Name: Brandon Bryant
Age: 27
Profession: Lifestyle Blogger & Investor
One Word That Describes You: Crafty
Social Media: Twitter: Wallstreetpaper | Instagram: Wallstreetpaper | Facebook: Wallstreetpaper
What does being one of the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction mean to you?
Means quite a bit to be on the prestigious list. I can only imagine all of the other talented folks who I will be in company with on this list and I am very grateful.
What are some examples of how you turned struggle into success?
One key example is when I started a menswear blog, Wall Street Paper, in my cubicle as a creative outlet two years ago while working on Wall Street. Fast forward to now and I work with brands like GQ, Amazon, and Saks Fifth Avenue to tell their brand stories through my following on social media as a living.
What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
Integrity— is this person honest and do they live by a set of principles that I agree with.
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
Just shot a watch campaign with Movado, and a campaign with a U.K. shoe brand (Frank Wright). In addition I recently closed on a fifth investment as a managing partner of Harlem Capital Partners, a minority-owned early-stage investment firm where we invest 50% of our capital into diverse entrepreneurs.
What is the best advice you ever received?
A closed mouth doesn’t get fed—you have to articulate what you want
What is some advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
Action is the twin brother of experience, and experience is the best teacher in life.
How do you prep for an important business meeting and/or event?
I set out points that I like to go over during the meetings, write down questions I may have, and take a deep dive on the subject to be up to speed and be able to add value to the conversation. I also discuss my points with colleagues to get feedback and to see if I missed anything.
As a busy Modern Man, how do you unwind on vacation? Share a story about your best vacation.
Best vacation was a road trip from Seattle to San Francisco. We stopped in Portland and Napa as well. Took this trip after I received my first bonus on Wall Street. Nothing like going sky diving or tasting wine on the West Coast. Excited to do it again with my significant other in the future.
If you could travel and stay anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Japan—the culture and style there has been such a big influence on suiting and American culture in general. I want to see what’s happening at the source and predict future influences.
It’s our normal to be extraordinary. Follow @BEModernMan and join the conversation using #BEModernMan.
Come celebrate the BE Modern Man 100 Men of Distinction at the first-ever Black Men XCEL Summit, Aug. 30 – Sept. 3, at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.