A versatile professional with a vibrant career spanning entertainment, entrepreneurship, and event management, Brittney Dorey Hernandez not only puts her heart into all of her works but her strong love of God is a driving force as well.
In addition to an acting career that includes guest appearances on television shows such Bounce TV’s “Family Time” and the CW’s “Dynasty” and a star turn as the lead in Lifetime’s powerful thriller The Beach House Murders, the Hot Springs, Arkansas native is also event manager for the world’s leading Poetic Voice, Sekou Andrews where she leverages her organizational prowess to help curate unforgettable and soul-stirring experiences that leave a lasting impact on companies all over the world.
Hernandez’s latest project and driving passion has been the launch of her fashionable and fun faith based earrings company, The Tank Shoppe. Featuring an array of colors and unique designs, the earrings all showcase inspirational sayings and slogans aimed at empowering women.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Brittney is deeply passionate about using her platform to uplift and inspire others. Her commitment to service and ministry drives her mission to empower women and spread the message of hope and faith.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the multi-talented artist to learn more about her artistry and the driving force behind The Tank Shoppe.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Brittney Dorey Hernandez?
Brittney Dorey Hernandez: I am a devout woman of God, a friend to all, and a multifaceted creative with a heart to serve people.
What are three words your family and friends would use to describe you?
I asked! My mom said ambitious, crazy and God-fearing. One of my best friends said creative, honest, and genuine. I would agree with all those, especially the crazy! But only crazy in the best ways!
Let’s humble brag….tell us a little about your acting career?
Acting is a journey. The industry has been slow going for most of the year but I have learned to enjoy the journey and I trust and believe that things happen in God’s perfect timing. This past February I did land my first leading role in a feature length film for Lifetime called The Beach House Murders. That has been incredibly exciting and a dream come true. Some of my other credits include guest appearances on Bounce TV’s “Family Time” and the CW’s “Dynasty.”
What was the inspiration in starting The Tank Shoppe and tell us about the name?
I’m a “Creative” through and through and I trust God with my life completely. There was a season in my life where things just weren’t moving at all, and I was questioning everything. I started writing scriptures on my bathroom mirror and promises from God to keep me encouraged. I started coming up with t-shirt designs and phrases and then I thought it would be cool to create some earrings with scripture. It’s something that I had never seen before, and I thought it would be cool to create a mismatched style of earring. Fast forward to several years later and my good friend, Kenesha, had a laser engraving business and I asked her if we could make custom earrings. She made me my first pair and she loved them and thought others would too so I got excited about it and then just decided to go for it.
How do you decide on your creative approach in the look and the messaging on the earrings?
I wait for the messages to hit me. Sometimes a message will come while I’m listening to a gospel song or when I’m being inspired by the scripture from Sunday service. As for the look and paint and shapes and how to get that to all come together, that sometimes takes some figuring out and patience but I just try to have fun and play around with it until I come up with something I like.
Biggest pro and biggest con of running your own business?
The biggest pro is that it allows me to create art that I enjoy and get to watch others enjoy. That’s very satisfying. And also the flexibility that you hope to achieve one day. Now the biggest con is the uncertainty in building up the business and not yet seeing a return but knowing you have to keep going. It requires a lot of faith.
How do you maintain your mental health and/or self-care?
JESUS! Haha. I spend a lot of time talking to God to keep myself balanced and in a state of gratitude. My biggest self care routine is going to the gym five days a week and getting a manicure every couple weeks. There’s nothing like a fresh set of nails to pick you up. On a more serious note, lately I have been unloading some of my ambitious pursuits and focusing on simplifying my life. I’ve been chasing things for a long time and I feel like I am in a season of just being more present with my family.
Can you name a book that changed or really impacted your life?
I promise this is not meant at all to be a plug because I’m not even sure if it will ever get published, but I actually wrote a book back in 2020. I had this idea, for years, to write a book about some of my romantic relationships but everytime I sat down to write I couldn’t get past the first sentence. Towards the end of January 2020 I was at the gym on the treadmill one morning and heard what I believed to be the voice of God tell me clearly, “Go write the book.” I was surprised but I asked, “what book?” And then I just had this feeling of knowing what book. I went to continue my workout but I felt a tug like I was supposed to leave immediately and go start this book. I remember talking out loud to God in the car in disbelief and having all these thoughts like, “am I really going to write it this time?” And then, as clear as day, God told me to go to Starbucks and write on the book everyday in February for one hour and I would have my book. Now, this impacted my life and still is impacting my life today because I learned that when God puts grace over a thing, He will provide if you move in obedience. I sat down nearly every day in Starbucks in February 2020 and wrote around 72,000 words of that book.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
Most people are surprised to find out that I have a daughter that is college aged. Another is that although I do some acting, in some ways I’m very shy at first and being the center of attention makes me wildly uncomfortable in most settings. I have to warm up a bit.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
Oh that’s hard. I’m going to go with two. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” and “love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
Best advice for young creatives?
Do or create the art because it makes you happy even if people don’t understand it or appreciate it. Do it because you love it and it gives you great joy. And be honest with yourself about your creative pursuits. Ask yourself, “if no one ever understands it or appreciates it and if I never get paid a dime, would I still do it?” If the answer is Yes, keep creating. That’s how you last as an artist. And trust the seasons, don’t fight them. Sometimes you will be more creative and sometimes you won’t. Don’t beat yourself up. Just know that your creativity will come back again!
What’s next for Brittney Dorey Hernandez?
The longer I live the more I realize that I have no idea what’s next. What I hope is for more opportunities to write, act and produce while giving God the Glory along the way! I hope that one day I can be a fulltime thriving artist.
For more information on Brittney and The Tank Shoppe, please visit www.tankshoppe.com and connect with them on Instagram at @thetankshoppe_.
