Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis and BreAuna Burkhalter.
Travis and BreAuna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Our story begins with a swipe right. In 2018, Travis and I matched on a dating app but it wasn’t a complete love at first swipe situation. Though we both were interested, we had our own personal reservations, which caused a six-month waiting game before our first date. Travis was a divorcee with a one-year-old son and I myself had a serious of relationships that never grew into anything serious so we both had walls we had needed to climb. Once we finally met, we became inseparable. We both have the heart to help people and we realize how hard it is to have genuine monogamous relationships in this current culture. As we built our foundation in our relationship, we felt God wanted us to share our experiences with others.
We started a Facebook page called People of Hope, which we use to do Live Facebook videos where we discuss topics related to singleness, dating, committed relationships, familial relationships, and friendships. Little did we know that our life experiences and just having a real raw and relevant dialogue would help people of all ages as it’s had thus far. Through Facebook Live, we’ve been able to connect with people not just in our city but across the US and on Instagram now in other countries. Anytime we have the opportunity to speak or mentor a person or couple, we take the responsibility not to tell them what to do in their relationship or life but to shine a light on the beauty of their circumstances and give guidance in love for love. As we continue to grow our social media platform, we’re working on expanding to more speaking engagements and more mentoring opportunities to be an example that healthy relationships can still happen and is more than just hashtags.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When we first started, it was at a very difficult time in both our lives individually. We both unexpectedly became unemployed and were barely getting by. All we had was God and each other; however, this was the best thing that could’ve happened for our relationship and People of Hope. This time grew us personally and as a unit. We were forced to face the insecurities, hurts, and fears of our past. We learned how to clearly listen to one another and a lot of the base topics we discuss within People of Hope come from that time. The birth of People of Hope emerged in the midst of this valley where others would seem to believe that God was not with us but in reality, He had submerged us into his presence and began to pour the wisdom and knowledge for our relationship into us and the words to explain our methods to others.
People of Hope – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
People Of Hope started as a social media platform where we discuss topics in regards to all types of relationships with a foundation on Christian beliefs. We have now transitioned to not only that but also into relationship coaching and mentoring those seeking to better their experiences, not only romantically but with all interactions with people.
What sets us apart from others is we strive to keep everything we talk about real, raw, and relevant. We don’t want to take on the persona of a perfect relationship. We want to show a real relationship with all the bumps and bruises and show through not just our words but our actions of what a healthy relationship looks like. We don’t do it for fame. We do it because we believe love conquers all.
What were you like growing up?
BreAuna – Born and raised in Oklahoma, I was blessed to grow up with two loving parents who taught my younger brother and me what it means to live a life of hard work, perseverance, and humility. As a kid, I never wanted for anything, not because we had a lot, but because my parents did everything in their power to make sure we had every opportunity possible. I grew up taking dance classes as well as basketball and fell in love with both. I wasn’t the most outgoing person when it came to large crowds but put me on a stage and give me choreography and I was good to go.
The arts has always been my outlet for life. As I transitioned into adulthood, I began to connect with kids through employment opportunities and church activities and realized how much I enjoyed helping kids and people in general. As a freshman in high school, my mother and I began an outreach dance team that not only taught children that might not have been able to afford dance lessons but we also mentored them outside of classes and it’s grown into a complete dance studio called Divine Dance Academy. At the age of 28, I realize that I haven’t changed from that same girl I was at 10,16 and 20; I just have evolved. I’m not the life of the party but I love to put a smile of peoples’ faces. I’m not the first to shout out an answer but I’m always there with a listening ear and words of encouragement.
Travis – I was your typical American boy that loved to play outside until the night lights come on and hearing your mother scream your name to get inside. I had a loving home that even though we were struggling we as a family had one another. That was until June 8, 2000, when my hero older brother Cameron Williams was found washed Lake Fort Gibson ashore in Oklahoma, where he was working on the docks for a summer job. When we got that news, I was the closest family member who was told by a local police officer he was no longer with us. As a young black male, I could have gone in one or two directions that is to the streets or dive deeper in my sports and academics. Now I won’t say I was the best in school, but on a football field or basketball court, I felt just as good as the next man. I was blessed enough to have earned a scholarship to the University of Wyoming for football. Although I didn’t attain the dream of becoming an NFL player, I have learned that dreams never stop evolving.
Contact Info:
- Email: peopleofhopeokc@gmail.com
- Instagram: peopleofhopeokc
- Facebook: Travis-Bre Peopleofhope
- Twitter: peopleofhopeokc
Image Credit:
Ahleah Watts Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
