Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy Vega
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?
I was five years old the first time I realized that if I wanted something, I had to work for it. Growing up with a single mom who worked multiple jobs just to keep a roof over our heads, money was always tight. Some days, my sister and I would get by on a spoonful of peanut butter or a school lunch. Our “treats” were ice cubes with Kool-Aid when we were lucky.
Desperate to help, I went door to door offering to do yard work, clean houses, or scoop poop. I didn’t think of it as unusual—it was just what needed to be done. That hustle led to my first business: selling painted pet rocks on a street corner for 50 cents to a dollar. I was barely in kindergarten, but I had discovered something that would stay with me forever—the power of taking action.
By 12, I had saved enough money to pay for my own braces after working as a motel maid all summer. That was a game-changer. When I found my smile, I found my confidence.
At 10 years old, I watched the news and thought, That looks like an amazing job! I had no connections, no roadmap, and no one telling me I could do it. But I was determined.
By 17, I joined the Army Reserves as a broadcast journalist, going through boot camp while my friends were still in high school. It wasn’t easy, but it gave me discipline, opportunities, and experiences I never could have imagined—including interviewing President George W. Bush, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, and other world leaders. It also nearly cost me my life when terrorists tried to shoot down my helicopter on September 12, 2001.
Back home, I was told I’d never get hired in a major TV market. But at 18 years old, I became one of the youngest people ever hired at FOX 13 Salt Lake City. A year later, I pushed the limits again, applying in Phoenix—a much bigger market—and landed three job offers. By 20, I had achieved my dream of becoming a TV reporter for a FOX affiliate.
But reality hit hard. TV didn’t pay well—I was making $17,000 a year, eating ramen, and shopping at thrift stores. I realized I needed a new path. So, I left TV and pivoted into marketing, advertising, and video production. That shift led me to launch my own company, Vega Media Studios, where I built a multi-million-dollar business from the ground up.
By 2018, I had everything I had worked for. I was running a successful studio, helping businesses grow, and raising three kids—including a baby I had adopted from foster care who was born addicted to meth. At the same time, I was five months pregnant as a surrogate for a family who couldn’t have children. That was the moment I knew I had truly made it.
Then, in 2021, my world changed. I lost two friends to suicide in a single day.
That devastation led me to launch Promise2Live, a movement encouraging people to make a simple yet powerful commitment—to live and reach out when struggling. What started as a small initiative has now grown into a global movement, with a TV show, live events, and a global livestream reaching millions.
Today, Promise2Live is saving lives. We’ve expanded into monthly mental health town halls with Silicon Slopes, partnerships with schools, and collaborations with tech and corporate leaders to bring real mental health solutions to the forefront.
Through all of this, I’ve come to believe life is what’s given, but opportunity is what’s taken. No one is going to hand you success—you have to go out and create it. I’ve spent my life proving that, and now my mission is to help others find their purpose, fight for their dreams, and never give up.
I’ve always been the underdog, and I’ve never been afraid of hard work. I believe that when you combine faith, family, and philanthropy, you can change the world. And that’s exactly what I plan to keep doing.
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?
The road has been filled with twists, roadblocks, and detours. But every challenge strengthened my resolve.
After joining the Army Reserves at 17 and landing my first TV job at 18, I quickly realized that breaking into the industry as a young woman was tough. People doubted me. I was told over and over that I was “too young,” “too inexperienced,” and that I’d never make it in a bigger market. Instead of letting that stop me, I applied anyway—and landed multiple job offers.
Then came the harsh reality: TV news didn’t pay enough to survive. I was earning just $17,000 a year, shopping at thrift stores, and eating ramen noodles while trying to look polished on air. I loved the work, but I couldn’t ignore the financial struggle. That’s when I made my first major pivot—leaving TV and moving into marketing, advertising, and media production.
Starting my own business was another uphill battle. I invested every dollar I had into building Vega Media Studios, often choosing between paying my bills and funding my dream. There were sleepless nights, moments of doubt, and people telling me I was crazy for trying.
On top of the professional challenges, life threw in personal hardships. I was a single mom raising three kids while running a business. One of my children was born addicted to meth, and I had to navigate the challenges of fostering and adoption. At the same time, I became a surrogate for a family in need, balancing pregnancy, motherhood, and a growing company.
Then came 2021—the year that nearly broke me.
I almost lost my child for the second time. In the same month, four people in my circle lost loved ones to suicide. I was heartbroken and determined to take action, but trying to build Promise2Live came with more resistance than I ever expected.
I faced opposition from groups, people, and organizations I thought would support it. Instead of encouragement, I encountered sabotage, roadblocks, and betrayal. The very people I believed would stand beside me tried to tear me down.
For the first time in my life, I hit my breaking point. I remember lying in a ball on the floor, crying, questioning why I was doing all of this. Was it worth it? Could I really make a difference?
That’s when my husband reminded me:
“Because you got a second chance.”
That moment changed everything. I realized that despite the pain, opposition, and exhaustion, I had been given another shot at life—and I had to make it count.
So, no, the road hasn’t been smooth. It’s been painful, exhausting, and overwhelming. But it has also been purposeful, transformative, and deeply meaningful.
And that’s why I keep going. Because I got a second chance. And now, I’m determined to help others get theirs.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m a storyteller, entrepreneur, and humanitarian. Everything I do is rooted in a passion for media, marketing, and making an impact. I’ve built businesses, launched movements, and created platforms to help people not just survive—but truly live.
Promise2Live: More Than a Movement, A Lifeline
The heart of my work today is Promise2Live—a global movement dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. It’s not just about raising awareness; it’s about taking action, providing resources, and breaking the silence around mental health struggles.
Promise2Live is a simple yet significant commitment. We ask everyone, everywhere—whether they are struggling or not—to promise that if they ever find themselves in a dark place, they will reach out to a friend, family member, resource, or call 988.
Why? Because studies show that people who make a promise in general are up to 60% more likely to keep it. This small act of commitment can be the difference between suffering in silence and getting the help that saves a life.
Suicide is not just an individual issue—it’s a global crisis.
726,000 people died by suicide worldwide in 2022.
For every one person who dies by suicide, reports estimate 25 to 32 others attempt it.
For every suicide, an average of 135 people are impacted—family, friends, coworkers, and entire communities.
Every 40 seconds, someone dies by suicide.
This is why Promise2Live delivers hope, help, healing, and resources to those who need it most. We don’t just talk about change—we make it happen.
Through powerful live events, TV programming, and digital campaigns, we bring real stories, expert advice, and tangible solutions to people worldwide:
TV Show & Media: The Promise2Live TV show delivers hope, help, healing, and resources through interviews with mental health experts, survivor stories, and motivational content.
Global Livestream & Gala: A worldwide broadcast event featuring celebrities, musicians, advocates, and mental health professionals coming together to provide real support.
Silicon Slopes Mental Health Town Halls: Monthly events addressing burnout, addiction, and mental health challenges in the workplace and beyond.
Corporate & Community Partnerships: Working with schools, businesses, and organizations to integrate mental health resources into their cultures.
Promise2Live Pocket Hugs & Challenges: Simple but powerful tools—like Pocket Hug coins and social media challenges—that encourage people to check in on their loved ones and remind them they are not alone.
Building Promise2Live hasn’t been easy, but I’m most proud of the lives we’ve saved. When someone tells me, “I made the Promise2Live, and it kept me going,” I know everything I’ve fought for has been worth it.
Good Deed Revolution: Spreading Kindness & Creating Change
Before Promise2Live, I founded Good Deed Revolution, a nonprofit focused on spreading kindness, helping those in need, and addressing critical social issues. From delivering meals to families in crisis to launching massive giving campaigns, we believe that small acts of kindness create a ripple effect of positive change.
One of our most impactful initiatives is the Holiday Hug Project, where we distribute thousands of Pocket Hug cards and coins to seniors, veterans, and those struggling during the holidays. These small tokens remind people they are loved, valued, and never alone.
Vega Media Studios: The Power of Media & Storytelling
Before I launched Promise2Live, I built Vega Media Studios—a full-service video production and marketing agency that helps businesses share their stories, grow their brands, and create impact through media.
We specialize in:
High-quality video production for brands, businesses, and nonprofits
Live-streaming and virtual events that engage and inspire audiences
Strategic marketing and storytelling that connects businesses with their ideal customers
What makes us different? We don’t just produce content—we create movements. I use my background in TV news, military broadcasting, and marketing to craft messages that don’t just inform but move people to action.
While I’m shifting my focus toward Promise2Live and mental health advocacy, my media background is still a driving force in everything I do. Media is powerful—it can shape perspectives, drive change, and even save lives. That’s why I continue to leverage media for good.
What I Want Readers to Know
At the end of the day, everything I do is about impact. Whether it’s through Promise2Live, Good Deed Revolution, or my work in media, my goal is simple:
To bring hope to the hopeless.
To use my voice to create change.
To make sure people know they matter.
If you take one thing from my story, I want it to be this:
You are not alone. Your life matters. And if you ever feel like giving up—Promise2Live.
Want to get involved?
Make the Promise2Live: www.Promise2Live.org
Watch the TV Show & Livestream: Stay tuned for updates on our next big event
Collaborate or partner with us: Let’s create real change together
Because when we stand together, we save lives.
What makes you happy?
There’s nothing that fills my heart more than seeing lives changed and knowing I played even a small role in that. When someone tells me, “Promise2Live saved my life,” or when a family member reaches out to say, “Because of this movement, my loved one is still here,” that is everything.
I know what it feels like to struggle, to doubt, to hit rock bottom. I’ve been there. But I also know what it means to get a second chance. And now, my happiness comes from making sure others get theirs.
I find joy in the small but powerful moments—watching my kids grow and thrive, hearing their laughter, and seeing them become incredible human beings. My family is my greatest blessing, and knowing that I’m present for them, even while carrying such a big mission, brings me peace.
I love helping others succeed. Whether it’s through Promise2Live, Good Deed Revolution, or Vega Media Studios, I love seeing people step into their potential, overcome obstacles, and turn their pain into purpose.
One of the things that brings me the most joy is mentoring and empowering the next generation. Through Women Who Succeed, I volunteer and mentor high school and college girls, helping them see their value, believe in themselves, and realize that they can accomplish anything. I love paying it forward because I know how important it is to have people who believe in you.
Faith also plays a huge role in my happiness. I love God, my family, and everyone else. My motto is simple: Choose Kindness, Give Grace, and Lead with Love. I try to live by that every day.
Beyond my work, I love getting out in nature and having fun. Riding ATVs, fishing, hiking, playing games, and pulling off practical jokes bring me pure joy. Life is too short not to laugh, have adventures, and truly live.
At the end of the day, happiness isn’t about money, success, or recognition. It’s about knowing you’re doing something meaningful. And for me, that means waking up every day with purpose, fighting for those who need a voice, and reminding people that they matter.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Promise2Live.org and www.VegaMediaStudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/promise2liveofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Promise2LiveChallenge
- LinkedIn: Promise2Live
- Youtube: @Promise2Live
- Other: https://www.gooddeedrevolution.org
