There are people who walk into a room and command attention, and then there’s Brittney “Sharaun” Brown, known to many as Shauran B—a woman who electrifies it. From gracing the stage at the Grammys to redefining what it means to be a model, Brown is a force of nature with an infectious energy. With the poise of a seasoned performer and the wisdom of an old soul, she has navigated the high-stakes world of entertainment with resilience, authenticity, and, yes, an undeniable Pisces energy.
When Brown stepped onto the 2024 Grammy Awards stage as a trophy presenter, she wasn’t nervous—she was home. Many people asked if she was scared, but the stage has never been a place of fear for her. It was exhilarating, surreal even, but it was exactly where she belonged. She spoke highly of the Recording Academy’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, emphasizing that while many institutions are rolling back such initiatives, the Grammys were making a statement. She noted that they even issued a public apology—an important moment she wasn’t sure everyone caught, but one that spoke volumes about the industry’s evolving direction.
Her moment at the Grammys didn’t happen by chance. The production team struggled to find the right presenter until Susan Koziak, an L.A. producer Brown had worked with, stepped in and said, “I know the perfect woman.”
Before the Grammys, Brown’s first taste of national fame came from America’s Next Top Model, an experience that was both a launchpad and a trial by fire. "I always knew I wanted to model," she recalls. "But growing up on the South Side of Chicago, we didn’t know how to break into that world. Top Model felt like the only way in."
Coming from a single-parent household, opportunities felt distant. Top Model seemed like a golden ticket—until she realized it wasn’t what she had imagined. Like many, she thought it would be a mentorship, a chance to be guided by Tyra Banks and her team. "I thought we would be learning directly from Tyra, getting real insider knowledge about the industry," she says. "But I quickly realized it was something completely different."
The reality of reality television was starkly different. Producers assigned contestants personality archetypes, scripting them into characters rather than celebrating their authentic selves. "We had to take personality tests, and then they told us who we were supposed to be," Brown reveals. "They told me, 'You’re confident. Be even bigger, even bolder—that’s what Tyra loves.' But later, that same confidence was spun into something else entirely."
The pressure was relentless. Contestants were sequestered in a hotel for two weeks before filming, only allowed to leave for meals and interviews. They were tested in ways they didn’t even realize at the time—psychological evaluations, personality assessments—all designed to shape the narrative producers wanted. Then came the hardest moment of all: Brown was eliminated on the same day as her high school graduation. No prom. No cap and gown. Instead, she watched her dreams twist into something unrecognizable.
She fell into a deep depression afterward, but even in her darkest moments, she knew she wouldn’t stay there forever. She gave herself a deadline—a set amount of time to grieve, to feel the hurt and acknowledge the loss. And then, it was time to rise. And rise she did. That experience became the foundation of her next chapter—one where she would take control of her own story and help others do the same.
Today, Brown has taken everything she’s learned and created a new space in the industry—one that merges fashion and wellness. She is shifting the focus from external success to internal transformation through her Model Drive mentorship program, Model Tribe platform, and Modeling & Wellness Retreats.
“Inside change produces external reformation,” she says. “We chase the dream but forget to prepare ourselves for it. If you don’t build a solid foundation, it’ll all come crashing down.”
Her retreats in Joshua Tree, California’s breathtaking landscape, go beyond runway training. Women who attend embark on a journey of self-discovery. They receive professional photoshoots, spiritual advising, and coaching, but most importantly, they leave with a renewed sense of self. Watching these transformations unfold has been one of the most rewarding experiences of Brown’s life.
Beyond the runway, Brown has built an impressive career working with some of the biggest names in fashion. She has walked for Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, Diane von Fürstenberg, Betsey Johnson, Macy’s, and Victoria’s Secret. Her face has graced campaigns for Givenchy, Ulta Beauty, Asics Sportswear, and Revlon’s Carol’s Daughter. But she isn’t limited to modeling—Brown is also an actress, having starred alongside Robin Williams on CBS’s The Crazy Ones.
Now, back in Chicago, Brown feels a renewed connection to the city that made her. “Being back home is a full-circle moment. Chicago women? We’re different. We’re strong, but we’re also soft. We’re vocal, but we listen. We move big, but we move with intention.”
She’s diving headfirst into her hometown’s vibrant culture, indulging in the food and fashion that define the city’s unique style. When asked to pick between Harold’s Chicken or Uncle Remus, she doesn’t hesitate. “Harold’s, duh. South Side!” And for pizza? “Beggars—lay the grease on thick.” As for shopping, she’s all about Akira, joking that she might as well be the unofficial face of the brand.
But her return to Chicago isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about building something new. She’s launching runway coaching and wellness experiences at Water Tower Place, and she wants to make sure no one feels excluded. “If you’re 56 and still don’t know how to walk in heels, that’s okay—come to class!”
It’s about more than just walking. It’s about confidence. It’s about owning every step—both on and off the runway.
Before she takes the stage—whether hosting an event or commanding a runway—she follows her rituals. She doesn’t rush. She starts the day with meditation, red light therapy, and affirmations. She doesn’t ask for things in prayer—she declares them. She acknowledges her ancestors, reminding herself that she stands on the shoulders of those who walked before her. She moves with purpose, always.
As Women’s Month unfolds, Brown reflects on what it truly means to be a woman in her power. “It means being whole. Rooted in community. Standing in strength while embracing softness. Owning your voice, but knowing when to listen.”
With Sharaun Brown, one thing is clear—she’s not just walking the runway. She’s walking in her purpose.
Find Sharaun’s upcoming classes, mentorship programs, and retreats at www.themodeltribe.com and follow her on Instagram/TikTok at @sharaunb.