From the Founders
Hi! We are Billy & Julie O’Connor, the founders of Bravery and Company Inc. We began by designing handbags, each with an inspirational meaning behind its artwork. Over time, we realized these messages weren’t just about individual pieces — they were part of a bigger story.
The question became: How do we connect these messages into something larger? How do we share our story in a way that inspires others the way it inspires us?
When we spoke about our journey — how Bravery and Company began and what it meant to us — we saw how deeply it resonated with people. It sparked reflection, conversation, even laughter and tears. That’s when we knew: Bravery and Company was never just about handbags. It was about something more.
We believe that when we create something with meaning and share its purpose, we have the power to inspire. That’s how we make a difference, and that’s our mission:
CREATE – SHARE – INSPIRE.
Bravery and Company Guiding Principles
Bravery and Company takes pride in concerning ourselves with creating material that will instill a lasting benefit to all those who teach or participate in our program curriculum. In order to do that most effectively, we developed a simple list of guiding principles to help us accomplish that goal. We do our best to ensure every lesson plan includes the following:
From the Heart: Every lesson stems from a real-life perspective that is deeply felt and thoughtfully shared. We believe that when the heart and mind align, learning becomes more than just information — it becomes an experience. Our goal is to create content that resonates, sparks reflection, and forms a genuine connection within you.
Multi-Cultural: No two people see the world exactly the same way. Our perspectives are shaped by where we come from, the experiences we’ve had, and the values we hold. Yet, at our core, we all seek understanding, purpose, and a meaningful life. Color Your Journey embraces these differences while focusing on the universal questions that connect us all.
Timeless: The world is always changing, but the human experience remains constant. The desire to learn, grow, and belong has existed throughout history. The themes explored in Color Your Journey are timeless because they speak to the fundamental aspects of what it means to be human.
Relevant: While the lessons are timeless, the way we experience them is ever-changing. The world around us shapes how we think and feel in the present moment. That’s why Color Your Journey is designed to be meaningful now, providing insights that apply to the realities of today.
Activates Skill-Sets: Self-discovery is more than just reflection — it’s about taking action. Color Your Journey isn’t just a book to read; it’s an experience that challenges you to think, create, and develop skills that extend beyond these pages. The lessons learned here are meant to shape how you engage with the world long after the book is closed.
Makes a Difference: The ultimate purpose of Color Your Journey is personal growth. But growth doesn’t stop with you — it ripples outward. As you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, you naturally impact those around you. A better you today creates a better world tomorrow.
Billy O’Connor - Co-Founder & President
Billy brings nearly three decades of leadership experience. Rising through the ranks of executive leadership at Fortune 100/500 companies, he managed diverse facets of business operations across the United States. Over time, his passion for business shifted to the business of caring for people. One of his greatest frustrations with the corporate world is its tendency to prioritize profit over people. He believes that when leaders become disconnected from their teams and customers, they fail to make a meaningful impact in the marketplace and in each other’s lives.
Billy’s leadership extends beyond business into sports, where he has cultivated teamwork, discipline, and resilience. A lifelong rugby player and national champion, he continues to give back as a rugby coach. He was also a collegiate baseball player, drawing on these experiences to inspire others both on and off the field. Additionally, Billy has hands-on farming experience, which has deepened his appreciation for hard work and sustainable practices.
Billy’s greatest passion is challenging himself and others to reach their full potential. This begins with self-reflection, taking ownership of one’s life, embracing full accountability, and staying true to one’s principles. He has witnessed too many people merely existing, unaware of how to pursue their passions, unlock their greatest gifts, and create their own dreams.
This belief fuels the mission of Bravery and Company. Billy’s fight to bring it to life is driven by his work and life experiences, entrepreneurial and competitive spirit, and commitment to helping others.
Julie O’Connor - Co-Founder & Chief Inspiration Officer
Julie graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, CA, in 1993. However, after becoming a mom, she chose to prioritize her family, putting her dream of a fashion career on hold. In 2009, life took a new turn when she began medical school to become an Eastern Medicine doctor. While on track to graduate, a life-changing breast cancer diagnosis shifted her perspective. Just a year before completing medical school, Julie decided to follow her true passion: a career in fashion.
This decision gave birth to Bravery and Company, which began with her custom handbags fea- turing inspiring messages and designs. These creations embodied Julie’s desire to “Create, Share, Inspire,” and the company soon evolved into a brand dedicated to helping others share their stories and discover their inner beauty. Alongside Bravery and Company, Julie continues to pursue her dream through her independent venture, City Indian Girl, where her love for art and storytelling lives on. Her custom designs can be found at www.cityindiangirls.com.
A proud Yaqui Indian, Julie has walked the “Red Road” for over 25 years, participating in and facilitating sacred Native American ceremonies. Her work has focused on empowering Native women and children through academic, health, and self-awareness resources. Deeply committed to her spiritual growth, Julie encourages others to reconnect with their traditional roots and find their way home.
Scott Mead - Director of Program Development
Scott was born in California and raised in Arizona. His family life was strict but fulfilling, with Saturdays dedicated to chores and Sundays reserved for church. After graduating from Scottsdale Christian Academy, Scott immersed himself in literary classics, Eastern religious texts, and the wisdom of native healers in his quest to answer life’s biggest mysteries.
Even before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Arizona State University, Scott demonstrated his passion for serving others by volunteering at the Special Olympics as a “hugger,” celebrating the athletes’ efforts with heartfelt congratulations. After graduation, he spent
five years working at a group home for children removed from their parents by the state legal system.
During this time, Scott began identifying common behavioral patterns and tracing their root causes. More importantly, he witnessed the transformative power of unconditional love and compassion. For many of these children, it was their first experience of genuine acceptance, and the impact was profound. These experiences left an indelible mark, deepening his commitment to understanding the human condition and the ways we can help one another heal and grow.
Sean R. Millard - Director of Technical Education
Sean Millard lives in North Florida, where he works full-time as a Senior Public Policy Analyst for the Florida Legislature and part-time as a freelance researcher and writer. He holds two master’s degrees in distinct philosophical traditions: European and English-speaking philosophy, complemented by a strong background in Eastern philosophy. With 30 years of philosophical study and seven years of teaching experience at the university level, Sean brings a wealth of knowledge to his work.
He is the founder of Philosophical Consulting, an organization dedicated to equipping individuals with the intellectual and practical tools to become the best version of themselves. His current research focuses on the intersection of social science, psychology, and philosophy. For more information, visit www.philoconsultant.com.
