We recently connected with Briana Maia and have shared our conversation below.
Briana, 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.
I like to say that my purpose found me. I ran away from it for a LONG TIME. Growing up the daughter of a father who had a very successful career as a singer, I was set on creating my own path. The unspoken pressure to live up to his artistry, to carry on my family’s musical legacy, was TERRIFYING to me. Still, I knew in my core that I was meant to perform.
At age 14, I found myself studying theatre – eventually graduating from UCONN with a BFA in Acting. But no matter how hard I chased theatre, music continued to chase me. After being considered for a superstar girl group for Kelly Rowland’s BET docuseries, “Chasing Destiny,” and soon after having the opportunity to pitch songs at the legendary Roc Nation, I knew it was time to embrace my own destiny. I felt like God was giving me glimpses of what “could be” if I would just accept this beautiful and MASSIVE part of me – my purpose. I’m so glad I did.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a singer/songwriter/actress. And although it requires me to wear many hats, it feels really cool to be able to walk confidently in these three lanes. I think what makes me stand out as an artist is that I am a generous & genuine performer. Because I started in theatre, I recognized early on what a special gift it is to be able to be a storyteller. When I perform, it is never about me or for me, it is to make the audience feel something. Now, I use my acting background to tell stories through song & lyrics.
Up next, I’m doing my first ever Unplugged show, performing my original music with a band for the first time ever! It feels really monumental to finally be able to merge the recording artist with the performing artist. The show is Sunday November 12 in Hartford, CT. All proceeds go towards Destination Tomorrow Org to help provide clothing and empowerment for LGBTQ+ youth in New York City experiencing homelessness. Buy tickets today at: https://www.crowdmgmt.com/events
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My best advice for anyone who is early in their journey is to be brave enough to start over. be brave enough to fail. be brave enough to share your ideas. My journey started to shift and elevate when I let go of what I thought everything should look and feel like. Nothing comes from settling or keeping your ideas to yourself. Shine on!!!!
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Ignite Your Light by Jolene Hart I can’t talk about this book enough. I think I bought it for 5 different people – it was that life changing for me.
It helped me learn how to nurture my inner light so that I could allow it to genuinely and confidently exist and shine. As an artist, I think it’s so valuable to understand the role your specific light plays in your work. That book provided me with tangible tools to be what the author describes as “lit from within.”
Contact Info:
- Website: brianamaia.com
- Instagram: @brianamaiaofficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnVf_lHxyvWYYFv8WsZiKiQ
Image Credits
Gerald Lovelace Jahi Walton
