Today we’d like to introduce you to Brinley Marcum
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Perhaps it was a collection of boredom and desperation that urged me to create my Instagram page, Spoken by Strangers. I was bored of the monotony of life and desperate for something to spark excitement. So while shopping in Trader Joe’s (as far as monotony goes, shopping at Trader Joe’s is my favorite monotonous task), I overheard a conversation that peaked some interest. There wasn’t anything unusual about what was said. It was just a younger man speaking with an older gentleman. From the way they interacted I could tell this was their first time meeting. And all I really heard was the “what is your best advice?” coming from the younger man. I never did get to hear what the older man had to say and I wish I did. I’m not really sure what lead me to write how question down. But I did. And included the time and place. It turned into a habit. I would even take my headphones out in public just to catch glimpses of other people’s lives. I had a collection of photos I had taken of strangers on the beaches of California and so, I began writing what I heard on these photos. I posted them for myself really. It sparked joy during a time where joy felt limited. And that was enough for me to continue. A year later it’s grown into more than I could’ve imagined. I think it’s beautiful that thousands of strangers resonate with what I’ve created. And I now post personal stories from followers along with the little snippets I hear in public. Sometimes I include my own thoughts in the caption. And I feel so lucky to be the conductor the page. It’s not really mine to claim, because it belongs to all the strangers that have ever contributed whether they know it or not.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Because this started as a passion project, any growth or attention I received was more of a bonus for me. And while it’s still a passion project for me, I’ve started a business as a result of it. It’s an apparel company to go along with the theme of Spoken by Strangers. I feel like I can say it’s one of a kind;) @hey.don’t.be.a.stranger on instagram. It’s hoodies and crewnecks with a QR code on the back. The QR code takes you to an affirmation or words of encouragement. But it’s a dynamic code so the affirmation changes weekly. It’s for you. It’s for the strangers you pass in public who see you and you see them but perhaps and you’ll never talk but they’ll scan your hoodie and maybe feel a little less alone because of it. I don’t know what I’m doing really. But I just figure it out and learn from mistakes along the way. Sometimes I wonder “but what if I fail?” And then I remember that’s impossible because I’ve already succeeded in so many ways. This is only the beginning, and I’m sure more struggles wait for me around the corner. But what about all the good and exciting things? I can’t wait to find those too.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m pretty average at most things I do but I’m proud of myself for doing them anyway. I like learning new skills and trying new things. If I don’t know how to do something, I’ll figure it out. I work for a startup company doing graphic design and marketing. I don’t have a degree an either of those fields. I don’t have a degree at all actually. Imposter Syndrome? Oh yeah we are tight sometimes. But I trust myself in learning what needs to be learned and providing my best work.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
QR code apparel is going to be the thing of the future. I’m calling it right now! I love the idea (maybe that’s just bias talking) and I think others will love the idea. I’ve already gotten so much positive feedback from followers and others I share my ideas with. Stay tuned!
Pricing:
- QR hoodie: $55
- QR Crewneck: $45
- Embroidered Tote bag: $20
- Embroidered Trucker Hat: $17
Contact Info:
- Website: Spoken by strangers.com
- Instagram: @spoken.by.strangers
- Other: Insta: @hey.don’t.be.a.stranger
