Meet Bria Spivey-Lockley | City of Philadelphia Deputy Digital Director | Owner of Bria Spivey Consulting LLC.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bria Spivey-Lockley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bria, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted to start my own business as a way to offer my skills to people beyond my 9-5. I initially positioned my business as one that offered social media management, as well as strategic communications consulting, but as of this year I am pivoting to focus on my digital literacy services. These services include professional development training such as my LinkedIn for Beginners workshop. I will continue to offer my strategic communications services in the form of consulting/advising on best practices and digital planning for businesses, however I think it’s paramount that we provide resources to those who desire to build their professional digital presence.

I was born and raised in Philly and as I’ve continued to grow professionally, I have learned the devastating effects of the digital divide in my city. Things that some of us view as “simple tasks”, like starting a LinkedIn profile to help position yourself for the job market, may not be a skill that someone with limited computer experience has. My entrepreneurial goal is to host large trainings with companies that want to invest in the professional development of their employees. My personal goal is to continue to offer my digital literacy services free of charge to specific community organizations and programs because I believe strongly in volunteer service.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a first-generation college graduate.

Though I feel strongly that my education has opened many doors for me, oddly enough I do believe that the trauma I’ve experienced in my life has undoubtedly shaped who I have become. The same year I was set to become the first in my family to graduate college—my father was murdered in my hometown. I had just seen him on Christmas Day that year and told him that I’d like to spend more time together and not even three days later he was gone. This tragedy changed the trajectory of my life in many ways because despite his flaws my father and I were extremely close. Losing him, especially in the way I did, altered how I viewed the world and made me even more determined to pour positively into my community.

My work postgraduate school has mostly been in municipal government. I have worked in various roles with the City of Philadelphia that have ultimately continued to heighten my desire to serve my community. A huge part of who I am is service. My 9-5 positions me as a public servant and a huge component of my business is lending my services to community organizations.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting you in Philadelphia and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Most tourists who visit Philly beeline to Center City and that’s a great place to learn the city’s history, club and restaurant hop, but in my opinion the most beautiful parts of Philly are the neighborhoods. I would recommend Manayunk as a stop. There is a great restaurant called Taqueria Amor that offers delicious Mexican cuisine and great drinks. The area itself is very walkable and scenic.

I would also recommend going down to Kelly Drive for a picnic or to jog— this is a very beautiful part of the city that provides a great space to clear your mind. If you’re looking for a staple food, like a cheesesteak I would recommend a few places like Chubby’s in Roxborough or Max’s Steaks on Broad and Erie. Philly is definitely a vibe, and you’ll have fun whatever you decide to do here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family has always been a motivating factor for me. Though I grew-up in challenging circumstances, my family has always encouraged me to strive for the desires of my heart and not allow my background to be a hindrance. My husband has also been my top supporter and was the person who truly pushed me to take the leap and start my own business. I believe in myself because I have many good people supporting and guiding me.

Website: msha.ke/briaspiveyconsulting

Instagram: @briaspiveyconsulting

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/briarspivey

Other: Email: briaspiveyconsulting@gmail.com