Posted by Brandi Wheeler is an entrepreneur, baker, makeup lover, future blogger, and an avid reader.
She says reading allows her to enter another world. When she’s had a stressful day, she picks up a book and all her worries disappear as she concentrates on someone else’s story. Right now, Brandi Wheeler is reading Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi, a book about a brilliant scientist trying to earn a PhD, while dealing with grief over her brother and mom.
Her love of reading blossomed from a young age, and one of her favorite books to read as a kid was The Baby-Sitters Club. She said, “I thought it was so cool to have a group of friends that worked together like they did. Not only that but they made money, it’s funny now that I think about it they were entrepreneurs as well and that was exciting.”
Next month, Brandi Wheeler is planning to start a Lifestyle blog called BeingBrandiM. It will include a Book Club and a podcast called Black Girl Collective. She wants to feature self-care, wellness, career advice, and a lot more in her blog.
Read the full interview below!
Question: Why do you love to read?
Answer: I love to read because it really helps me to relax and allows me to enter into another world, it’s my time to think creatively.
Q: Do you remember the first book you read with a character that looked like you? What did that feel like? What was the name of the book?
A: Yes, it was Amazing Grace. It was the best feeling ever. I remember wanting to be Grace, she was fearless and stood up for what she believed in. I loved it so much, I bought it for my daughter because I just wanted the joy of reading the story again!
Note From Elena Reads: I loved that book too and reviewed it in February.
Q: What are you reading now?
A: I am currently finishing Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi and then I am moving on to Barack Obama’s The Promised Land.
Q: What books do you enjoy reading to your kids?
A: I love reading books by Ryan T Higgins, We Don’t Eat Our Classmates, that’s one of our favorites. We also enjoy themed books centered around Holidays, we just got 5 Sleeps ‘Til Christmas by Jimmy Fallon and I imagine they will want to read it almost everyday until Christmas Eve.
Q: What is your favorite way to read books: paper copy, audiobook, or digitally, and why?
I love holding the book in my hand and reading it. I also like the look of books in the house, it’s a reminder there is always something to do. You do not have to be bored or lack creativity or imagination. I listen to audiobooks sometimes, but it is very rare.
Q: Besides books, I heard you really love beauty products. I like painting my nails blue, what’s your favorite nail color?
A: My favorite nail color is a pale pink. I like a nice natural look but still chic and polished.
Q: What are a few makeup tips you have for tweens just starting to use products.
A: You don’t need a lot of makeup to look nice. You can do a nice cream eyeshadow with mascara and some Tinted Moisturizer that is an easy look. It is important to know you are looking to enhance not recreate yourself. And always Smile!!!
Q: Anything else you want to add?
A: I think you are super cool for showing the world and young girls how cool it is to read, how cool it is to be smart!!
Elena Reads and Reviews 