Life and Work with Erica Brown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Brown.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
About five years ago, my family found out that we are carriers of the BRCA 1 gene mutation and I was tested positive in 2017. On January 8, 2018, I had a preventative double mastectomy and reconstruction. When I woke up from surgery, I wasn’t just changed physically but my entire being was different.

This decision was one of the most difficult, easiest decisions I have ever had to make, I tried the surveillance route and it wasn’t for me, with two kids and a career that was moving, I didn’t want to worry.

Before surgery, I started to share my journey on Instagram, in hopes to help other women understand that this can be extremely scary, but it also can make you a stronger woman, and if I could do it, they could do it. I also joined forces with my cousins non-profit The Breasties and started the Arizona Breasties. We hold events for women that affected by breast and ovarian cancer, lending support during a time that can feel very lonely and scary.

I held my first event 14 days after my mastectomy, walking in with drains coming from my sides of my breasts, I met some of my breast friends. We had almost 20 women attend, as we went around the table, introducing ourselves and sharing our story, each of us cried tears of happiness and relief, our stories were all so different but we shared a common bond that would hold tight from that day forward.

Since that event, I have held over 10 events, a retreat in Flagstaff, published my story on two different platforms, traveled to NY for the non-profits first-ever gala, and made friends with women all over the world.

Through this journey, while listening to women’s needs, I realized that there was a need for one place that they could go to and get the products and services they needed after cancer and/or while learning to live with an increased risk of cancer. I took this knowledge and am in the beginning stages of starting my own company, The Olive Branch Community, a place where women can go and find products and services that are safe for our bodies.

I was changed in the most ironically beautiful way by finding out I was BRCA 1 positive. It helped lead me into my path of life.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t know if I would say that it wasn’t smooth, I would say there were a few rocks thrown in there along the way.

I struggled waking up from surgery and feeling changed, not only physically but mentally. Making such a life-changing decision and stepping into a role as a leader in a community that I was also learning, was a lot. I had moments where I didn’t know if I was the right person for women to turn to. So much was changing for me and I wasn’t sure if I was strong enough.

I struggled with the unknown. I am a person that likes to know what is happening, what will be happening, and letting go of that control and accepting that this experience couldn’t be predicted for me was hard. I wanted to prep for every possible scenario, for not only me, but my kids and caregivers and that was not possible.

I wanted to know what to expect every day with recovery and that wasn’t possible. Every day came something new and that path isn’t the same for everyone. When I would reach out to the community for advice, everyone had something different and I had to learn to filter through that.

My advice to other women, the unknown is scary, however, it can also be a beautiful thing. Let go of what you can’t control. Embrace the change.

You are stronger then you know. A good leader isn’t always strong, they show their weakness and listen to others.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Breasties – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
The Breasties is a non-profit that supports women who are affected by breast and ovarian cancer. We are based out of NY but have multiple chapters around the world.

We do our best to hold free events for women to attend and meet others in the community. There are 2-3 day retreats held around the United States yearly.

In Arizona, we hold monthly events around the valley, from Phoenix to Tucson. We also have a Facebook and Instagram where women can communicate with one another, share stories, advice, and helpful information.

My favorite part of an event is circle time. We do this at every event, all the women get a chance to share their journey, this activity is full of laughs, tears, and hugs. It bonds us all in a way that is indescribable, these moments you realize you are truly not alone.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Reach out. Talk. Don’t be afraid to ASK. What is the worst that could happen, they say no? Then move on and keep asking and reaching out.

Contact Info:

• Email: brcamama2@gmail.com
• Instagram: Brcamama (personal) Arizonabreasties
• Facebook: Brcamama and The Arizona Breasties
• Other: https://www.scarymommy.com/my-journey-with-the-brca1-mutation/

Image Credit:
Daphne Youree Photography

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