Brie Pointer shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Brie, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I start my day off getting my sweet kiddos ready for school. We eat breakfast together, prep lunch, and then walk to drop-off. Once they are handed off, I take our dogs for a walk in my neighbourhood to get grounded before I start the work day. I come home to a nice hot cup of coffee and review my work schedule, catch up on some emails before I jump into my work. I have a pretty good uninterrupted workflow in the mornings; this is when I feel most productive. I take a lunch break around noon (usually). I like to schedule client meetings or coffee meetings with my community in the afternoon. Over the years, I have recognized that I get restless after 1pm and need to either chat through projects or work with my hands. This realization in my schedule has been a total game-changer for me. It’s allowed for a more structured workflow and truly allows for me to be more productive. I try to sign out of work at around 4pm to do school pick-up, but there are some evenings where I’ll need ot finish up a couple things before I can truly check-out and be present with my family.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, hello, hello!
My name is Brie Pointer. I am a Canadian brand designer, illustrator, and artist, living and loving in Waterloo Region.
I work with clients to develop custom strategies and creative work that best represent their business goals and values. I build out the entire brand experience; a complete brand identity that is applied to print assets like business cards, brochures, packaging, etc. as well as digital products like websites, app design, social media assets; sometimes even build their in-person customer experience through placemaking to ensure that every little touchpoint aligns with, feels like, and speaks from their brand values. I love to conceptualize and create customized brands that push human connection and relationships past the transaction; they build true bonds that last.
First and foremost, I am a community-driven human. I love learning about people; their passions and aspirations, and what really makes them excited about living life. One of my neighbours calls me a ‘super connector’ and honestly, I love and take so much pride in that title. I want everyone in my community to grow and succeed. I want people to live life to the fullest and to enjoy their time together. I like to think of all of the people I meet and connect with as pieces to a spider web – I likely have 2 or 3 people who they would totally jive with and so I connect them! I am a community cheerleader. I want the best for everyone!
I host quite a few events that encourage connection and sustainable food systems throughout my region. After starting our farm, Wayward Farm, we became immersed in the local community and saw definite gaps in food accessibility and culture. We launched a farmers market in our neighbourhood, the Mary Allen Farmers Market. We ran the market for 2 seasons as volunteers. We have since paused this market to try and build a model that is more sustainable financially so that we can create this beautiful third place for our community again. Stay tuned for that! In the meantime, I still host smaller events around food and food systems, encouraging wholesome and holistic conversations about how to grow an abundance for all!
All in all, between design and events, I ensure that all of the work I do is human-driven with intention and a focus on genuine connection, confidence, and pure joy!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship between mother and daughter. For me, this bond is identified as my relationship as a daughter to my mom AND my relationship as a mother to my daughters.
This relational bond has shaped who I am to my very core. It has given the gift of self-reflection, accountability, and discipline. These bonds have taught me who I do and don’t want to be, given me space to see who I am currently, and challenged me deeply to become the person, mother, and friend, I’ve always dreamed of being.
My mom and two daughters are a piece of every fibre of who I am today. They show up through all of design, art, and community impact.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of not being enough.
Many people struggle with this.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My family & my community.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am drawing or creating with my kids. When our dogs and cats are around and we are just laughing, listening to music, and learning and exploring our creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.briepointer.ca/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briepointer/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briepointer/
- Other: https://ca.pinterest.com/briepointer/
Image Credits
Thomas Powers
Mike Burnett
Amanda Ashford
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
