We recently had the chance to connect with Brianna Knisely and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Brianna, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Thank you for having me! My mornings usually start with a run – on the beach or on a trail. Getting outside and breathing fresh air first thing in the morning clears my mind and gives me time to reflect. Some of my most ambitious ideas are born during this time!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a blues and rock ‘n’ roll musician, I play electric guitar and sing. You’ll usually find me performing at local bars, restaurants, and festivals, and on days without a gig, I’m often out playing on the streets. I’m passionate about connecting with people through music, wherever I can. I first learned to play as a kid, but only recently picked the guitar back up — and started singing — while searching for a sense of purpose. Music found its way back into my life when I needed it most.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I was a kid, I was all about art and music. Both of my parents worked multiple jobs just to get by, and I constantly heard, “You’ll never make money doing that.” So I put creativity aside, got a job, and started chasing a paycheck.
Years later, I was working at bars that hosted live music and the musicians were not only taking home a check but thriving in this environment. I had this sudden realization: I gave up something I loved out of fear, not fact. That moment really shifted how I see the world — that following your passion isn’t naive, it’s brave.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Trying to be happy without music. I stopped playing guitar for nearly a decade, convincing myself I could live a ‘normal’ life. Eventually, I hit a wall — it was clear something had to change. I picked up my guitar again, and to my surprise, songs I hadn’t played in years came right back. In that moment, I realized I didn’t just miss music — I needed it. That’s when I started dreaming of a life that actually felt worth living.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
For a long time, I believed I wasn’t important—that my value depended on how well I could blend in and meet others’ expectations. I thought that was the path to belonging. But over time, I realized that belief was a veil blocking me from seeing my true self. Letting go of it was like awakening to a deeper truth—that I am enough just as I am. This shift has brought me a profound sense of freedom and peace, guiding me to live more authentically and with purpose.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
The thing I know I’ll regret most is not trying. I tell myself this every single day because it reminds me that the future only becomes real when we have the courage to reach for it. Every possibility, every dream—none of it exists until we step forward. So, I choose to lean into fear and uncertainty, knowing that’s where growth and true living happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bripk.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianna.guitar?igsh=MWtsbXk0NTEzd3E4cw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17KpLwos95/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@brianna.guitar?si=EVyC6TQciFBCt3qy
- Other: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Flinktr.ee%2FSustangSally%3Ffbclid%3DPAZnRzaAMu2s1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp7z_48kTqNV4flXJVKgakNNlmmJSuPOZxgyiL2oWUNq6j5wX6xHbniTpLmFj_aem_0Y_hAQFRMKfieqtLRcahkw&e=AT02I7aa1v65wabfgauotkp0yBVxCwWUR4_Q-5eTK8E-yDWcJAaoPgFOgtjeLzv-46UqShDT2N7N-YXG_keYsc_T5lbJfpe1hv0yXlJMNhWRj8VG0I0KoXsofA
Image Credits
Alex Trendler, Jeffrey Walker, Michael Lowdermilk, Sam Smith
