Meet Whitney Middlebrooks

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Whitney Middlebrooks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Whitney, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from a combination of my upbringing, faith, and life experiences. I was raised by strong, resilient parents who set an example of perseverance and taught me how to navigate challenges with grace and grit. They always encouraged me to find strength in adversity and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. My faith keeps me grounded, reminding me that every obstacle is temporary and that I have the power to overcome it. As a Black woman, I know the world is often set up to see me fail, but I show up every time to prove it wrong. I have the audacity and confidence in myself to believe that I can be whoever and whatever I want to be.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m an NC-based Creative Design Strategist, with extensive experience in Graphic Design, Digital Marketing, Strategic Communication, and Project Management. I’m passionate about creating experiences that are equitable, aesthetically pleasing, and inclusive—but also resonate deeply with users and drive meaningful success.

As the founder of Black Luxe & Co., a social impact and design studio, I specialize in mission-driven projects that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion. My work spans strategic project implementation and digital solutions, always with a focus on fostering meaningful change and representation. https://www.blackluxeco.com/

One of my proudest achievements is hosting the Black Luxe Expo—a high-energy celebration of Black entrepreneurship and culture that showcases innovation, creativity, and community spirit. Through this platform, I’m committed to uplifting Black-owned businesses, enhancing economic power, and driving entrepreneurship forward. The 5th annual Black Luxe Expo was held on Saturday, September 21st, 2024, in Winston-Salem, NC- which featured 60+ black-owned businesses and organizations from North Carolina, including Virginia, South Carolina, Maryland, and Georgia. It’s an exciting time as we continue to expand the Expo’s impact and create more opportunities for the community to connect, thrive, and celebrate the beauty and brilliance of Black culture. https://www.blackluxeexpo.com/

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The first thing I’d say is to tap into your natural gifts and talents, and then find a way to make them profitable for you. If additional education or training is needed, invest in yourself and get it done! Three qualities and skills that have been most impactful for me are mastering communication, understanding your audience, and being empathetic. Learning how to communicate effectively with people is key because every project or initiative involves people—end users, stakeholders, and teams. You have to know how to listen, understand pain points, and see things from their perspective. This knowledge is crucial in order to solve problems or develop systems that truly meet their needs.

Never stop learning. The world is always evolving, and staying curious and open to growth is essential. It’s also okay to pivot and change direction. Nothing is constant, so don’t limit your options—keep them open, and don’t put all your eggs in one basket. If something doesn’t align or isn’t working, it’s okay to change, grow, take a break, reassess, and come back stronger. Remember, it’s a journey, not a race. Embrace the detours and see them as opportunities to discover new strengths and paths.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

In 2009, my dad gave me The Secret by Rhonda Byrne to read, and it was absolutely mind-blowing. It taught me the power of positive thinking and visualization, and I’ve lived by that ever since. It closely aligns with one of my favorite Bible verses, Habakkuk 2:2-3: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time… If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” That verse, combined with The Secret’s focus on visualizing and manifesting your dreams, has been a guiding principle for me.

But I’ve learned that visualizing isn’t enough—action is required. Another scripture that resonates with me is James 2:26, “Faith without works is dead.” I can dream, see myself achieving those dreams, and visualize the life I desire—but I have to do something about it. It’s about having the faith to believe in your vision, seeing yourself living it, and then putting in the work to make it happen.

Though sometimes I do get defeated when I don’t see the results I want. I’m human, and I get upset and down. But I always find a way to get back on track and stay at it. I remind myself that setbacks are just part of the process, and persistence is what ultimately leads to success. This combination of belief, vision, action, and resilience has been the foundation of my personal and professional journey.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

MGarris Photography

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