In this week’s Aspiring Women Who Inspire, we meet Ivirlei Brookes, an actress and mindset mentor for creatives. Her company Mavenelle focuses on helping female creatives and entrepreneurs discover their voice and authentic brand and lifestyle. Ivirlei just went viral for a video she made providing anti-racist mindset adjustments for non-black allies who want to make a difference (nearly 6 million views to date!). She’s currently writing her first non-fiction book about shaping your own identity and removing limiting beliefs. We’re so excited to welcome this powerhouse female creative to the blog!
Please welcome Ivirlei to BLND!
Introduce yourself.
I’m Ivirlei Brookes. Actress/Business and mindset mentor for creatives.
How did you get into your industry?
I’ve been in theater since I was kid but with coaching, I was always really good at it and decided to become a dating coach. I did that for about 4 years before transitioning into working with women.
Was this always where you saw yourself?
Not exactly. I always knew I had a passion for making people believe in something but I didn’t know how that was going to manifest. I thought it might be on screen but I didn’t think it would
be as a coach.
From your experience, what are the three key factors or strategies for starting and establishing a brand?
Mindset-Believing what you want is possible for you.
Hustle-Be willing to work late nights and sacrifice a social life before you see a real profit. Things may take off easily but if not, be willing to hustle until it does.
Commit to adding value-NO matter the relationship or the opportunity, always position yourself to be valuable. Not just for leverage but to truly help others.
What’s an accomplishment you consider to be the most significant in your career so far?
I’d say landing a commercial agent when I got to LA. It pushed me into situations where I formed relationships that are some of the most important ones in my life.
What’s a failure that turned into a blessing?
Back in the day I worked really hard on creating a TV show showcasing women and various talents and the show got pulled by the production company. I felt defeated but that experience
taught me how to create content, how to be comfortable myself on camera (no acting), and also everything I needed to know about production.
Morning routine?
Wake up
Turn on tea
Guided Meditation
Stretch
Prayer
Shower
Walk the dog
Get to work
Who’s an aspiring woman who inspires you?
I’m inspired by Beyonce’ (who isn’t, but honestly, I’ve been obsessed since “No No No”)
What’s one piece of career advice you’d give a young person looking to follow in your footsteps?
Move forward. Don’t allow yourself to get stuck. Time goes by really fast and before you know it, you’ve spent 10 years at a job you hate. Don’t attach yourself to a path out of obligation. Do
what makes you happy first.
When you’re not building your business, what can we find you doing?
Binging a good show with my fiance, tending to my plants, learning aliya Janell dance routines on youtube.
Rapid Fire
Three words that describe you? Optimistic, Goofy, Resilient
Three products you can’t live without? Lip balm by Summer Fridays, Lavender Essential Oil, My iPhone 11
Dream collaboration? I’d love to work on something with Angela Basset or Jada Pinkett. As far as brands go I’d say Nike.
Trendy or classic? I‘d say a mixture of both. I get obsessed with things and then realize it’s a current trend and then I get resentful wondering how I was influenced to like certain things lol.
#1 place on your travel bucket list? Bali. I can’t wait to go there.
Go to drink order? Jalapeno margarita with pineapple
Favorite restaurant? Gelina in Venice, CA.
Where can people follow you? Instagram: @Ivirlei or @Mavenelle
