Who Is Brianna Arps?

May 1

originally written in august 2014

I believe that there is enough room for individual talent, creativity and magic to exist within this world. Individuality is what makes the world go around in my opinion and I’ve come across quite a few individuals who dare to share every bit of their magic with others. With that being said, I felt that it was only right to share a bit of magic with you all today and this particular magic happens to come in the form of a very talented, ambitious and overall amazing young woman.

I happened to stumble across Brianna Arps while cruising through one of the many hashtags that can be searched on Instagram and after taking the time out to view her blog, I felt a sense of sincerity coming from her posts. Have you ever been introduced to someone’s passion and felt exactly how much time, energy and love they were putting into their craft? This barely describes what I felt upon coming across The MouthingOff Blog.

I felt that it wasn’t just enough to give you my individual perspective on Brianna Arps so I decided to take things a step further by inviting her to tell us a little bit more about herself and The MouthingOff Blog.

Before we begin, I would like to express my sincere gratitude towards you for allowing Nai’s Visions to feature you as one of our woman crushes! Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?

My name is Brianna Arps, and I’m a 20-year-old “hipster turned tipster” from St. Louis, Missouri. Currently, I’m a junior at the University of Missouri (also known as Mizzou) majoring in journalism with an emphasis in magazine writing. This gal dabbles in a variety of organizations on campus, but serving as a mentor for MU’s Office of New Student Programs + SPEAK Community Theater’s Public Relations Intern brings me the most joy. As with all wildcards, you never know what crazy stunt I’ll pull next.

At what point did you begin to identify yourself as a writer?

That’s deep.

When I was about five or six, I used to unwillingly tag along with my paternal grandmother as she taught a “big kid” English class. Eventually after a series of repeat visits, I warmed up to the idea of sharing Grandma Suzanne’s attention with others and began to notice how much love ebbed and flowed between her and the students.

Matter fact, week after week I became increasingly aware of how much I loved sitting in to witness their exchange.

Now that I think about it, my infatuation with every key component of our language can be credited to Grandma Suzanne. I vividly remember her lectures about the importance of knowing how to communicate my thoughts. She taught me everything from speaking properly to the difference between their, there and they’re. If I ever get the chance to, I’ll be sure to thank her.

It wasn’t until the fifth grade that I actually began to identify myself as a writer. Although it took the validation of my peers to make me consider the title, at the age of 10 I decided to spend the rest of my academic career writing a dream I was chasing. From that moment on, I was going to do things my way.

As a writer, what are some of the things that you draw inspiration from before beginning a piece?

Life, as cliché as it sounds.

I always, always, ALWAYS have a pen and a pad of sticky notes somewhere nearby at all times. By doing so, it’s quicker for me to jot down ideas or what I’ve experienced throughout the day. Because I draw inspiration from the things I observe and consequently scribble down, drafting posts is easier.

Concerning your blog, The MouthingOff Blog, what inspired you to begin blogging and can you explain some of the challenges, if any, that you may have encountered as a blogger?

Honestly, I just have way too much to say to keep quiet. It’s true!

I tried my hand with diaries and at journaling, and both didn’t quite work out because of a desire to share how I feel. For the most part, diaries and journals are personal and are to be kept that way, but blogging is a platform for the complete opposite.

I’ve encountered numerous challenges as a blogger. Doing everything by myself can be very frustrating, but at this point I wouldn’t trade any of my hardships for some quick fix. I am a storyteller; where would I be without my story?

From worrying if anyone will ever read my blog to dealing with template design issues, I’ve encountered it all. I’m lying. I’m positive there will be bigger, less satiable roadblocks in the future, but with all the knowledge I’ve gained thus far I’m sure everything will be just fine.

In your opinion, do you believe that there is a difference between one identifying as a writer or a blogger?

From an academic standpoint, there are fewer formalities associated with being a blogger. I’m a student at the number one school of journalism in the country, and my professors have made it a point to ensure that I recognize the many differences between both occupations.

There’s a strict, yet almost nonexistent/unrealistic rule writers are to follow, and that’s to remain objective. I could give a crash course about objectivity, but I’m sure it would take up entirely too much time and space.

So, just know I’ll most likely never be a fan of the concept, since I am an opinion-based individual. Blogging gives me the freedom to express those opinions AND comment on the opinions of others using first-person pronouns. My favorite.

Shifting the focus back to The MouthingOff Blog, I’ve noticed that you include a segment entitled “You’ve Got Style” on the blog. Who has been your favorite feature to date and why?

It’s so hard to pick just one! I haven’t even posted all the ones that have been submitted, and I need to hold myself accountable and post them.

Everyone that’s been featured is special. They all have unique styles, and it’s always my pleasure to showcase what makes us different.

Lastly, what are some of the things that you would like to accomplish in conjunction with The MouthingOff Blog’s brand?

I want to do it all.

It took entirely too long for me to actually build up enough courage to start, so I feel behind. Playing catch-up begins with branching off into the magazine industry and other areas in media.

But honestly, wherever God takes me with The M.O.B is where I’ll go.

Although this article was originally written in 2014, Brianna has since gone on to do incredible things. She is the founder of the groundbreaking fragrance brand MOODEAUX and has been featured in publications such as Essence, Byrdie and more! She is also a part of this year’s Sephora Accelerate program, which will help her launch MOODEAUX with the retailer.