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Voice notes, prompts and morning rants: how I found my way back to journaling

My mental health took such a beating last year that not even therapy could save me. After graduating from Northwestern University, I made quick yet sensible decisions — buying a car off the lot, taking my first entry-level job and moving further midwest.

Jan 312 min read

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BRIANNA'S WORD DUMP

Voice notes, prompts and morning rants: how I found my way back to journaling

Jan 312 min read

Coco Jones is Passionate about her Sound

In an ensemble consisting of a blinged out corset, rhinestone studded leggings and a long sleeve ethereal shawl, Coco Jones belted lyrics from her debut album. She danced and passionately sang on and off the stage in the Riviera Theater in Chicago last month. A short distance from the stage, I am reminded of how much devotion Jones has to her craft. Her facial expressions tell it all.

Jul 2, 20253 min read

My Pick of the Month: The Charcuterie Kick Continues at Sophie Cocktail & Terrace Bar

If anyone is wondering what my favorite food from the months of March to June was this year, it was a combination of brie cheese, fresh strawberries, gooey honeycomb, the occasional grape and thinly sliced, crispy buttered baguettes. A charcuterie board variation I never thought would have me so hooked.

Jul 1, 20254 min read

Sinners Movie Review: A Feature Film Black Culture didn't know it Needed

What started as notes and opinions on the film to discuss with friends has turned into a thousand-word op-ed. Y’all can thank Ryan Coogler for both reawakening my OP-ED arc and a compelling film that has conquered social media timelines and the box office this past weekend, Sinners. I have an affinity for film and am drawn to any movie, TV show, doc or short with the slightest romantic plot even if it is accompanied by sinful flesh-eating vampires in the 1930s.

Apr 24, 20256 min read

Black Boy Art Show stops in Chicago for its 200th exhibition

The Black Boy Art Show returns to Chicago for the last time this year with over 70 showcasing artists.

Nov 11, 20243 min read

Lloyd will Forever be Timeless, and I am here for it

By Kelsei Brianna Can we talk about how Lloyd has such undying hits? I mean, he dropped his debut album Southside , in 2004 and we are...

Jun 26, 20243 min read

Small Does: Relationship Problems but No Relationship?

By Kelsei Brianna Can someone explain to me why I have been experiencing HELLA relationship problems in 2023 but have yet to even be in a...

Nov 12, 20232 min read

Hey y'all! I am Kelsei Brianna, and I am thrilled to welcome you to my website! As a 24-year-old journalist hailing from the Cajun city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, I have embarked on a journey to create a one-of-a-kind lifestyle blog. This platform serves as my creative outlet, allowing me to share articles that delve into my personal experiences, thoughts, travels, and everything that unfolds during these exciting years of my 20s.

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📍postcard from philly

I spent a rainy 48 hours in Philadelphia! I got what I came for; cheesesteaks, art and culture. 48 hours wasn’t nearly enough time to explore a city with so much history.

🌁 Steal my itinerary:

Del Rossi’s (on 4th St.)
Benjamin Franklin Bridge
South Side
Philadelphia Magic Gardens
Reading Terminal Market
By George Pizza, Pasta & Cheesesteaks (inside Reading Terminal Market)
Chinatown
Betsy Ross Museum
Independence Visitor Center
Liberty Bell

#phillyphilly #solotrip #foodie #journalistbae #traveldiaries

25 in Niagara Falls photo dump! 🧁

••
#niagarafalls #25thbirthday #quartercenturyclub #birthdayphotodump #traveldiary

Because Wicked: For Good hit theaters this week, I’m feeling inspired to share the story that still has me changed for good ✨. I spent time with fashion students at @kentstate and the School of Fashion as Akron native and Oscar-, Tony- and Emmy-winning designer @paultazewell returned home to offer critiques, share stories from his journey and show students what it looks like to build a life in costume design at the highest level 🎭.

“It’s slowly changing,” Tazewell said of being one of the very first Black faces on the production side. “And this is part of being visible and receiving the Academy Award, the role that I play as a costume designer is achievable for many, many people and many, many people that look like me and I want to stand as an example of that.”

Read more at the link in my bio ✍🏽.

••
Photos: @ryanloew
@signalakron

#Akron #AkronArts #OhioArts #BlackDesigners #FashionReporting #ArtsJournalism #CultureReporting #SignalAkron #KSUFashion #WickedMovie #ArtsAndCulture #JournalismLife #GraduateStudentReporter

📍 Akron, Ohio

Here’s a list of places offering free Thanksgiving meals in Akron this holiday season. Share, share, share!
Find the full list in my bio.

Free Dine-In Thanksgiving Meals — Akron Area

• Nov. 20 (6–8 p.m.) — The Table Church, 11776 Cleveland Ave. NW, Uniontown
• Nov. 21 (6–8 p.m.) — Tyler’s Redemption, 2684 Sanitarium Road, Lakemore
• Nov. 22 (2–4 p.m.) — New Beginnings Outreach Ministries Church, 929 Wooster Road, Barberton
• Nov. 23 (2 p.m.) — Grace Park (North Prospect & Perkins St.), sponsored by Everyone Deserves to Eat
• Nov. 23 (6 p.m.) — Wingfoot Church, 1690 Hillside Terrace, Goodyear Heights
• Friends in Tents & Community Outreach — KSOP Cafe, 445 W. Cedar St.
• Nov. 24 (2–5 p.m.)
• Nov. 25 (6–8:30 p.m.)
• Nov. 26–29 (2–5 p.m., including Thanksgiving Day)
• Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner — Nov. 28 (11 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Bill Denton Center, 490 E. South St.
• Haven of Rest Ministries — Nov. 28 (12 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.)
175 E. Market St. (Personal care products offered at both meals)

⸻
@signalakron
#AkronOhio #AkronNews #AkronCommunity #AkronEvents #ThanksgivingMeals #FreeMealsAkron #AkronNonprofits #HolidayResources #Thanksgiving2025 #NortheastOhio #OhioNews #CommunitySupport #FoodAccess #SignalAkron #AkronReporter #AkronLocal

This one hits a little closer to my childhood bookworm self 💕📖

Hey y’all 📚

It’s nearing two months at @signalakron as the culture and art reporter (official announcement on LinkedIn). I recently covered book bans and a local business that ships banned books to your door.

“Book censorship is more common than most people think. I spoke with Ariel Hakim, owner of @bannedbooksbox, about her discovery of banned books and the idea behind her business.

This conversation made me realize how many of the books and books-turned-into-movies I’ve interacted with are banned in many school districts and have been challenged across the country.

‘The Fault in Our Stars’ and ‘The Freedom Writers Diary’ are challenged and banned books I read in my youth that many teens today are unfamiliar with because of censorship.”

Read more at the link in bio. 📚

••
📸 @ryanloew
@signalakron

#BannedBooks #BookBans #ArtsAndCulture #Journalism #SignalAkron #KelseiBrianna #CultureReporting #BookLovers #ReadersOfInstagram #BlackGirlWatching #journalistbae

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@kelseibrianna

MY PICK OF THE MONTH

(Girlfriends, The First Season/Amazon)

Warning: Some spoilers ahead!

I think I am currently in the season of rewatch. (A never ending season honestly.) So, in my kick of rewatching, my pick of the month is "Girlfriends." "Girlfriends" is a 90s sitcom that follows four middle-aged girlfriends and their journey with self-love, relationships, friendships, careers, and so much more. Upon first watch, I was just watching for shits and giggles. I was not understanding the topics or even caught the "grown-up" jokes. Now watching it over at 24-years-old, Toni was a terrible friend, Joan deserves love but she is giving Molly from "Insecure" vibes, Maya was not wrong for (emotionally) cheating on Darnell, Lynn is 100% a mooch but her character has so much depth, and William is a perfect representation of a man in every century.

My rating: 8/10.

Voice notes, prompts and morning rants: how I found my way back to journaling

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Join the Club!

BRIANNA'S WORD DUMP

Voice notes, prompts and morning rants: how I found my way back to journaling

Coco Jones is Passionate about her Sound

My Pick of the Month: The Charcuterie Kick Continues at Sophie Cocktail & Terrace Bar

Sinners Movie Review: A Feature Film Black Culture didn't know it Needed

Black Boy Art Show stops in Chicago for its 200th exhibition

Lloyd will Forever be Timeless, and I am here for it

Small Does: Relationship Problems but No Relationship?

ABOUT BRIANNA

FOLLOW ME

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MY PICK OF THE MONTH

Voice notes, prompts and morning rants: how I found my way back to journaling

FEATURED POST

Join the Club!

BRIANNA'S WORD DUMP

Voice notes, prompts and morning rants: how I found my way back to journaling

Coco Jones is Passionate about her Sound

My Pick of the Month: The Charcuterie Kick Continues at Sophie Cocktail & Terrace Bar

Sinners Movie Review: A Feature Film Black Culture didn't know it Needed

Black Boy Art Show stops in Chicago for its 200th exhibition

Lloyd will Forever be Timeless, and I am here for it

Small Does: Relationship Problems but No Relationship?

ABOUT BRIANNA

FOLLOW ME

​

SUBSCRIBE

MY PICK OF THE MONTH