Brea Schmidt

Speaker 2022

Topic: Three Ways to Become a Better Storyteller on Social Media

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have in our blogging business tool belt – but how many of us are using it effectively? How many of us KNOW our story but are afraid to share it? Or maybe you’re sharing your story – and it’s just not connecting the way you want it to. In this session – Iris-Award-nominated writer Brea Schmidt will walk you through the “science” behind her writing that has led to building an engaged community of over 125,000 across Facebook and Instagram — as well as the mental approach that leads her to confidently hit “post” in the first place. The goal? To empower YOU to tell your story with confidence and not just gain followers but keep them coming back for more.

Brea (pronounced “Bree”) is a former sales and retention leadership executive, spending five years in the professional sports industry before becoming an entrepreneur.

Named one of 5 Must-Follow Pittsburgh Influencers in Pittsburgh Magazine’s July 2019 issue — Brea is a corporate speaker, photographer, brand consultant and Iris-Award-nominated writer who empowers people, especially parents and business owners, to own their stories and live their truth.

In 2011, she started Photography by Brea, a children and family photography business that has since evolved into a brand photography/social media consulting company.

She launched The Thinking Branch social media platform in 2016 after discovering her passion for wanting to connect mothers and create a space where they could feel less alone in their journey. Through the power of authentic storytelling, she has since built it into an engaged social media community of over 125,000 strong.

Brea and her husband raise their three children (ages 10, 8 & 6) in Pittsburgh. Join the Thinking Branch community on Facebook and Instagram and connect with her on LinkedIn.