Hellllooooo everyone! Our special Get To Know guest today is the lovely Brandi from Why Not DIY? Brandi is the mother of a baby boy and also the mother two step-children! Brandi lives in Detroit and absolutely loves DIY projects! Let’s get to know Brandi a little bit better.

The Basics:

Name: Brandi Daniel
Nickname(s): Beez, BeBe, Antli
Occupation: Compensation Analyst
Nationality: Black/African-American
Country Currently Living In:  USA

Let’s Get a Little Personal:

Favorites:

Favorite time of day?
After my son has gone to sleep and I have some alone time
Favorite season?
Fall, love some nice boots and sweaters
Favorite vacation you have taken?
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Favorite go to snack?
Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies
Favorite DIY project you’ve shared?
I think My Highlighting and Countering Journey has been my favorite so far. I have so many more planned, I’m just starting out.

Simple Questions:

When did you start blogging?
I started blogging  a mere three weeks ago, May 17th was my first published post. Baby blogger
Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging as a hobby. I have been doing so much for my children and husband, working in a very analytical job, I wanted to find a creative outlet. I love to DIY and watch DIY videos, I said to myself, “I can do that”. This has not been my first attempt at blogging. I tried other topics and earlier times in my life but I didn’t continue after posting my first post. Each time I think I have psyched myself out about putting myself out there, being vulnerable. This time I resolved to wash away those fears and insecurities.  (Did I over answer your question lol)
Do you have a blogging schedule?
Currently, I do not. I blog whenever the mood strikes. Plus, I want to build up my content sense my blog is so new.
What kind of DIY projects do you enjoy most?
This is a tough one, I really enjoy doing fashion DIYs, such as a cute upcycle. I sometime sew so like to incorporate that as well. But I also really enjoy a home décor DIY as well. I am in the process of redoing my kitchen (blog post coming soon once its complete).
How did you come up with your blog name?
I knew I wanted it to be a DIY specific blog and I wanted something that was not too specific, like beauty DIY or décor DIY. I also wanted it to be something that would be encouraging to other to get out and try their own DIY projects.To be honest something just popped in my head (cliché I know), why not do it yourself??? And the rest is what they call history!
Do you ever get frustrated when doing a project?
HA! All the time!!!! I often times get down on myself when I make mistakes or something doesn’t come out the way I thought (see my last post on The Ugly Side of DIY). I mentioned it was doing my kitchen, I used a paint sprayer for the first time. I had no ideas it would get ALL over the place. I mistakenly sprayed appliances, my husband’s gym bag and its content, and his boots. I felt horrible but instead of throwing in the towel, I pressed through it. I put away the sprayer and picked up the roller, moved the gym bag, and I had to secretly pay to get his boots fixed.
Aside from DIY projects, what are your hobbies?
I like to cook but I think at this point it’s no longer a hobby as much as it a job lol. I love photography and videography, something that I intend to use for the blog and YouTube channel. One of my favorite passtimes is TV!!! I love to watch shows and movies. I haven’t had a lot time to binge watch like I used to since I’ve had my son.

Let’s Get A Deeper Connection:

What advice would you give your younger self?
Oh MY! I don’t think I have enough time for this question lol. I would tell little Brandi to do better in school. I went to a very good school filled with very smart students but I completely did the bare minimum. I would tell her that the bare minimum is for suckas! I would then tell her to find her passion and pursue it within reason. I am a person who looks for stability so going to school and getting a degree is a must. However, try to get your education is something that you love not just something that will make you money. Lastly, I would tell her don’t be afraid to make mistakes but learn from them and try not to make the same ones twice.
What advice would you give the younger generation?
Man these are tough ones. To lose the sense of entitlement. Nothing is owed to you. You will have to work and earn everything that you deserve and want. It may be a little easier with some of the advancements in today’s world but you will have to work.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Cliché again but that would be my son! He is absolutely the best thing that I’ve ever made. Other than him it’s hard to say. I don’t feel like I’ve accomplished a WHOLE lot or anything interesting. Ask me again in 10 years…
How do you handle rough times or failure?
Not well!! I really beat myself up about the slightest things. I often shut down and/or block the issue out until it manifest it other ways. I have learned that journaling and doing hobbies help me out a lot. Oh that reminds me, that’s one of the reasons I started this journey. I was going through some stuff in my personal life and needed an outlet. It really has help me out immensely.
What are your goals?
My goal as a blogger is to gain engaged follower and add something to someone’s life through DIY project. My goal as a person is to never stop growing while still being content with the current me if that makes any sense. It’s kind of oxymoronic, but here’s the thinking: One must be content with no matter where they are in life. This is from the Bible! But there is nothing wrong for striving for greatness.
How do you positively impact the world?
I’m not quite sure at the current moment. I am working towards that now. Oh wait…I mentor young girls, so that’s positive, right. 😀
I’m not sure why, but this specific interview with Brandi made me feel kind of fuzzy and warm inside. I felt like I was really getting to know Brandi, I felt as though she was being completely honest and raw. I felt as though I was getting to learn so much about her that I practically knew her for ages!

Brandi, thank you so much for doing this interview. Thank you for sharing your advice, your struggles and your passion for what you love. I think everyone and I mean everyone should go on over to Brandi’s blog and give her a massive follow! Check out her projects, check out her great personality!

 

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