We were lucky to catch up with Sebrina Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sebrina, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
1 Corinthians 13:11 states: When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. That is it. When we identify with God, He will show us our purpose. I did not initially own that purpose; however, God will keep pulling our coattail until we get it.
I have always been loquacious. I rarely meet strangers. In my early years with the United States Postal Service, I was a member of Toastmistress which became International Training in Communication (ITC). Over the 10 years with ITC, I received instruction in public speaking and the various types of speeches. ITC helped build my confidence. One thing the organization helped me to master was poise while speaking. Here is a fact: I am always nervous before speaking. I am simply better at hiding it.
Through practice, I found my purpose as an emcee and an occasional speaker. It was through coordinating events within the United States Postal Service where I settled into my love for both public speaking and coordinating events.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
“Girlfriends Tea with Sebrina” is a podcast where I interview guests on a variety of topics. “Girlfriends Tea” is my luxury tea line. Both go hand in hand. Around the globe, connections are made over talk and a beverage or meal. I have been blessed with the gift of rarely meeting a stranger and making people feel comfortable, like they already know me. In quite simple language, I am doing what you do: I provide an opportunity for people to share their story. I have covered a plethora of topics with subject matter experts in the areas of health, criminal law, cooking, hair care, child sexual abuse, football, elder law, public relations, God’s Word, etc.
What is most exciting for me is being able to give my guests a voice for my listeners. Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone has a craft and wisdom that is helpful for those seeking knowledge. What is special about it? Making guests feel warmly welcome as if we already know each other. That is what girlfriends do. That is the heart of Girlfriends Tea.
Bringing women together for inspiration, education, and connection has profound impacts on society, both in terms of individual empowerment and broader social progress. When women are educated, it plays a crucial role in shaping and improving their lives, as well as the lives of their families, communities, and countries. Before launching out for my next season, I am intentionally pausing to reflect, renew and regroup. There is strength in pausing. It helps us to see ourselves.
For me, there is no greater honor than someone trusting me with an interview. I take it seriously but not too seriously. When it is no longer fun or rewarding, it becomes a chore. I have hosted three annual Girlfriends Tea conferences and a few other events. I am reflecting on something a tad different for 2024 or 2025.
As far as something new, I will begin carrying wellness teas. Will see how the Girlfriends respond to it.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Confidentiality: In 1995, I copyrighted my poem: “For the Love of My Sister.” I wrote: “For the love of my sister, when she confides in me, I will not share the events with others. Like me, she appreciates her privacy.” Broken trust is hurtful. It is reparable but not easily restored.
Humility: Exercising humility is a quality that I learned later in life. One would think my mother’s belt would have left an imprint; it did not. I had to go through a few things. I gave my life to Christ on February 23, 1997. Before then, I did not recognize its absence but once God shed light on it, I learned how to humble myself, admit my shortcomings and apologize. Whew!
Authenticity: Your tapestry is your signature. Still today, I am more comfortable telling everyone else’s story; however, I recognize that I too have a story that others will find helpful. Besides, I paid a price…for some of those stories. Oh, the ultimate joy of laughing at ourselves and being comfortable in our own skin.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I am interested in connecting with fine dining restaurants and boutique hotels. Our tea is served in VA at River Stone Chophouse, Zinnia Cafe & Events and The Renaissance. Girlfriends Tea offers luxurious whole leaf loose tea from a manufacturer that ranks globally within the top 5%. Customer favorites are Belle of The Ball, The Other Bourbon, Unapologetically Berry and Spearmint Energy. Our pyramid tea bags are plant-based and compostable.
I would love to be a guest speaker at women’s conferences and luncheons where we chat over Girlfriends Tea’s Belle of the Ball and discuss self care. Some of my Before Christ stories are hilarious and those rearview mirror days make you say, “God, I thank you!” Would love to share my story and encourage women. Per Ecclesiastes, unto everything there is a season: A time to be silent and a time to speak. This is my season to speak. I can be reached at [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://girlfriendstea.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlfriendsteawithsebrina/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sebrina.brown.3/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebrina-brown/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GirlfriendsTeawithSebrina
- Other: https://www.girlfriendstea.net/
Image Credits
Headshot Only: Keith Cephus
