We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandi Neal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandi, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. But I knew the woman I wanted to become.” _ Diane Von Furstenberg. You know sometimes it feels like I’m all over the place or I’m doing too many different things, but I’ve learned it’s because I’m more driven by purpose than I am driven by doing this or doing that. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In honor of July being Fibroid Awareness Month, I want to talk all about my advocacy efforts. I currently serve as the Vice-Chair for The White Dress Project. The White Dress Project is an organization dedicated to raising funds for research and awareness for uterine fibroids in hopes that women with fibroids will be empowered and will no longer have to suffer in silence. The mission and vision of The White Dress Project is to galvanize support and promote national awareness about the fibroid epidemic among women domestically and globally through education, research, and advocacy. I’m very proud of the work I’ve done in Houston through Taboo Talk and very proud of the national presence we have in the Fibroid Fight. I am mostly proud of the women that tell us they have found the strength to share their story based on hearing our stories. When it comes to chronic illness — you often feel very much alone. Anytime someone says they can relate or that they are so glad I’m sharing my doctors or remedies, it makes me smile. Also, last year after hearing of the Acessa Procedure I was able to talk my doctor into learning more about the procedure and getting trained to learn the procedure. Since then, she performed it on me and some of her other patients. Now, I’ve become and Brand Ambassador for Acessa and I’ve been able to help more women by sharing my story. Dealing with something going on in your body that you can’t seem to control is never easy. I feel like I’ve told my story a million times, but there is still some shame associated with it. Honestly, each time I tell my story, I feel braver and I’m able to tell a little more… so no it’s not easy, but knowing that I’ve helped other women helps me. I know dealing with health issues can feel very isolating so even if it’s not fibroids but something else, I encourage everyone to find some type of support group. You don’t have to go through any of this alone.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a good question…We’d get a suite at Marriott Marquis for the central location and the pool. Try to catch a game, since we have Texans, Rockets, Astros and Dynamo – one of the teams should be in season (darn Covid-19). Since we all know Houston has the best food spots in the world – we’d spend a lot of time eating. Taste Bar + Kitchen would be my first stop! (please make reservations) – Taco Los Gemelos (cause Taco Tuesday) – The Greasy Spoon (everything on the menu is delicious) – Plush (the wings and the drinks) – Taste of Texas (will always be my favorite steak house) – Prospect Park (good food and drinks) – La Luncha – Ouzo Bay – Weights + Measures. You can’t go wrong bar hopping in: Third Ward, Midtown or Washington, depending on how you’re feeling that day. Sunday Funday Spots: Axis & Alibi, Seaside, Revolver, Alley Kat, The Spot, Chapman & Kirby — it just depends on what vibe you’re on. You want to have a good time in Houston — hit up @hollywoodpeeda on IG, he can point you in the right direction!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people I want to shoutout. I have to first start with my parents, Frank Neal & Sharon Phillips who support me in everything I do, even if they aren’t sure exactly what I’m doing. I have to thank my tribe, Whitley Dorsett, Monica Lewis, Brandi Bowie, Brittani Neal, Sade Neal, Diona Starks, Tenetria Williams, Valencia Spencer, Ashley Mallett and Verda Carr, for always being there for me and pushing me even when I want to give up. I have to thank Monica Jones for encouraging me to tell my story and introducing me to The White Dress Project. I’d also like to thank Tanika Gray Valburn for allowing me to be a part of her amazing organization. I honestly am grateful for anyone that has ever shown me support.

Website: thewhitedressproject.org
Instagram: @bmneal / @wecanwearwhite
Linkedin: Brandi Neal
Twitter: @bmneal
Facebook: The White Dress Project