Brianne Mitchell is a media strategist, producer, consultant and COO for Mitchell Legal Services and Mitchell Law Office. She is also an award-winning children’s book author (The Della and Lila Book Series), philanthropist, and the very proud mom of two girls, Della (12) and Lila (9). Bri has been working in communications and media for over a decade and has built a wildly successful practice based in digital media and community service. She has worked and partnered with some of the biggest names in the business – Disney, Sesame Street, Sesame Workshop, Netflix, Showtime, and WQED. She has also volunteered her time and professional services for charitable organizations that are near and dear to her heart. Bri has donated countless hours of volunteer time to help with community service programs, grassroots organizations, and local neighborhood groups, while trying to make a difference in her little corner of the world. Over the past few years Brianne Mitchell has been presented with some of the most prestigious awards our region has to offer, including: Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40, Inspiring Women in Philanthropy, Pittsburgh’s Best of the ‘Burgh, and the ExtraORdinary Person Award. In 2014 Bri began writing a children’s book series with her daughters. Six years later and they are the proud authors of three internationally acclaimed children’s books, with a fourth in production. Bri and her family have traveled all over the US and Europe for book tours and to promote kindness, love, and community service. The Della and Lila Book Series donates all of their proceeds to various organizations, that support children and families – both in SWPA and all over the world, through their own nonprofit, The River Fund. Bri lives in Brownsville, PA, and is rarely seen without a cup of hot tea and her iPhone.
Why is your business a business to watch in 2021?
The Della and Lila Book Series is an award-winning children’s book series written for children, by children, with all proceeds being donated to nonprofits focused on children and family.
What inspired your to start your business?
My daughter began telling me a story one night… I wrote it down…. and the rest is herstory!
How did 2020 change your business? Was it for the better?
Because we donate all of our proceeds to charity, we had to get really creative to continue raising money. A lot of book and merchandise sales come from in-person appearances. And, when that stopped we had to start thinking outside of the box!
What lessons did you learn in your business in 2020?
Children have some of the brightest, most creative ideas ever imagined. I knew I needed to think outside of the box…. so, when I needed those really groundbreaking ideas… I asked my daughters.
What kind of impact do you want your business to leave on your client or customer?
I want our customers to be fulfilled and know that by purchasing one of our books, they are helping children and families in need.
Do you feel your product or service meets the needs of the market?
Yes, absolutely. I feel that our books teach great lessons, not only in the stories but also through leading by example (through the donation of our proceeds). In our books we want to teach children to be kind and give back. And, by donating our proceeds – we are demonstrating one way to do that.
What hurdles did you personally face in getting ready to open your business and how did you overcome them?
I knew nothing – NOTHING !!! – about the book publishing and distribution world. I made every mistake you could make and sometimes I made them twice. I had no idea what I was getting into! 🙂 But, I am so happy I did!
When did you realize entrepreneurship was right for you?
I’ve always enjoyed the art of entrepreneurship, even from a young age. I really started to enjoy all facets of it when I was able to help others through it.
Why did you choose entrepreneurship?
Once I realized I was able to really, really help others…. I was all in!
What would you say is your most driving motivation to keep doing what you do?
To continue to help others. To set a good example for my daughters for all of the children who read our books (and for the adults, too!).
What are you most excited or passionate about? (In both business and life or both)
I love helping people and I really, really love showing others how to use their gifts to help others too. To help others really develop their gifts and talents and use them for good.
What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your business? What are the goals that you hold personally?
Professionally, I want to continue to be successful, set a good example for my children, continue to write books, and continue to help people. Personally, I want to be a good human and a good mom. That’s what means the most to me.
What’s next for you in your business/brand? What can readers look forward to from you?
We are putting the final touches on the illustrations for our 4th book! Can’t wait to launch that!
