What Did Junae Learn This Past Quarter?
Deon Egenti
Three months. A quarter. You can learn a lot in a quarter. You can accomplish a lot in a quarter as well and that’s what Junae Brown did. That’s right. I get to talk with the founder of Browned 2 Perfection Agency about what she learned this quarter and what’s next for her for and the company this coming quarter. So without further ado, here is the Boss, the Head Huncho, the Queen, the definition of Black Girl Magic, and the Genius of this crazy world we call marketing: Ms. Junae Brown:
What are some things that you accomplished this past quarter?
This past quarter, I started yoga. Browned 2 Perfection is an officially registered LLC and trademark with legal representation. I got accepted into Google’s first ever GDC academy which was a grateful experience within itself.
What is one thing you wish you did this past quarter but didn’t because you were afraid?
I wished I had pitched more or pitched earlier. I didn’t do it because I thought they wouldn’t be interested. I wish I would’ve done that instead of playing small because there were times where I would pitch late on a whim,and the companies were super interested,but the time window would be too small. I realized that I’m not in the same place that I was last year, and I just wished I had walked in that truth sooner.
How have you controlled the direction your life took this past quarter?
I think focusing more on myself. I’m someone who gives a lot and is always willing to lend a helping hand. I think I overextend myself to people often and I’ve been making a conscious effort to do less of that. I’ve also started going back to therapy. It’s not my first time in therapy, but I’ve taken a break like most people do. I have a new therapist (another Black Woman) for this new area of my life that I’m in and that’s been helpful. I’ve also started journaling again just so I don’t have everything so stuck in my head. Its great to be able to work through the evolution of yourself with another unbiased person.
How has therapy helped you so far in controlling the direction of your life?
Therapy is really about you unpacking yourself. You grow up from childhood to adulthood and most people never take the time to say, “How did I get here?” or “What makes me who I am?” “Are the things that I’m doing or the behaviors that I have really the core of me?” “Are they learned behaviors that I picked up?” or “Are there any traumas that I have experienced?” I feel like a lot of black people’s view of therapy is believing that something’s wrong with you or you’re crazy. However, there are all different types of therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy for example, is really about you becoming the best version of yourself, what makes you tick, what’s holding you back, or something that you may have never discussed that you need to. The more you know yourself, the better off you’ll be.
What have you done to be kind to yourself this past quarter?
I think I’ve stood up for myself more. I’m not a person that enjoys confrontation. I’m the type of person that’ll take the high road and won’t address someone that’s wronged me. However, what I’ve actively done this past quarter is stick up for myself and if I don’t like or agree with something, I’ll say it. I think that’s being kind within itself. I also did a fast a couple of weeks ago, so I can make a better effort to take care of myself. You don’t want to overwork yourself to the point where it feels normal. I’ve also added some vitamins to my regimen and made personal blocks to my schedule just so I can breathe and do me.
Did you make an effort to maintain a work-life balance consistently this past quarter?
I don’t believe in work-life balance because there’s no such thing as that to me. I know some notable figures believe in this as well. However, I just think that there’s life. I don’t think there’s a work-life balance especially when you love what you do for work. I do understand the concept of there’s work and then you’re at home with your family, working out, partying, etc. However, I just don’t live my life like that. I like things to just flow and I like to enjoy what I’m doing as much as possible. Obviously, there are going to be things that you don’t enjoy as much and sometimes you gotta buckle down when you really want to just chill. However,I will say I’ve made an effort to make sure I prioritize BOTH ends more.
What are some challenges that you may face this coming quarter?
Definitely getting everything done. I have a long list of things I’d like to accomplish. There are things that need to get done and then there are things that we want to get done. But life really does do it’s own thing sometimes so I believe the biggest challenge will be working hard but, relinquishing control over outcomes for Q4.
What are some tangible career goals you want for yourself this coming quarter?
I would like to secure two multi-level campaigns with major brands. I’ve created campaigns with some brands that I’ve been working with for the past year, so I’m excited to pitch these campaigns to them and land them. Everything else is classified.
What do you expect from Browned 2 Perfection Agency this coming quarter?
I expect hard work, dedication, punctuality, creativity, innovation, initiative, and just having fun. Teamwork makes the dream work. We’re only as great as the sum of ourselves. I just want everyone to stay down, keep amplifying the mission in their various areas, and being your wonderful selves because you’re all on the team for a reason.
