Meet Briana Erran of Daydreamer’s Escape in South Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Briana Erran.

Briana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in South Phoenix. Growing up, I was always intrigued by art and music, going into high school I noticed the lack of accessibility within my community for young artists. I noticed even more often how local artists who didn’t have the money or connections had no way to present their work in a traditional space. Lacking a platform to showcase their gifts, it was frustrating for me to witness especially when it was some of my closest friends. From a young age, I knew I was going to live unorthodoxly and wanted to work under no one. I was inspired by my passions for the arts and seeing that there were others who deserved to shine but needed help to prosper that drove me to want to begin my venture into hosting art events. I began small and grew with each show adding more artists, and performers. I have a ton of help through this journey and am blessed to not have to do it alone. My goal is to continue to grow and see where this path takes me and leads me towards.

Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been the easiest of journeys but it’s absolutely been worth it. The events that we have put on have been primarily funded with our own money. Being a full-time college student and playing a collegiate sport, trying to come up with money to create these ideas were difficult and I did struggle… A LOT. Picking up odd hours and working for a time period of two jobs, I made things work. Organizing events and creating things that are beneficial and a positive for an individuals life is what pushes me forward. I’ve had many struggles mentally, from exhaustion and mental health. Through the lowest points, the light I’d constantly see or remind myself of was the change I wanted to be for my community.

We’d love to hear more about your organization.
Beginning the organization, our main goal was to be the platform for those who were never allowed one. I wanted to create a space where everyone can come together and experience the beauty of showcasing their passions for the arts in whatever form they choose to. I wanted to also highlight and give a voice to my community, South Phoenix. Our community is one filled rich with history braiding us all together. Our voices deserve to be heard from everywhere that we are here and we have a story to tell. We created an environment that allows everyone to embrace each other and create connections with other artists. What makes us stand out is that our reach is far and wide, receiving creatives from all areas we assure that we are diverse and open to all who want the chance.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like our city is a gold mine, we are in a time period of revitalization. A literal Phoenix rising from the ruins. This is the time to push for any idea you have, there is so much potential and you can accomplish what you want if you have the drive. Phoenix is still young, we’re growing our art district, and the way that people interact and activate the spaces in downtown. Take advantage of being a part of the start of our growth versus waiting until someone else does it for you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/decfr602?igshid=hzodsd7dd86e
• Other: https://instagram.com/b.erran?igshid=1ee0vganf6ds6

Image Credit:
Slator Blacc, Industries Frost, Nick Rubio, Lord Ra

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