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

Hi Sade, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand has been the ability to remain authentic. As black woman, it has always been a priority to me to remain true to who I am as a person. Remaining true to myself as a person, includes any brands or businesses I attach myself to. People know when your brand isn’t who you truly are and you’ll lose customers, investors and yourself by trying to be something or someone you are not.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
By day, I’m an Associate Professor at a local college, but when I’m not working with students you can find me speaking on any stage inspiring people across the world. As an inspirational speaker my goal is to always inspire others to create the life they desire. As an activist my goal is to always inspire others to take action and stand for what they believe in. In response to my passion for speaking and advocating for others, I created Stand For Something. Stand For Something represents true leadership. We speak up, we advocate and most of all, we call for action.

What sets me apart from others is I not only have the passion and endurance needed to balance work and being an entrepreneur, I have assisted with the passing of laws for foster youth in the state of California. For over 14 years I have impacted the lives of those in care and aging out of care. I’m an active member of the San Diego County Child & Family Strengthening Board which focuses on how San Diego can better support families involved with Child Welfare Services.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Eat:
Louisiana Purchase
SIP Beer & Wine
Surf and Soul

Hangout:
Jolla Shore
Balboa Park
Mission Beach
San Diego Zoo
Seaworld
Old Town

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people have helped me become the businesswoman I am today. First, it was my Uncle Troy. My Uncle Troy was the first person I know to ever think outside of a 9-5 job. He would drive to San Diego from Los Angeles every week to help us start a music group. He said we would play at weddings, at park– anywhere! When that didn’t work, he began telling us how he would one day open his own shop and would sell high ticket collectibles items. He talked to us about entrepreneurship before we knew what it was. He gave us hope. Living in a community where gangs and violence were the narratives had its challenges, but when my Uncle spoke about owning businesses and being our own bosses, it gave us the fire we needed to keep going. Second, my business partner Brian Byrams. I met Brian in 2014 when he was posting motivational videos on Youtube. At the time I had discovered two videos Brian mixed with Les Brown and Eric Thomas, two motivational speakers. I asked Brian if he could help me with a video I thought would help people overcome difficulties. He said yes and I sent him my video.

“What Are You Reaching For?” instantly went viral and had over 1.2 million views. From that day forward Brian helped me build my brand, Stand For Something. Since 2014, our videos have continued to touch millions across the world. I am forever thankful that Brian took a chance on me and has helped me build a movement. Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who has ever helped me in any way. It could have been through a phone call, text, email or in person. I am thankful that people have believed in me so much that they would give me a moment of their time. Without the support of you, I would not be where I am now and where I will go soon. Thank you.

Website: www.sadeburrell.com
Instagram: sadeburrell
Twitter: iamsade1
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKA5wf9dyb5S8uVonVZgQ7Q?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
Brian Byrams, Aaron Byrams, Denise Benz