Five years ago, I was featured in CIRCUS, and I was so bright-eyed, eager, and hungry. I was fighting for scraps but I was determined to prove not only my worth, but my vision. At that time, I had no idea how I was going to bring Off-Kilter to the market, but I knew with my whole heart that it needed to exist, and I wanted to be the one to do it. I’m not sure if it was my prior experience running yearbook in highschool or my curiosity of knowing what everyone was working on. But, the idea of launching a publication made me feel complete in a way that photography did not allow for.

I'm doing a lot more sitting in being with myself and my own reflections. For me, it’s been a year of me working from home. I'm definitely taking that all in and then reflecting on what this means, really reminiscing and being reflective of this moment and what we've lost. It’s given me the opportunity to be a lot more reflective and thoughtful. I'm really thankful to be here and thankful that you asked me to be in conversation. I’m also thankful to be alive.

I'm pleased to let you know you are a do-er.

You won't be trapped in Houston much longer, as you'll finally say “carpe diem” and give up your comfortable desk job to pursue “artistic endeavors” in LA. While this sounds wildly exciting, things won't go exactly as you planned. But, you'll make it through.

Thank you, Briana. Thank you for choosing yourself and finally learning to love and accept yourself completely. Thank you for choosing your own path and not allowing yourself to conform to anyone’s standards. Thank you for your perseverance and determination to make your business not only successful, but impactful.

Talking to Tom Jackson, co-founder of GAYLETTER magazine, Supergay Spirits and creative director at the advertising agency Mother was an oddly reflective experience. Tom and his creative partner Abi Benitez have progressed leaps and bounds in the last decade, taking GAYLETTER from a NY-based newsletter to the forefront of the publishing industry in a short span of time. Their cover stories with the likes of Frank Ocean, Marc Jacobs, Janelle Monae, and many others are some of the most interesting pieces I’ll read all year.