Rising Stars: Meet Bri Madison of Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bri Madison.

Hi Bri, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Cocoa Clique (formally known as Pretty Girls Link Up) has been around for 2 years. But during 2023, the entire brand had been pretty quiet. I personally wanted to take time to reflect, reposition and refocus on why I started this social organization to begin with. I started PGLU as a way to connect black women in Arizona. I originally had the idea to call it “Creatives Connect” but as someone who was new to AZ, I had no idea how I would even find liked-minded women who would want to be a part of this. I also had zero experience or an idea of how to run a social group. Until July 6th, 2022, I made a Tiktok using a sound that was trending at the time, to mention how Black Women in AZ are overlooked. It went viral and the algorithm brought all the Black Women in AZ, right to my post.

Now, that thing I thought I had no idea I could start, was right in front of me. I jumped on the opportunity and within 2 weeks I hosted my first event which had over 75 attendees. I knew that it wasn’t just a coincidence that this random idea I had in March of 2022, had come to life 4 months later. And within the first few weeks, we grew to over 1,000 members on Facebook. I loved creating a space for Black Women to share laughs, build friendships, empower each other and become a sisterhood.

So, with the help of a few other dedicated women in the group, I hosted more events. Almost every month through the rest of the year. My passion was to bring women together. The stories I would hear about the friendships that were being made, kept reminding me why I started.

At the end of 2022 we pretty much went radio silent. I could name a number of reasons to explain why but the truth is, the passion I had when I started was gone. The passion was gone because the vision was lost. Starting something new comes with a lot of ups and downs and I was lost in all the downs. It was no longer the thing I loved and was so excited up about in Summer 2022. So I decided I would take a little break and then a little break turned into a really long break LOL. But in that “little” break I spent days and weeks writing up ideas and getting back to my vision.

By the end of 2022, PGLU didn’t even look the way I had originally planned which isn’t shocking considering I was starting something brand new, by myself and I wasn’t sure what the brand was even suppose to be. But now I do. Which is why the first order of business, was a name change. PGLU will always have a place in my heart but the name did not fit the vibe or experience I wanted to created. Cocoa Clique gives the audience a sense of maturity within our sisterhood and that was step one.

Step two is focusing on curating classy gatherings to connect, and empower like-minded Black Women across Arizona. So we’re back and we are so much better. In essence, sisterhood is that amazing feeling of knowing you’ve found your tribe—where laughter, love, and a whole lot of joy make every day better than the last. Founded with a sparkle of inspiration and dash of determination, CC is more than just a social group – it’s a vibrant community dedicated to celebrating and uplifting Black Women in Arizona.

At Cocoa Clique, we believe in the power of community. Our events and activities are crafted with care to cater to the diverse interests and experiences of Black women. Whether it’s lively socials where conversations flow as freely as the cocktails, book clubs delving into the works of inspirational Black authors, or wellness workshops that prioritize self-care, each gathering is designed to nourish the mind, body, and spirit.

Whether you’re new in town, looking to expand your social circle, or simply seeking a place where you can be yourself without reservation, Cocoa Clique welcomes you with open arms. Together, let’s create moments of joy, forge lifelong friendships, and inspire each other to reach new heights. Because at Cocoa Clique, every woman shines brighter when she stands in solidarity with her sisters.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey was undoubtedly filled with its fair share of challenges and triumphs. Crafting events that resonate with a community unfamiliar with both myself and my business was no easy feat. We faced obstacles ranging from securing suitable venues to designing engaging activities, all while striving to maintain affordable pricing without compromising the quality of the experiences we offered. Yet, every hurdle was an essential part of the learning process. Through it all, I gained invaluable insights—not only about myself and the dynamic group of members but also about what it truly takes to navigate the early stages of building a business. This first year of launching the social club had been a remarkable period of growth and discovery.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I wear many hats, and I love every one of them! By day, I’m a Technical Project Manager, where I’ve spent the last 7 years building my expertise in implementing, analyzing, and managing software solutions. My career has taken me across the U.S., from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to the bustling cities of Texas, Florida, North Carolina, sailing across the Chicago River (literally), and beyond. I’ve also had the incredible opportunity to travel internationally for work, including a memorable trip to Europe in May. And in 2025, I’m looking forward to expanding my horizons even further with trips to Brazil and London.

When I’m not managing projects, I’m diving into my passion for content creation. I aspire to transition full-time into being a YouTube and social media influencer, with a focus on lifestyle, beauty, and fashion. My TikTok platform has been the driving force behind building my community, Cocoa Clique, which is dedicated to empowering young Black women through fun, inspiring, and aesthetically beautiful content.

I’m incredibly grateful to God for the opportunities that has allowed me to new ventures and tap into my creative side. I’ve collaborated with Sephora and even had a 6 month brand sponsorship that paid really well. From growing up in Ohio to attending college in St. Louis, to moving to Atlanta right after graduation, and recently relocating to Arizona, I’ve always embraced change and new challenges. My 16-year-old self would be proud of the woman I’ve become, and that motivates me every day to keep pushing forward and reaching for new goals.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The job market has undergone significant changes in recent years, and I’m grateful to have remained employed in my career throughout this time. This period has also provided many, including myself, with the opportunity to explore other passions and reflect on how we make the most of our time.

Human connection and community are more important than ever. The impact of COVID-19 has altered all of us, and it serves as a powerful reminder to be more kind, patient, and understanding. Everyone is facing their own silent battles, and it’s crucial that we extend grace and compassion, remembering that we are all navigating this human experience together.

Contact Info:

• Website: cocoaclique.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/iambrisimone
• Twitter: x.com/iambrisimone
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BriSimone
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@iambrisimone