Meet Bria Lauren | Artist, Cultural Worker & Visionary

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

Hi Bria, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
“Happy” gives the illusion that there is a destination to arrive at. What brings me joy are mid-afternoon bubble baths, feeling the sun on my head in the mornings, dancing in the mirror, and spending time with my family, Titi babies, and friends who feel like home.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I picked up a camera in undergraduate school at Texas Southern University in 2015. I was heavily inspired by Humans of New York, and I dreamed of walking around Third Ward, Houston interviewing people I grew up with. The rest is honestly history. I had one mission: to make the unseen seen and the unheard heard. Being 1/2 of the htxpplproject collective for 5 years (2015-2020) changed my life and helped me discover my voice. The journey hasn’t been easy. Nothing in life is easy when you don’t know who you are, but my creative practice and inner children have been my spiritual guides, friends, healers, and teachers. Even when I am the most critical of myself, I now have tangible experiences to look at to remind me that I’m living with a purpose — and for that alone, I’m forever grateful. I’m most proud of my collaborative work with Black women from the South by creating space to memorialize our narratives, culture, and spirit. I’m also proud of the opportunity to have a history of doing creative work that I love with good people. Every win I’ve experienced as a working artist and community organizer was made possible with the support of someone who saw and believed in me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
#1 spot to hit for breakfast: Breakfast Klub. I saw Beyoncè here once when I was younger and the long line outside is a Black down South experience in itself.
#2 We’re visiting BIPOC owned/led spaces: Art is Bond Art Gallery, WonderLikeWander, Emancipation Park (we can low-key park here and have an entire day in Third Ward)
#3 Cockrell Butterfly Center
#4 & We are fa’ sho pulling up to a Soul Control function

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I lovingly shout out my ancestors, known and unknown, my beloved mama Rhonda Harrison—Davis, father Lawrence Ellis Wideman, and my chosen family and community, who hold me up in their love, support, prayers, and care.

Website: https://Www.theblauren.com

Instagram: @GoldWasMadeFaHer

Image Credits
First picture in all white: Photo courtesy of: Troy Ezequiel