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A Transformative Union
Before becoming the CEO of Banton Media, Brandie Guerrero-Perez embarked on a profound personal journey of faith and transformation. Her life took a significant turn when she married Rafael Perez, a retired Marine who served for 20 years. This union united Rafael’s three daughters and Brandie’s two adult sons, creating a blended family dynamic.
Overcoming Personal Struggles
Despite her professional success, Brandie faced profound personal challenges, battling depression and suicidal thoughts. “Mental trauma is real,” she shares, recalling how she once thought it was something others exaggerated until it affected her. Brandie’s past struggles with addiction in her early 20s instilled a deep empathy for those grappling with similar issues. Four years ago, she made the life-changing decision to embrace sobriety, a pivotal step that transformed her life. “Sobriety is so freeing,” she reflects, grateful for the clarity and peace it has brought her.
A Special Bond
The bond between Brandie and her stepdaughter Shyann, now a senior at St. James High School, is extraordinary. Brandie entered Shyann’s life when she was just 12, becoming the first true mother figure she had known. Shyann, an artistic and compassionate young woman, aspires to become a veterinarian while pursuing her passion for animation. “I look up to her a lot,” Shyann shares about Brandie. Their connection is filled with mutual respect and admiration, with Shyann even adopting Brandie’s middle name, Jean, as her own.
Empowering Messages
Having witnessed the impact of drugs on families, Shyann offers wisdom beyond her years. She advocates for self-acceptance and encourages those struggling with substance abuse to seek help. Brandie, too, is committed to supporting others through her own experiences, offering powerful advice: “Know your worth, tune out the hatred, and trust in God.”
Looking Ahead
As Shyann looks forward to her future, Brandie’s guidance inspires her. “I’m proud of Shyann,” Brandie expresses, adding, “She’s a force to be reckoned with.”
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