Natasha T. Brown is an author, activist and award-winning communicator. Born in Chicago, IL and raised in Prince George’s County, Maryland. If you’re a loyal OnStage reader, you will remember Natasha’s “Sophisticated Sunday” column, which published from 2012 to 2014.
Natasha founded Think Brown INK (TBI Branding) in 2009. Through TBI, she has created several community initiatives and worked with clients and partners to share their stories and increase their social impact through the implementation of philanthropic initiatives and media campaigns. Natasha is the creator of the SmileNATIONWIDE #12MonthsOfService Cause Communications community, and a 2015 “40 Under 40” honoree in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Natasha’s newest work, her book “10 Blessings of Betrayal” will be released on Valentine’s Day.
…Now, for the return of “Sophisticated Sunday” with an exclusive peak into the mind of Natasha T. Brown, a thinker, builder, lover and author:
OnStage: Tell us about “10 Blessings of Betrayal”. Why did you write it, and who is the audience it’s intended for?
I wrote 10 Blessings as a way to release the negative energy that lived in me for an entire year, following the near death of my ex-boyfriend and the subsequent intent by his attackers to frame me for the crime. Once the situation was finally resolved, I was still very angry and resentful and harbored a lot of anger, and so I woke up one day and began writing. But something incredible happened. I couldn’t complain. God began to reveal my journey to me in the form of blessings, and what resulted was an amazing story of self-realization and honestly, and divine intervention. This book is fit for anyone who is faced with tragedy, uncertainty or simply needs to see life from a different perspective and to be inspired to keep building.
OnStage: People say that the best writing comes from a place we know; not just our observations but our own experiences, challenges, triumphs, sadness and hurt. Do you believe that, and if so, how was “10 Blessings of Betrayal” informed by events in your life?
Absolutely! I always say that I am not a theoretical writer. I write about what I’ve experienced or have helped people work through. I’m a very personal writer, and I’ve always been that way. The same is true for me in my career as a branding/communications consultant. This story is completely factual, and it hurt to write it and to have to relive it whenever I had to edit or speak about it, but I knew that God wanted me to share this story. It’s funny because many people in my life have known that I’ve always been an “author” per se’ but because of my career as a public communicator, former journalist and marketer, I was often discouraged from writing in my true, personal voice. People have always tried convincing me to write under a pen name. However, because I truly cherish connecting with people on a personal level, I knew that the real Natasha and what she’s overcome would inspire and empower people who are connected to me, not some fictional personality. I had become very unhappy concealing this part of me. So, I like to think that the tragic incidents and relationships that inspired 10 Blessings were meant for me. God knew that it would take something of this nature for me to follow my true calling, to use my voice, gifts and story to bring honor to him and uplift others.
OnStage: What are some key points readers will learn from “10 Blessings of Betrayal” and how do you hope they’ll be impacted by those take-a-ways?
There are several themes of this book, because it’s truly a book of universal truths that we often forget when we go through tough times. A few major points include the need for our own self-reflection… This is the first important point, because I realized that I first betrayed myself, which then left me vulnerable to various levels of “betrayal” by others. This book will force people to take back their power, by first changing their thinking. It reveals the various ways God speaks to us, even during our darkest hours. This story also juxtaposes a very public career with the deep private afflictions I faced, and will provide various takeaways for others in those situations.
OnStage: What was cathartic about writing this book, and what was difficult?
As I was writing, I honestly experienced a level of healing. Not only was God speaking to and through me during the process, but I began to realize several positive and negative patterns in my life, that I had honestly been too oblivious to address in the past. It was extremely cathartic and equally as difficult.
OnStage: Natasha, you’re a busy lady! On any given day you’ve got a lot of projects demanding your attention so having the discipline to set aside time for writing this book is really commendable. Give an example of a typical day for you, and how you were able to carve out time to write.
Thank you so much. I honestly wrote this book in three days, following the resolution to the situation that I spoke of earlier, and then spent several months with my editing team and praying for the courage to revisit and strengthen the manuscript. It didn’t start as a book. I thought it would be a page in a journal.
Currently, my days are extremely full, but I love it. I wake up, meditate, read the bible, drink coffee, and then begin working. At any given time, I have about five communications projects with my largest client; in addition, I run an after-school program three days a week; I volunteer with my church’s social media ministry; and I conduct about 2-3 consulting sessions per day; create classes for The Build Up Lab, monthly; and I write and conduct outreach to potential partners late at night and early in the a.m. I also find time to work with members of my team, who are hungry to learn the communications industry, each week. There’s always a service initiative happening, as well, so my weekends usually consist of volunteering, hanging with family, church and Sunday evenings are dedicated to building the #12MonthsOfService infrastructure. I’m working to become more discipline and adamant about planning and taking action according to those plans. But also, I’m learning how to say “no,” more often and focus on things that fit within my life’s mission.
OnStage: Your work puts you in, and has put you in, the company of an impressive array of folks. Who are some people who’ve made the biggest impression on you?
Wow! That’s actually a tough question. Although, I’ve worked with some very wealthy, powerful and famous people, those who’ve made the biggest impression on me are those in my “Building Circle” who are mentioned in the book. They include my “soul sis” Melisa Duncan of Will Rap 4 Food and Maniiifest Management; my close friend the Dream Maker, Daniel Bradley of Dreams Work, Inc. and various others who I’ve worked with. I’ve also had the pleasure of chatting with a few moguls, Radio One and TV One Founder Cathy Hughes and also Russell Simmons. Speaking with them about their views on service, business and spirituality changed my life. Additionally, past clients Rev. Tony Lee of Community of Hope AME, and my former client “Coach Kay” (Kamilla Collier-Mullin), inspired me so much while we worked together. I’m impressed by the people who, like me, have overcome a lifetime of tragedy, but never gave up, despite.
OnStage: We’ve heard you say a number of times that of all the many hats you wear and roles you’ve taken on, at heart you’re a writer. It’s what gives you the most satisfaction. Will that always sum up your feelings, or is there some other new goal you’ve set for yourself?
Writing is always the root of who I am as an artist, professional and creator. Helping others is also a passion and what 
provides me with the most satisfaction. I worked with friends to create the SmileNATIONWIDE #12MonthsOfService community in 2012 after yet another tragic set of circumstances, and that’s when I realized that communications and writing was simply the tool and gift God blessed me with to accomplish my true purpose, which is to help others. I was able to define my life and company’s mission through service, which is to mobilize, empower and build.
OnStage: So let’s talk music, because in addition to all your cause-driven projects you’re also intimately involved in the area music scene. Describe your involvement; artists you’ve worked with, why branding is so important for artists, and advice you’ve shared with artists.
That’s such a loaded question! In the past couple of years, I haven’t been as deeply involved in music as I was once. But, I’ve been blessed to work with some amazing independent recording artists: Reesa Renee, Chi Chi Monet, Darius Wolley, Maimouna Youssef, Laelo, and a few others, including various DJs like EZ Street, DJ Heat and DJ MIM… I’ve done various jobs for artists including project management, creation of non-profits/community initiatives, media relations, e-marketing, event creation, writing, creating strategic partnerships and securing sponsorships. I am also on the leadership team of Will Rap 4 Food, Inc., and I have the pleasure of working with various artists through my role in helping them become more involved in the community. Currently, in addition to branding and philanthropic consulting with artists, I like to simply help them by booking them for various events that I’m someway connected to.
Some of the advice I’ve shared with the artists that I work with is that it’s important for them to truly define what they’re passionate about, find others who are passionate about those same things, and speak to their core audience. I encourage my music clients to think about the larger themes in their music and what that really means for the world—and the impact they want to make. I encourage them to brand their entire personalities and the things they care about (in society), versus just the music. I also explain to them the need for sound management, even prior to hiring a publicist and the importance of building on every success.
Much of the advice I give to all clients is in The Build Up Branding BluePRint that my company published in January: thebuilduplab.org/publications
OnStage: And, music question two; on those occasions when your day does wind down a bit and you’re able to just chill at home, what kind of music do you put on? Who’s on your playlist at the moment?
I listen to all types of music, depending on my mood. Recently, as I’ve been doing a lot of writing and thinking, I like to surf Soundcloud and create R&B and Rap playlists. My most-listened to artist is Erykah Badu. Also, during the past three years (a really rough patch) I listened to a lot of Lauryn Hill Unplugged - because I felt like every song correlated to my life and relationships. I also listen to local artists, Reesa, Visto, Deborah J., Awthentik, Darius and various others… and mainstream artists, Kanye, Beyonce, Jhene Aiko and Bob Marley. During the mornings, I like to listen to contemporary gospel and at nights, traditional jazz on Pandora to help me wind down. I’m really big on energy, and very conscience of the media that I allow into my mind, so I listen to various types of music, depending on the state of mind I want to be or what I’m doing.
OnStage: How do you see your life changing now that you’re a published author and do you expect to continue providing PR solutions?
I truly want God to use me how He see fits. I plan to continue writing books that will help people (and help myself), be they personal reflection or spiritual stories or manuscripts about business and service. Connecting with those who I can serve, by any means necessary, is my main goal.
We are fine-tuning Think Brown INK now to offer more classes and consulting, but there are some (types) of clients that we’ll always have a love for and will continue to be their complete communications solution.
Get your copy of10 Blessings of Betrayal and learn about Natasha’s other work at natashatbrown.com, currently under re-construction.