71: Brit Gilmore: Social Impact, Objectivity, Breaking Points; A Story That Isn't Finished

Brit, a native of Detroit, is President of The Giving Keys, a company that exists to employ people transitioning out of homelessness in Los Angeles to make inspirational jewelry and accessories. Each wearer of a Giving Key is meant to embrace the word on their key and pass the key on to a person they feels needs the message more than them. The self-funded company's products are carried in over 1,400 stores worldwide including Nordstrom, ASOS, and Fred Segal. The Giving Keys has created 90+ jobs for people transitioning out of homelessness. Brit is passionate about job creation for community transformation and using business to build self-esteem and break cycles of poverty. Brit lives in Venice, CA, with her husband, Ryan who worked for TOMS. Brit and Ryan believe social business is the way of the future.   In this conversation, Brit shares the story behind her pursuit of impact-driven work. She talks about her developmental years in Detroit, forays into the fashion world, and recent struggles with reaching her own breaking point. In this vulnerable and powerful conversation, Brit leaves listeners with a needed message that: your story isn't over yet, and challenges all who hear to better understand themselves in order to better help others.   For the full show notes, visit: theupandcomersshow.com/episodes/brit   Time-Markers:   5:15 - From Britney to Brit 7:15 - Brit's Band / Singing Background 10:15 - Brit's High School Personalities 14:00 - The Origins of Brit's Identity 17:15 - Developing Objectivity 21:30 - Brit's Early Travels 34:00 - Shaping Brit's Passion 45:30 - Marrying Scale and Community 50:15 - Building a Skillset 57:00 - Fashion 1:05:00 - Transition Into Impact-Driven Work 1:09:00 - The Giving Keys 1:12:00 - Anxiety and Depression 1:23:30 - Supporting Others with Depression 1:27:00 - Danger in Resilience / Strength 1:32:00 - Highlights from The Giving Keys 1:35:30 - What the Future Holds 1:44:45 - Favorite Books 1:47:30 - Ted Talk Brit Would Give 1:51:20 - Best New Habit 1:52:30 - Morning Text Reminder 1:55:00 - Brit's Request