This past week, I had the unforgettable honor of winning the Women of Impact Award presented by Impact Magazine at the stunning Four Seasons Houston. It was a night of elegance, artistry, and celebrating women who are making an impact in their fields. From wearing a custom gown by Daughters of Nonyelum Atelier to accessorizing with diamond-encrusted operatic glasses by Laurel Dewitt, originally created for Madonna (whoa), every moment felt like a reflection of how far I’ve come. The entire experience was orchestrated by God, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this journey.
This award holds a special place in my heart because there’s truly none like it. It honors the daring and unique, something I’ve carried with me since childhood. I wasn’t a “normal” kid. While most children played outside with their bikes or kicked around a ball, I was in the back of the house trying to put together my own singing group, doing makeup and nails, and dreaming about the stage. Trouble for me was having my Whitney Houston cassette taken away because I played it nonstop.
A Journey of Discovery
I started classical training at nine years old, but even then, I knew my voice was different. I loved the structure of opera, but my heart also craved the freedom of jazz, the passion of gospel, the rhythm of hip-hop, and even the drama of Bollywood. I carried all those influences with me, weaving them into my sound and style.
By the time I was in college studying opera, I had developed a deep love for the composer Puccini—his use of portamento and the freedom it provided to glide between notes resonated with my soul. This freedom encouraged me to explore the full range of my voice, but it wasn't solely about me. While teaching at a low-income school, I noticed that many of my students lacked access to the arts. They couldn't envision themselves in opera—until I decided to change that.
The Birth of T.R.A.P. Opera
That’s where T.R.A.P. Opera (The Reimagined Artistic Progressive Opera) was born. It’s a genre that fuses the classical roots of opera with modern influences—trap, gospel, hip-hop, and more. It’s not just music; it’s a movement. It’s about creating space for everyone to feel seen, inspired, and empowered through the grandness of opera.
Inspirations That Shaped Me
Throughout my journey, I’ve drawn inspiration from an eclectic Rolodex of artists: the soaring vocals of Barbara Hendricks, the raw brilliance of Biggie Smalls, the soulful grit of Bonnie Raitt, the unstoppable presence of Beyoncé, and the timeless compositions of Bizet. Each one shaped how I see and create art. But at some point, I stopped simply drawing inspiration and began writing my own story. That’s when Brené was born—my voice, my vision, my sound.
Why This Award Matters
Winning the Women of Impact Award feels like validation for taking risks, for reimagining what opera could be, and for believing in a vision that many couldn’t see at first. This moment isn’t just about me—it’s about the little girl who dreamed big, the students who inspired me to create something new, and everyone who dares to push boundaries.
I am deeply grateful to the National Opera House, a true champion for independent artists like myself, for continuously sponsoring and advocating for artists who carve their own path. I’m honored to be their featured artist, helping to carry out their advocacy and mission to build healthy and wealthy artists and arts communities.
A huge thank you to Impact Magazine for highlighting so many beautiful and inspiring women. To Four Seasons Houston for hosting an unforgettable weekend filled with luxury, beauty, and relaxation—including a private yoga session to balance my mind and spirit before the big night.
To Daughters of NyNolem for designing a gown that made me feel as powerful as this moment deserved. And to Laurel Dewitt for my custom operatic glasses, a one-of-a-kind statement of artistry and elegance.
This is only the beginning. Caviar & Culture isn’t just my blog—it’s the story of my life. Where elegance meets edge, and where tradition embraces the future.
Stay tuned.
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