We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Britt Howell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Britt, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Thank you for having me. My entire work was built on purpose & gratitude. My beloved Sister suffered with health issues caused by obesity, for a long period of time. Shortly after turning 50 years old, my Sister had to have an emergency surgery procedure. Prior to having the surgery; the doctor informed her, she must lose weight. I had been working in the Fitness & Nutrition field for almost 20 years, therefore, she asked me for assistance. I was eager to assist my Sister. I created a program specifically designed for my Sister. The program worked and she was able to have the surgery. Unfortunately, days after having the surgery; she passed away. From that day forward, I vowed to help others live a healthier lifestyle through designing Fitness & PlantBased Nutritional Programs. I started by creating Healthy Recipes and sharing them online under the name #BrittFit50! Eventually I shortened the name to BF50 and began curating PlantBased Educational Gatherings where I prepare healthy “tasty” foods & assist others on how to grow & prepare their own food. Since 2002, In honor of my Sister; I have offered my BF50 Cleanse to online supporters. The program runs from January 17 – March 5th. Note: My Sister was born on 1/17. We laid her to rest on 3/5. She was “50” years old. Hence the name BF50 & the length of the program.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am the founder & Creative Director of BF50 Indigenous Health Initiative. With BF50 Initiative, I’ve had the opportunity to create & facilitate Multicultural, Intergenerational Panel discussions around Sustainability and Access to Food in underserved communities. I host panels on the importance of increasing visibility in underserved communities around PlantBased Education, Sustainable Food Systems & Greener Living.
BF50 organizes Community Plant-based Gatherings with Environmental Professionals, Educational & Resource Based Organizations.
We amplify the voices of Activists, Community Leaders & Cultural Artists. I take pride in highlighting both Health Wellness and Cultural Arts in Urban Communities. We curate Urban Farm Bike Tours to provide access to Organic Farms, Cultural Murals, Tree Planting, UMN Campus Tours, and Eco Friendly Cultural Community Events throughout Minneapolis.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Listen! Learn & Execute! Study your craft – Perfect it & learn from those who came before you. Do not procrastinate, nor should you be afraid to Show Up as your Full Self. Know that You are Enough!
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My Mom, Brother & Sister helped me overcome challenges and guided me to understand my value & self worth. They taught me to use my voice, stand up for myself and others. I would also add my 5th grade Teacher, Miss Moon. She saw something in me, I didn’t see in myself. She followed my progress throughout High School. When an opportunity arrived, Miss Moon contacted my Mom and shared a Scholarship opportunity for young women who’d maintained excellent grades throughout their Junior & High School years. Since I met the qualifications for the scholarship program, she was proud to recommend me for the program/competition. By recommending me for the scholarship, it inadvertently helped build my confidence, character, growth and development skills. I still apply essential skills I learned from the process of becoming a scholastic achiever to the work I do in community, today. I am forever grateful to Miss Moon and the Beta Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for creating in me a strong sense of Leadership and Development.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Brijh
- Facebook: Britt Howell
- Linkedin: Britt Howell
- Twitter: Brijh
- Youtube: Brijh
- Yelp: BF50 Indigenous Health Initiative
- Other: Pinterest.com/Brijh13 Google: Britt Howell Minneapolis
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Lupe C.
