Climber Story: Brianna Davis

To start, tell us a little bit about yourself 

Hi! My name is Brianna Davis. I'm 28 years old, living in Dallas, Texas. I'm a private piano and violin instructor, and I'm also certified as an ESL teacher. Six years ago, I traveled to South Korea and taught ESL for a year. And no, you don't have to know Korean!

I am an aspiring artist and writer, and I love to bake. I'm completely lactose intolerant so I've had to be very creative with my baking, but everyone says they can't tell the difference. I'm also have experience with GF and vegan baking with overall positive feedback!

I am a cat mom though I didn't intend to be. My cat followed me home one night, and since then, we've been through everything together. He even lived in a partially-converted schoolie and traveled cross-country with me a couple summers ago. I have not turned him into a crag cat as secretly, I know he's a better climber, and I don't think my ego can handle that haha!

How did you start climbing?

Someone took me on a date to Summit Carrollton (before it closed, may she rest in peace). I always like to tell people, "The hobby stuck; the relationship didn't."

Two months before I moved to Korea, I quit my job to prioritize time with friends and family. One of the things we would go do was rock climb. While I was away, I didn't get to climb, but all my friends did, and when I came back, I joined them. 

What impact has climbing had on your life?

Climbing has been... well, everything to me for the past five years. The friends I've made, the community that forms... we've been there for each other through everything life has to throw at us.

We celebrate weddings, births, new ascents, and life's victories together, and we support each other through the tragedies. My gym community was so tight-knit during COVID, and that got us through the uncertainty of the times until we could all climb again.

The walls have always been my place to escape, to let go of the pressures of life, and just focus my mind and body into this beautiful sport.

I love it because it's so individualistic. The way I complete a climb may be totally different for someone else because of height, experience, and whatnot — and that's totally okay!  

What are some other things you do that you find most fulfilling?

I'm also a musician and an artist. I've been playing piano and violin since I was a five, and I've been creating custom mosaics since I was sixteen. I actually find teaching music to be more fulfilling than playing it. I love being able to pay forward what my teachers did for me.

As an artist, I find fulfillment in creating a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork for someone to show them how much they mean to me. I also love pushing myself to try new techniques, and I find the whole process incredibly relaxing. I also love to read; my current obsession is the Ben Hope series by Scott Mariani.

If you could tell the world one thing, what would it be?

"Never stop improving you for you."

Whatever your growth looks like, do it for you and you only. Competition is healthy but only to an extent, and comparison is the thief of joy. If you're climbing and constantly comparing yourself to the comp kids or other people, you're losing the joy of what you've already accomplished.

I'm in my sixth year of climbing, and I'm nowhere as good as I want to be, but I'm better than I was six months, a year, two years ago. When I focus on my own growth and that I'm doing it for myself (not to "beat" others or just grade-seek), I'm a lot happier.

So what if I can't send 5.12+? Two years ago, I couldn't properly engage my shoulders and do difficult mantles or presses, and a month ago, I completed an upside-down mantle press into a sloper. To me, that's a win! 

Favorite thing about Dynamite Starfish?

Definitely the community on Instagram and the "Climb Rocks and Pet Cats" shirt. I still need to get one!

Is there something you're working on that you'd like to tell our community about? We love a good story.

I'm currently working on a book that I'd like to see published by next year; my target audience is fifth/sixth grade readers. I'm also shooting for a goal of finishing three more art pieces by the end of the year so please stay tuned for those.

In terms of my actual work, it's state theory test season for my students; wish them all good luck! I have one student that's finishing up a grueling year of 4 piano competitions, 2 violin competitions, and 3 informal recitals. Teaching music may look "easy" to some, but to me, it's as difficult and time-consuming as classroom teaching (which I've also done, MS ELA).

I work to provide a holistic music education and tailor my teaching to each of my kids. My boss and I collaborate to create new hands-on learning tools so we can provide the best quality experience for every student regardless of age, experience, or learning style. 

You can find Brianna on Instagram at @agreetodisagrigri.

Want to get to know more of the climbers in the amazing Dynamite Starfish community? Check out our archive of Climber Stories here.

We hope you have enjoyed these sneak peeks into climbers' lives. We're on a mission to share diverse stories about rock climbing. Let's push the boundaries of who we know as climbers. Let's use our energy and passion for the outdoors to love our environment and inspire one another.

Have someone you think we should feature? Send us a message and let us know!