Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Brianna.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The blog has been a passion project of mine for some time. “Safe Haven” came about because I enjoy creating a community where people have the opportunity to encourage each other and explore together. Whether it be a city, their heart, or giving back, the underlining goal is that this is a place where people with similar passions can get to know one another.
My favorite thing is to tell stories through written words but more importantly, photographs. I see so many great things in Chicago but they can get lost in the noise of our evolving city. Social media plays a vital role in informing others. There are many Chicago bloggers with a great following, but few are using the platform to highlight the needs of the city.
I’ve worked with many nonprofits over the years and have experienced what it’s like behind the scenes. Some nonprofits do a great job of engaging the community and others look great while they operate at a disappointing level. So who is speaking about the great nonprofits?
Most of us Chicagoans want to make a difference but where do we start with the hundreds of nonprofits to flip through? I find the nonprofits, begin the vetting process, and share my life along the way.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Navigating and engaging an audience on social media can be difficult. It was a learning curve figuring out how to present an authentic and equally appealing aesthetic while staying true to the heartbeat of Safe Haven.
Finding the nonprofits isn’t difficult, but finding the time to invest in really getting to know and work with them can be taxing. I teach full-time and writing is what I’m truly passionate about. The struggles can range from time-management to a lack of creativity.
Often I’ve found maintaining self-care and a core community of relationship ships keeps me grounded and excited about Safe Haven. Balance is key and when you start something you are really excited about it can be easy to forget that.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Safe Haven In The City story. Tell us more about the business.
After living a year and a half overseas in a missional role at a nonprofit, I became very aware of a need few are proactively meeting. Nonprofits present jargon that informs but at times lacks to compel an audience that would normally be interested. After moving to Chicago and working with other nonprofits, I saw this was a need in the city as well.
Safe Haven present the great things that are in the city and adding nonprofits presents a well-rounded perception of Chicago. Downtown is beautiful, yes. But what about the forgotten neighborhoods like Roseland or South Deering? Safe Haven is slowly growing to highlight nonprofits and the great community behind them: people, coffee shops, entertainment. My hope is that when people come to explore Chicago or set out to get to know it better, they’ll set foot outside of downtown and help improve this city while seeing the true colors rather than the polished shine downtown.
This really sets Safe Haven apart. It’s a space where people can come together and check out new places, offer up experiences, and make the city a better place while having fun. I’m delving into all Chicago has to offer and providing gems. My experience lends a helpful perspective when working with nonprofits. To a trained eye, the ones that run well stand out through their character and passion.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t see luck playing a role in my success or journey to it. I fully believe if you’re passionate and diligent in every step you take to achieving your dream you’ll reach it. If anything, the rapid growth I’ve seen in a matter of a few months is surely a nod to something bigger than myself. I don’t believe it’s a coincidence I spoke in front of 500 people the first month the blog was live or how I was able to collaborate with well-known Chicago bloggers the following month.
I can’t disregard my faith in God and the purpose I see Safe Haven fulfilling. It’s ultimately my decision to write and photograph but I full heartedly believe it’s a God-given ability that I work hard at to continue to sharpen. The amazing creatives I “just happen” to run into may be there for a reason. I certainly believe I moved to Chicago for a reason.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://safehaveninthecity.wixsite.com/ashley
- Email: safehaveninthecity@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safehaveninthecity/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/safehaveninthecity
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/safehavenCHI
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
