The First Seed: Why Be Rooted Collectives?

Bri'Yana Merrill

Hi everyone!

My name is Bri’Yana Merrill, and I am the Founder and CEO of Be Rooted Collectives (B.R.C). I’m originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and recently moved to the DMV area. I enjoy cooking, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and adventure.

In this collection titled “The Founder’s Soil,” I will be offering first-hand reflections on my journey, lessons learned, and the future of Be Rooted Collectives.

The name “Be Rooted” reflects the importance of having roots. I’ve always had a passion for entrepreneurship and connecting with people in my community. I was about 10 years old when I started my first business: “Bri’Yana’s Fine Nails”. Even at a young age, I was able to witness the impact of spending intentional time with those around me. From there, I knew that I wanted to be a business owner when I was older.

The spark I felt as a child grew like a strong flame as I matured. I began to understand the multifaceted nature of owning a business, and I wanted to see how much I could learn on my own. I spent so many hours online looking through tutorials, DIY products, and reflections from other business owners. As years continued to pass, I finally decided that I strictly wanted a consulting business (well, at least that’s what I thought). At first, I thought my business would only focus on digital design and marketing. However, it still felt like something was missing.

Community.

Growing up, I saw the importance of not only having a village, but being a villager as well. These roots are deep enough to grow, strong enough to anchor, and wide enough to connect. “Be Rooted” speaks to the power and strength that roots have. I ultimately wanted the heart of B.R.C. to be community engagement and empowerment. The word “Collectives” reflects the idea that community not only connects us, but it is also inspiring, empowering, and life-changing.

While some of my work involves helping businesses thrive in the branding and digital space, I will also highlight small businesses and explore ways to connect and build community through resources, opportunities, and mutual aid. My goal is that Be Rooted Collectives is not just a space for me, but a space for us to brainstorm ideas, share, and grow together. The strongest roots are the ones that are intertwined.

I invite you all to stay connected, join a Community Group, and look out for blogs from me, fellow business owners, and community members. Be Rooted Collectives is more than just a business; it is a family. B.R.C. is not here for a singular moment; it is a movement.