Today we’d like to introduce you to Brie Hancy.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am originally from Cranston, RI (reason for my thick accent) and graduated from Providence College in 2003. After college I moved to San Diego with 3 guys, a couple trash bags full of clothes and a drinking chess set. With no place to live and no idea what I wanted to do with my life I got a job selling miscellaneous items out of a box to pay the bills. From there I got my Real Estate License and Notary Commission and after a few years moved on to Halloween Costume Licensing and Sales. After a lively and diverse 14 years I decided I was done “working for the man” and I wanted to do something for myself. Something that I was passionate about.
The first challenge was figuring out what I was truly passionate about. I thought long and hard and kept coming back to the same three things. Food, Fitness and Fun! The second challenge was figuring out how to make money doing those things. One day a light bulb went off and Brie OCD was born. Brie OCD is a blog and YouTube channel devoted to showing people how to live a healthy lifestyle while balancing everyday life. #realtalk
However, it takes time to build a following and loyal fans. I needed something to get me out of the house and also pay the bills. So, I am also building a second business doing Notary work (focusing on Real Estate Closings). I love it because it helps me meet new people while satiating the anal/organized devil that lives inside me.
Needless to say, I am a busy little Brie (you see what I did there?) but I’m having fun! I am working more hours than I ever have BUT its for ME! I call the shots. I set my own hours. I reap the benefits of all the hours I put in. And hopefully at the end of the day I am helping someone by learning a life hack they didn’t know about, eating healthier or heck, just making someone smile with my thick RI accent and spunk! #ladyboss
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road and I would say that the toughest road is now ahead of me. Building a business is never easy but especially in this day and age when social media is king and your worth is all about how many followers and likes you have. Let’s just say it isn’t always easy to remain confident and focused. There are so many feelings of doubt that creep in almost daily. Thoughts of… what am I doing? Who wants to listen to me? Am I crazy? I literally have to remind myself on a daily basis that everyone starts somewhere and I can’t expect myself to be Rachel Hollis overnight! I constantly need to take a step back and remind myself that I am doing this for me. I am doing this to create freedom and fun in my life. I am doing this to help others.
Entrepreneurship is not a walk in the park. However, if you are doing something that you are passionate about, then it is all worth it. I tell people all the time, to write down what they are passionate about and find a way to make money doing that. Research, talk to people and see all the endless opportunities that are out there. When you figure out what you want to do… be relentless. Keep going. Don’t give up. Someone needs you. Follow your passions and dreams and get after it!!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a blogger and YouTuber for Brie OCD! Brie OCD is all about that fit life! Eating healthy while drinking wine/beer and having fun! It’s all about balance. Balancing your daily life and struggles while still making healthy choices and enjoying yourself!
Brie OCD is known for keeping it real! The ability to be vulnerable isn’t always easy but I think it’s that authenticity that keeps people coming back for more. Brie OCD is relatable to so many people because it is in fact real life. Real life isn’t always sunshine and flowers (contrary to many people’s Instagram pages). It’s sunshine, sprinkled with heartbreak, sprinkled with parties, sprinkled with infertility, sprinkled with love.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Fo sho! I grew up in a family where everyone worked hard. My sister was always rearranging her bedroom furniture by herself, my mother was taking care of us and teaching, my father was the chief of the fire department and had his own electrical business, my aunt was (is) a sought after attorney. All of these things showed me that if you work hard in life you can be, do and have anything that you want. All it takes is determination and perseverance. My father always said if you want the job done right, do it yourself! That to me meant that I am capable of anything in this world. That I don’t need to depend on anyone else to get the job done. I can do it!
Contact Info:
- Website: BrieOCD.com
- Instagram: @briehancy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/brieocd
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrieOCD/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/BrieHancy/
- Email: Brie@BrieOCD.com
Image Credit:
cooking/kitchen shots – Wendy Fuentes Photography @wfuentes_photography, lifting photos – 9 for 9 media – https://www.instagram.com/9for9media/
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