If you’ve never met me IRL before, this is a great get-to-know-Brittany post. You can get a pretty good overview of my professional life from my resume and portfolio, but there’s obviously a lot more to be than that. So who am I? Good question… To put it short, I’m still figuring this out. I believe everyone is! People evolve and grow over time and I am no exception. But I’ll do my best to show you what I’m all about.
Back to the Beginning
Since I was a young girl growing up on a farm in the tiny city (town? village? hamlet?) of Springfield, I’ve always been drawn to the arts. This began with coloring in my Strawberry Shortcake coloring books while listening to music that was always playing throughout my home. My tastes have changed a bit, but the basic concepts remain the same. Whenever I’m designing, listening to an appropriate playlist is a MUST. My all-time favorite bands include Silversun Pickups, Arcade Fire, Phantogram, Broken Social Scene, Trampled by Turtles, and Frightened Rabbit (RIP Scott) to name a few. More recently I’m really into Amy Shark, Glass Animals, and Metric. While this style comprises the bulk of my music library, I also mix in a lot of what I consider timeless classics. And I will probably be despised by many for admitting I have a severe distaste for Pink Floyd and Prince (again, RIP). Please don’t take away my “Minnesota Card” for that last one. Music feeds my soul, and I try to catch as many shows as possible. Admittedly that happens less and less lately, but with three small children (more on that later), that’s just how it goes. Luckily, I work part time at one of the best live music venues in Minnesota outside of the Metro, The Grand Center for Arts & Culture in New Ulm. This could not be a more perfect role for me: creating and designing for an arts venue?? Yes please! I also get to make and explore art with kids too, which is another major bonus ????
Smiling Tree Toys
The Grand isn’t the only local organization that I am proud to be a part of. I came across Smiling Tree Toys shortly after my oldest was born, and I was able to join the business just a couple years later. They are the epitome of an eco-friendly family business. I personally stand by all of their products and our home is filled with them to attest to that! Not only are all their items hand-crafted just miles from my home, but they’re made from sustainable and local products too. Double win!
About those three kids…
Yep, I’m a momma to three littles and a wife to the kindest, most supportive and loving husband EVER, Kurtis. We met in high school and were married the month after college graduation (yes, really… Because why not plan a wedding on top of 2 PT jobs, an internship, and a full class load?). We became parents after five years of marriage to the most beautiful and super chill baby girl Ezri. She’s in first grade now and she shares my passion for art and music, which I of course LOVE. Unlike myself, she enjoys being in front of the camera and has recently started her own YouTube channel. That’s my girl! Apples and trees, amirite?
Roa joined us four years later and basically disproved all our previous notions about children and parenthood. When they say every child is different, they aren’t kidding. Roa is full of life and heart and we love everything about him (especially now that he’s outgrown those temper tantrums!). He is enthralled by all things Paw Patrol and you can often spot him running around the house in his Catboy mask and cape yelling “Super Cat Speed!”. Roa’s a much more hands-on kiddo who likes play-doh and finger paints more than crayons. He enjoys playing by my side on work-from-home days where I often hear (in the sweetest 3 yo voice ever): “I love you mommy”. Heart. Full.
Kairos, or Kai Kai as we call him, is our little spitfire. At just 18 months, he is quite possibly our most musical child and definitely has the best dance skills than any other toddler I’ve met! He is full of adventure and adores his siblings, following them wherever they may go. He got his sweet tooth from his momma. I am not ashamed to admit I have to hide my candy stash out of his reach, otherwise he’d devour it all!
Not to sound too cliché, but my husband Kurt really is my rock. My better half. My biggest supporter. Without him, none of this would be possible. Also without him, we’d be stuck with cereal and pb&j sandwiches every night for dinner! (Did I mention I can’t cook??) He works so hard for us and is the most incredible dad to our kids. They might not know how lucky they are to have him yet, but someday they will. And I sure do.
Inspiration
I draw my inspiration like many others – from the world around me. I surround myself with things that bring me joy (anyone else obsessed with Marie Kondo lately??). Music, art, travel, culture, kids, nature…it’s all around us. I consider myself a conscious consumer and pay close attention to the companies, causes, and most importantly, the PEOPLE I’m supporting. Small Business Saturday is my favorite shopping day of the year for this reason. Don’t get me wrong though – I love Target as much as the next iced-coffee obsessed mom! But I also believe in shopping with purpose as much as possible. Consumerism is a huge contributor to environmental destruction. I’m a big believer in thrifting first and buying only what you need.
Where It All Comes Together
You might be wondering how this is all relevant to my professional life. The truth is, it might not be. But for me, it’s all connected. I regularly work right alongside my kids. I am constantly looking for inspiration on my “off” time. You cannot control when or where an idea will strike you, and I am not one to turn a blind eye to a good idea! My personal beliefs help determine which projects I take on. I hold a special spot in my heart – and my work schedule – for family businesses, non-profits, and causes that are important to me. It’s all intertwined, and that’s the way I like it ????
What’s in a Name?
So where does BRYMA DESIGNS come from? “Bryma” is a mash up of my name, Brittany Ryan Mathiowetz. I started using it long ago, and since my professional life is a reflection of who I am personally, it only made sense to use it for my business name. To follow me along this journey, be sure to follow my social channels. Expect lots of behind-the-scenes, projects I’m working on, and plenty of my mini-me’s too ????
