Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianne Provenzale.
Hi Brianne, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Where do I begin? I have always been someone with many passions and a strong belief that everyone should fiercely pursue use their passions – even if they have several of them!
Growing up, I was naturally athletic, playing a multitude of different sports. Being active has always been an outlet and a refuge for me. As I got older, I began taking notice of various fitness models in the magazines I read and felt immediately inspired. They were strong, feminine, and beautiful! It wasn’t long before my bedroom walls were blanketed in pictures of these inspirational women, a daily reminder of what I would be working towards.
In 2013, I began gaining some exposure on social media as I shared my progress pictures in preparation for my upcoming tryouts for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading team. That exposure ultimately led to several brand deals and officially becoming what would later be known as a social media “influencer.” This exposure was instrumental in later years as I began my entrepreneurial journey.
Fast forward to 2018, I was an exhausted single mother, working long hours at a hospital and feeling like I was missing out on crucial years with my toddler. I didn’t feel like I was fulfilling my life’s purpose, and knew that I needed to make a change. I took a leap of faith, quit my job, and began posting workout videos on my social media accounts. I obtained my personal training certification along with a nutrition certification to ensure that I was truly in expert in my field, providing my clients with the absolute best guidance I could possibly offer. Things thankfully took off rather quickly, and before I knew it, I had a packed schedule filled with clients.
While training, I found that the majority of my clients were overly self-critical and struggling with confidence, which inspired me to write and publish my book “21 Days to Self-Love” in 2019. It is a 21-day, interactive workbook, encouraging the reader to go on a journey outside of their comfort zone and find a new-found appreciation for themselves and an improved sense of confidence. By the end of the workbook, the reader will have completed multiple tasks and taken major action towards their own self-development. Writing this book was just as much of a transformative and spiritual journey for myself as it is intended to be for the reader.
Going into 2020, most businesses were forced to adapt and modify the way they operated, and I was no exception. My training business transitioned into being 100% virtual, which, thankfully, was not necessarily a bad thing. This change allowed me more spare time where I could actually begin working on some new projects.
Between 2020 and 2021 is when my newest business venture would be born. After experimenting with some different recipes and ingredients, I created my first body butter. This would be the catalyst for what is now Meraki Beauty – an all-natural, plant-based skincare line that I own and operate. All of my products are made with meticulous and thoughtful attention. I have ensured that all the ingredients in them are not only free of toxins but genuinely contain contents that have incredible benefits for the skin.
At Meraki Beauty, my aim goes beyond delivering top-tier products. I aspire to not only offer the utmost quality but also to enlighten my customers about skin cancer and its essential facts. I am currently in the process of starting my own foundation, and once fully operational, a portion of Meraki Beauty’s profits will be donated directly to patients receiving treatment for skin cancer. After losing my grandmother to metastatic melanoma, my mother being diagnosed and treated for melanoma, and eventually my own diagnosis of and multiple treatments for melanoma, it is a cause that truly runs deep in my family. I aspire to make a significant impact on the world’s knowledge of skin cancer as well as to make a considerable contribution to those who are presently fighting it.
Within the last year, we became a family of four; with the addition of a beautiful baby girl, I have been signed to a major modeling agency based in New York City, and I am working towards scaling my business and bringing my foundation to life. With all of the blessings I’ve incurred, it has not been without tragic loss and suffering along the way. At the beginning of 2023, my family was rocked to the core by the unexpected loss of my beautiful sister – a mother of three. Her untimely passing has been inconceivable and devastating, turning all of our worlds completely upside down. In the wake of an unimaginable loss, my parents have embraced an immense responsibility with unwavering grace. After the passing of my sister, they selflessly opened their arms and hearts to her three children, stepping into a role that was unexpected and daunting. The sudden transition to parenthood for these grieving grandparents has been a testament to their strength, love, and resilience.
The loss of my sister, my closest confidante and friend, has ignited a tenacious determination within me. As I watch my parents bravely shouldering the responsibility of raising her children amid their own grief, I feel a profound sense of purpose. I am driven by a relentless commitment to ensure their well-being and happiness. In the face of this tragedy, my resolve to succeed burns brightly. I am determined to build a future not only for myself but also for my parents and my extended family. I want to provide stability, security, and love, not just for them but also for my own family. My sister’s memory fuels my ambition, reminding me every day of the importance of resilience, love, and persistent dedication to those we hold dear.
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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road! But I don’t believe any journey to success ever is. The greatest struggle, by far, has been the loss of my sister. The effects of losing her and the grief I have dealt with have provided their own sets of challenges alone. Some days, it is simply the mental hurdle of just showing up. Grief is a powerful monster, and some days it feels like all the strength in the world couldn’t overcome it. The silver lining and ultimately what keeps me going is my own two children, in addition to my niece and two nephews. Knowing that I have them all looking up to me forces me to continue showing up and really digging in deep for strength and resilience. It is one thing if you let yourself down, but when you have the hopeful and innocent eyes of children watching you, you tend to find willpower and determination you never even knew you had.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m not just a business owner; I’m a multifaceted individual, embracing roles as a published author, model, personal trainer, nutritionist, and a dedicated mother of two incredible children. Wearing these diverse hats fills my life with purpose and fulfillment. Each role allows me to delve into my passions and connect with people on different levels. As a published author, I explore creativity; as a model, I embody confidence; as a personal trainer and nutritionist, I empower others to prioritize their health. Being a social media creator lets me reach a wide audience, and through it all, being a mother grounds me with love and determination. Every interaction, every achievement, is a chance to inspire, empower, and educate. I am immensely proud of my ability to bridge gaps between various worlds, sharing my experiences, and learning from others. My work isn’t just a career; it’s a lifelong commitment to fostering connections and leaving a positive impact. I firmly believe that our potential is limitless, and I’m living proof that with passion and dedication, one can transform dreams into reality.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I hope that my story serves as a beacon of inspiration and hope for anyone reading this. Life can throw some heavy punches, but I’m living proof that regardless of the challenges or obstacles we face, we can overcome them and achieve anything we set our minds to. As you venture on your own journey, my advice is simple: stay true to who you are. Don’t ever feel the need to follow the crowd. Your uniqueness is your superpower. Embrace it. Own it. Your authenticity will light your path and make you unstoppable. Remember, you’ve got this!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.meraki.beauty | https://linktr.ee/briprov
- Instagram: Instagram.com/briprov
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Briannenicoleprovenzale
Image Credits
Taylor Nguyen
Shea Anne
