-paying jobs that I wouldn’t even break even…I learned to value myself and my work, and after learning how much others were charging, I decided to price differently and not book anything lower than my minimum, NO EXCEPTIONS! This created the clientele I now have.
Photo By: What will it Bri LLC
During Black Business Month, we're celebrating and supporting Black-owned businesses. What do you hope this spotlight brings to your business and others like yours?
I’m hoping to be an example to other Black-owned businesses, letting them know they can do it too! We all start somewhere. I hope my Instagram feed displays my growth over the past 5 years. I also love connecting with new friendors and people in this industry.
Photo By: What will it Bri LLC
What advice would you give to other aspiring Black entrepreneurs who are looking to break into the events industry?
I would say give it your ALL. Sometimes we get discouraged starting out seeing other people’s work and comparing ourselves, NEVER compare your day 1 to someone else’s day 1,000! Being original and different is a huge plus as well.
Are there any exciting upcoming projects, expansions, or collaborations that you'd like to share with our audience?
I recently started doing full-on event planning and coordination. I booked an event last month and we are so excited to be fully planning it. It is a butterfly-themed Sweet 16 with some very unique colors I haven’t seen done before with a butterfly theme. Adding full event planning has also expanded our friendor list. We love being able to book and keep our fellow friendors busy!
Photo By: What will it Bri LLC
Collaboration and community often play a significant role in Black entrepreneurship. Could you share some experiences where collaboration has benefited your business?
I totally agree that collaboration with fellow vendors has played a significant role in my business. Collaboration has given me both experience and exposure in this industry, ultimately resulting in more bookings and clients!
Photo By: What will it Bri LLC
Would you like to shout out your team, friends, family, or other friendors who have helped you personally or professionally? Shout them out and write them a message of gratitude!
I would love to give a shoutout to my supportive family & friends. Without them, 'What will it Bri' would not be possible! I also want to give a shoutout to all my friends in this industry. I have been lucky to have such a sweet & kind community around me.
We extend our warmest gratitude to Bri for sharing her story with us during our Q&A session for National Black Business Month. Your experiences and thoughtful advice have left a lasting impact on Black entrepreneurs and businesses everywhere. It's been a privilege to learn from you and present your story to our readers.