Today we’d like to introduce you to Briana Deshields
Hi Briana , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been drawn to creativity—the idea of taking something from nothing and making it into something meaningful. That passion started young, but it really took shape when I joined drama club. Being part of productions, whether on stage or behind the scenes, showed me how powerful storytelling could be. I fell in love with the process, the transformation, and the energy of creating something that could impact people.
As I got older, I started exploring different creative outlets, and photography became one of them. At first, I was just shooting for fun, capturing raw, unfiltered moments of the people around me. But the more I did it, the more I realized how difficult it was for models and photographers to connect, collaborate, and actually get paid for their work. I saw so many talented people struggling with algorithms, restrictions, and platforms that didn’t have their best interests in mind.
That’s when I knew I wanted to build something different. I didn’t just want to create—I wanted to create a space where others could thrive without limitations. That vision became Baeyourself.com, a creator-first platform built for people like me who wanted freedom, support, and real opportunities. From there, things grew—ModelWarehouse became a way to connect photographers and models, and Baes Intimates became a way to give back to creators who believed in what I was building.
Now, every step I take is about expanding that vision—whether it’s producing content, hosting events, or bringing creators together in new ways. I built this from the ground up, and I’m just getting started.
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?
Navigating tech as a Black woman has been a journey filled with both obstacles and hard-won triumphs. I’ve often found myself being the only one in the room who looks like me—a reality that brings its own set of challenges. At times, I’ve been invited to networking events or meetings where it feels like I’m more of a diversity checkmark than a valued contributor. There have been moments when I sensed that people were reaching out simply for connections, rather than engaging with my ideas or expertise.
Building what feels like an empire in this industry hasn’t been easy either. There have been long nights of strategizing, developing projects, and building networks—all while sometimes feeling like I have to do it alone. I’ve had to prove myself repeatedly, often overcompensating for assumptions that come with being both Black and a woman in tech. This pressure to constantly validate my worth is exhausting, yet it has also instilled a resilience and determination that define who I am today.
Despite the struggles, I see these challenges as a driving force. They push me to innovate, to lead, and to ensure that my work speaks volumes. I’m not just here to participate—I’m here to reshape the industry, to carve out spaces where authenticity and talent are recognized regardless of background. Every setback has been a lesson, every hard-earned success a stepping stone toward a future where more voices like mine can be heard without the need to hide or diminish our achievements.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Every day is a whirlwind of creative energy and technical hustle that’s hard to capture in a single sentence. I start my mornings immersed in photography—sometimes I’m behind the lens capturing raw, authentic moments, and other times I’m in front of it, modeling and bringing stories to life. As the day unfolds, I seamlessly transition into running my social platform, where I juggle recruiting new talent, coding updates, managing creator payouts, and ensuring every creative gets paid for their art. I’m constantly coordinating brand shoots and organizing costume calls, always looking for fresh ways to help creators monetize their passion. I believe that if I have the ability to do something, why not be the one to do it? This mindset drives me to not only build my own empire but also to lift others up along the way, creating a vibrant, supportive community where creativity and opportunity go hand in hand.
I’m most proud if self funding and building the baes platform out of hopes and dreams to where we are today! 92 countries strong
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is creating a space where authenticity, creativity, and empowerment intersect. I’m driven by the belief that if I have the ability to innovate and build, then I must use that power not only for my own success but to uplift others—especially creators who are often overlooked or underestimated. I’m passionate about breaking barriers in tech and the creative industry, ensuring that every voice, particularly those of Black women and other marginalized groups, is heard and valued. Whether I’m behind the camera, coding, or connecting talents on my platform, my mission is to foster an environment where genuine creativity can thrive and where every effort contributes to a larger, more inclusive empire.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Baeyourself.com
- Instagram: Shotswith_bre
- Facebook: Briana deshields
- Youtube: Baeyourself
- Other: https://Modelwearhouse.com
Image Credits
@sina
@symphaticshots
@candancelizebeth
