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

Hi Briana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my business was control of my time. I spent the first half of my working career in retail management. Pre-Covid, these hours were long, late, and often involved nights and weekends. I loved my career, however, I felt as much as I poured, I shouldn’t have had to negotiate days off. That lead me to wondering how I could be free and that was the thought behind starting my own business.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart in the finance industry is my ability to serve in two distinct areas, each with its own unique focus.

On one hand, as a life insurance advisor and legacy stylist, I work directly with individuals, families, and business owners to help them style iconic financial legacies that ensure financial security for their loved ones. I also partner with educators and district employees within the TRS Pension System, educating them on the retirement income gap they’ll face and providing tailored solutions such as 403(b)s, IRAs, and IULs to bridge that gap and secure their future.

I am also the founder and owner of Bleached Cleaning, a commercial cleaning company specializing in financial institutions. We proudly provide janitorial, valet trash, and general maintenance services to over 20 locations across Greater Houston and surrounding areas, including Galveston, Beaumont, and key communities in Brazoria and Harris counties.

The journey to where I am today has been far from easy. It’s required constant growth, both personally and professionally, and a deep commitment to spiritual development. Faith has been my foundation—believing in things unseen and walking forward with hope and trust when evidence was nowhere in sight. As the scripture says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” That has been my anchor throughout this journey.

Starting a business is just the beginning; sustaining it requires resilience. I’ve learned the importance of building systems, scaling effectively, hiring and firing the right people, and balancing the demands of personal life—all while maintaining the integrity of my brand so that clients trust me and want to continue doing business.

When it comes to my brand and my story, I want the world to know that I am deeply passionate about delivering the highest quality services possible. My ultimate goal is to reflect God’s love and excellence through my work, whether it’s helping families secure their futures or providing exceptional service to my commercial clients.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend is in town for a week, we’re going to pack it with fitness, food, fun, relaxation, and, most importantly, amazing vibes!

Fitness & Relaxation
We’d kick off with some fitness, exploring Houston’s scenic beauty at Memorial Park, Buffalo Bayou Park, and Hermann Park for walks or runs. For a high-energy workout, we’d head to Fenixx Fitness for their fantastic classes like boot camp, spin, bounce, and step aerobics.

For relaxation and recovery, we’d book mobile massage services with Dadria Jackson at Synergy Massage. There’s nothing better than unwinding in the comfort of home after releasing tension from our bodies.

Arts & Culture
If she’s is in the mood to explore the arts, we’d visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the African American Museum, and The Menil Collection. For live entertainment, we’d check the schedule at Hobby Center for Performing Arts to see if any must-see stage plays are showing.

Shopping
If she’s in the mood to shop, the Galleria is our first stop, with Memorial City Mall as a close second. For a more upscale, intimate shopping experience, we’d head to the River Oaks District, which also offers a great selection of restaurants.

Food & Dining
Houston’s food scene is unmatched, and we’d make the most of it. For brunch, Harry’s or Grace’s would be top picks—enough to keep us full until dinner. In the evening, we’d choose a lively spot like Drake’s Hollywood, Joey Uptown, Mastro’s, Steak 48, Willie G’s, Marmo, or another vibey location to enjoy amazing food and a great atmosphere.

Nightlife
After dinner, it’s time to hit the town. Where we’d go depends on her vibe and music preference:
– For a relaxed night with R&B and rap, we’d check out Urban Social, Faces, The Spot, 5015, or The Address.
– For a vibrant Nigerian club experience, O2 Lounge is the place to be.
– If she’s feeling upscale and loves house or EDM, we’d visit Clarkwood, Melrose, Santé, Best Regards, Heights Social, or Fancy’s.

I have a diverse group of friends, so I always make sure to keep a wide range of options to fit any mood or interest. Houston’s variety ensures every day is packed with new experiences and unforgettable memories.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my amazing village, the incredible network of people who have profoundly shaped my journey. This village includes my loving family, loyal friends, inspiring mentors, dedicated clients, reliable vendors, and supportive business partners. Each of them, in their unique way, has poured into my life, often in ways they might not even realize, and their contributions have left a lasting impact on me for the better.

Whether business is thriving or facing challenges, I can always rely on my village. They are my sounding board when life presents tough questions and my source of joy and strength in moments of laughter and tears.

My mother often quoted a line from the 1975 film Mahogany, starring Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams: “Success is nothing without someone you love to share it with.” Those words resonate deeply with me. By God’s grace, I have been blessed with an incredible group of individuals to share my successes and navigate life’s challenges.

To my village:

You deserve all the credit and recognition in my story. Without your love, encouragement, and support, my success would not be possible.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brinicoleblu?igsh=MW9wOW42OWlqMWRxMA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briana-leach-78536555/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/briana.bluford/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brianaleach1

Image Credits
Christopher Martin, Photographer, 126 Photography

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