We are always supporters of strong, independent, dynamic females. We are constantly showcasing up & coming men in the entertainment industry, but now we are bringing you some women that are doing their thing in the big city. "Fab Females" will give you the chance to get to know some ladies that are taking charge and making moves in a male dominated world.

Our first ATF Fab Female is none other than Briana Marie of Harlem Heights. She is a fashion designer who is making her own lanes. Briana is not just a reality star, she is a woman with goals and aspirations. After reading this interview, you'll see why Briana was chosen to be one of NYC's fab females..

Name: Briana Marie Age: 28 Location: New York City by way of Atlanta, GA Zodiac Sign: Taurus (In every way from what I was told...lol) ATF: So tell me what inspires you to do what you do?

Briana Marie: I think when you've wanted to do a certain thing as long as you can remember, that dream wakes you up every day. You push more and climb higher to reach it.

BM: Icon is a word a lot of people use loosely for the wrong reasons.

ATF: Agreed (laughs)

BM: (laughs) But for me there are a few:

Diana Ross. She transcending the defined the word 'Diva' by making breakthroughs for Black Women in music, film, and fashion. Mahogany has always been an inspiring movie for me, because like me she left her home and the Man she loved to pursue her ultimate dream. And that is one of the biggest sacrifice you can make.

Karl Lagerfeld. He rebuilt the House of Chanel and elevated Fendi. He has the world in his hands but is not jaded and leads a very simplistic life. True genius!

My Parents. They started dating at 20 and were an extremely fabulous power couple. In the 80's they took fashion to another level. With matching Burberry trench coats, and scarves, YSL suits, and family photos with Lacoste Polos. I thought everyone's mother wore a Louis Vuitton bag. They loved to experiment with looks and taught me about trends at a very young age.

BM: From a young age bags were my thing. For some girls it's shoes or make up. For me I've always been a fiend for designer bags. In middle school I rocked Dooney & Burke and Coach. High school my Mothers vintage Gucci that she wore in her college days. Then when I got to college, I went nuts with a designer bag collection today up to almost 80. One month 3-1/2 years ago I bought 3 Fendi bags and Bridget (Harlem Heights cast member and cousin) gave me an intervention. She said with my eye and design talent I needed to quit wasting money and make my own bags. That's where the Signature Tassel Hobo was born. It was entered in a bag design contest on Glam.com for Marie Claire Magazine. I was chosen as a finalist so I knew I was on to something.

BM: I still wake up and put on my clothes and get on my grind like every other day before the show. It's just now a lot of people know my face. It has been extremely humbling when people say I inspire them. Since day one my main goal was to give a face to a part of the fashion industry no one sees. There are so many who work tirelessly without so much as a thank you to bring the world beautiful clothes for someone else's vision. If that inspires another person to go for their dream then my sacrifice was worth it.

BM: I moved to New York in 2002, and graduated with a Fashion Design degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology. I came straight out of college and became an outerwear designer for ESPRIT and Laundry by Shelli Segal. During my time there I won some industry awards and spreads in magazines like In Style and Outerwear Magazine. I left there to become a Technical Designer for Victoria's Secret Pink. Now I have started to develop my own brand B. Marie.

BM: Yes I have paid my dues (laughs)

ATF: So what celebrities would you love to see wearing one of your bags?

BM: Kelis is one of my all time favorite style mavens, and Nicole Richie's Bohemian look works for my denim bags. Taylor Momson (Jenny from Gossip Girl), and love Dawn Richard from Dirty Money's new punk look. There are many more that's just a few. I think it's more than celebrities; I just want a fab girl who has carefree style to enjoy my line.

BM: Not at all! The people that know me and have been truly down for me since day one have always respected my honesty and hustle. If anything I think I gained more respect from them by opening my world to everyone and staying grounded.

BM: Fashion. I left a very comfortable, fun, and glamorous life behind to start from the bottom. Any move you make to accomplish a goal is emotionally challenging. There were plenty of times I could have given up. But I ate the battle wounds and kept fighting. New York is the hardest city to make it in the world. And I respect those that at least try. It’s not a place for everyone, only the strongest survive.

BM: That question is always hard to answer because I never stay in the same lane. My style changes with the weather, so I guess it's how I feel when I wake up.

BM: The Signature bag for sure because it was my first. I have reworked it at least 50 times to get it just right. And will probably change the design some more in seasons to come.

BM: That I'm a self proclaimed 'bitch', that back stabs her friends. That might be what others want people to think of me. But it's as far from the truth as possible. I am a loving daughter, big sister to two girls Tiffany and Carolyn. I have strong southern morals, and I’m an extremely loyal person to the people I call friends. In a way that trait might be my biggest weakness, because I take that term serious. When it comes to meeting new people I am very nice but cautious. I'm cool with you until you give me a reason not to. I never let a person disrespect or run me over. The major mistakes I've made living here were trusting people without doing my complete homework. I also have a very cool demeanor, and at times an emotionless face. I'm always thinking, so it’s not that I look mean, I'm focused.

BM: My website B. Marie has been up since April with my collection displayed, a few articles, and a video on me. I have given it some more interactive sections to dig into the fashion side of me. I wrote a blog on bet.com for my show. Now I have added a blog called 'Southern Girl and the City Style' that chronicles some of the events of my life in the city. There are funny stories, pictures, and sketches of my work.

I also added a style section that highlights the upcoming trends, how to wear, and buy them online. I have lived in KC, Dallas, and Seattle. When a new trend hits NYC, it takes another year and a half to two years to make it to that city. This gives places like the Midwest an outlet to keep up with what's hot now.

BM: Project Runway is a competition, Harlem Heights was my life. It’s hard enough grinding in my daily life than trying to do it with 14 other people. I just want to be me, and launch my line around my supporters.

Favorite Things: Favorite NYC Club: I don't have a favorite club, I love fab events. Favorite NYC borough: Manhattan of course ;-) Favorite NYC designers: Durant, 3rd Floor, Jerome Lamaar, Atumn Adegibo, Matthew Deasia. Young Black NY Favorite Blogs: Any blog that is about building up people rather than tearing them down (like AllThatsFab.com) Favorite Bag Designer: Fendi For More Info on Briana Marie: Twitter: @BMarieStyle Website: BmarieStyle.com Interview Conducted by Ian Jarrell