Rising Stars: Meet Abriana Walton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abriana Walton. 

Hi Abriana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was fortunate to discover my passion when I was in 5th grade. I picked up a National Geographic magazine during D.E.A.R. and discovered photojournalism. From then on, I knew that I would end up telling stories about people and places around the world. And I knew I wanted to start here— in my hometown that I took pride in. Since then, from my first blog in 8th grade where I documented my travels on the DDOT bus to local thrift stores, serving as Broadcast Editor on my high school newspaper and being awarded the Journalism Institute for Media Diversity, or the many internships and part-time jobs I had from producing and hosting a televised arts and entertainment show or leading historical tours at The Whitney and now a 24-year-old Black woman from the Eastside of Detroit working as a Producer and Director at the largest Black-owned video production company in the Blackest city in America. My life is the epitome putting “passion into action.” Over the years I’ve learned how to align my talents in writing, researching, and art with my passion for people, community, and culture as my contribution to society. This I believe is my commitment to my people our past, present, and future. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’m appreciative of all the lessons I’ve learned throughout this journey both good and bad. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an eclectic multi-media Journalist, producer, and all-around creative growing into the best version of myself, accomplishing my goals, and facing generational “curses”— doing it all in style and documenting it via her lifestyle blog Maybe I’m Late. 

Maybe I’m Late is a blog series I created in 2018 to poke fun at my Gen-Z tendencies for always being “late to the party”— whether it’s trends, a piece of information, or a literal party. I’ve always worked on my own time, not rushing to something just because others are doing it. It’s a safe place for people who walk to the beat of their own drum. 

I’m known to some as BrifromtheD. That alias was born from my love of the city. I spend a lot of my time working on creative lifestyle and entertainment projects. I focus on sharing relatable yet aspirational stories of people and companies that build brand awareness, inform and celebrates Black experiences, and drives positive change in urban communities. True to my Taurean nature, I love leisure and am a habitual hobby hopper. My ultimate goal in life is to live freely. 

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is a mindset. What are your values, passions, skills, and talents, and are you living in the intersection of those things? If so, I’d say you’re pretty successful. 

Also here are the links to the videos I’d love to feature: 

https://vimeo.com/698871892 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZotPmVwa0Pj6L3x_3xzGnA 

Contact Info:

• Website: brifromthed.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brifromthed/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQNPWuYG1nszB3vRKXo2PaQ