Our Purpose

Brilliance Starts Now creates space for beings who identify as neurodistinct, Indigenous and melanated to connect, express themselves, explore what matters to them and receive support from peers.

Bring a creative project, a decision you are working through, a personal goal, a question, something you are experiencing or something you simply want space to say out loud.

The monthly theme gives us a shared point of connection while leaving room for each member to engage in the way that fits them.

Space to Be Heard

Sometimes you want help thinking through something. Sometimes you want to express what you are experiencing and have someone listen.

You may want:

• Space to be heard
• Questions that help you explore
• Another perspective
• Feedback or advice
• Shared experiences
• Accountability
• Help thinking through what comes next
• Connection with beings who understand parts of your experience

BSN makes room for all of these.

Before others respond to something personal, we clarify what kind of support you want. You may simply say, “I want to be heard.”

A problem to solve, a project to complete or a measurable goal is optional. Listening is also participation.

Why I Created BSN

For most of my life, I did not have a space where I felt safe expressing myself with like-minded beings.

I wanted to talk openly, feel understood and connect with others who could relate to parts of my experience. I wanted space for insight and help when I needed it, along with room to speak and simply be heard.

I first imagined Brilliance Starts Now in 2017. It came back to life in 2021 and I am returning to it now with a clearer understanding of what I want to offer.

In 2021, I was fortunate to connect with NeuroDistinct Check-ins on a social audio app named Clubhouse. It introduced me to wonderful beings like me and helped me see what that kind of community could feel like.

I am still growing in how I show up for myself day to day. I feel ready to experiment with expanding my capacity to show up for my community. That includes being realistic about my time, setting boundaries and learning as I go.

I created BSN to offer the kind of space I needed: somewhere we can talk, listen, ask questions, express ourselves, work through challenges, explore possibilities and support one another.

How I Facilitate

I bring my experience facilitating and moderating conversations. Members bring their own experiences, perspectives, ideas, questions and ways of being.

This is work I feel born to do.

I listen carefully, notice patterns and ask questions that help people put their thoughts into words. I help turn broad concerns into questions we can explore together while recognizing that every conversation does not need to lead to a solution.

Support may mean helping someone think through what comes next. It may also mean listening to what they are experiencing without immediately offering advice.

As the facilitator, I keep the conversation focused, make room for members to contribute and help us work through differences respectfully. I can ask direct questions while respecting each being’s boundaries and readiness.

We agree on confidentiality, ask before offering advice and let members choose what they share. I pay attention to how the group is interacting and bring us back to our agreements when needed.

I also help members practice these skills for themselves: asking for what they need, communicating a boundary, listening to another being, considering another perspective and expressing themselves clearly.

My aim is for those practices to be useful in your relationships, creative work and daily life.

Who This Circle Is For

Membership is reserved for beings who self-identify with all three identities: neurodistinct, Indigenous and melanated.

Members speak from their own experiences. Each being decides what they want to share about their identity and community.

You may come to connect with others, explore something that matters to you, receive support or contribute what you know. Different ways of thinking, communicating and participating are welcome.

What neurodistinct means at BSN

At BSN, neurodistinct is an alternative to the word neurodivergent. I use it as an expansive term for beings whose brains, nervous systems, cognitive processes or ways of perceiving and experiencing the world differ from what is commonly considered neurotypical.

Neurodistinct experiences may be developmental, neurological, cognitive, psychiatric, sensory, learning-related, acquired or connected to more than one of these areas.

This may include experiences associated with:

• Autism and ADHD
• Dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and other learning differences
• Dyspraxia and differences involving coordination or motor planning
• Tourette syndrome, tic disorders and other differences involving movement or neurological expression
• Auditory processing, sensory processing and differences in how information is received, organized or integrated
• Intellectual and developmental differences
• Executive functioning, attention, memory, language or communication differences
• Epilepsy and other neurological conditions that affect cognition, perception, communication or daily experience
• Brain injury, illness or other acquired changes in neurological or cognitive functioning
• OCD and obsessive-compulsive experiences
• Anxiety-related, trauma-related and dissociative experiences that significantly shape cognition, regulation, perception or nervous system functioning
• Mood-related and other psychiatric experiences that influence how a being thinks, processes information, regulates emotions or experiences the world
• Differences involving sensory awareness, interoception, emotional regulation or nervous system regulation
• Other neurological, developmental, cognitive, learning, psychiatric or processing differences that a being experiences as part of their neurodistinct identity

These examples are not a complete list. Neurodistinct experiences are varied, may overlap and may change across a being’s life.

At BSN, neurodistinct identity is not limited to one diagnosis, category or presentation. Each being speaks from their own experience and defines their own relationship with neurodistinct identity.

A formal diagnosis is not required.

What Indigenous means

Indigenous refers to peoples with ancestral connections to particular lands and communities, historical continuity with societies before colonization and distinct cultural identities.

Indigenous peoples have the right to define their own identity and belonging.

What melanated means

Melanated describes beings with melanin-rich skin and is commonly used in reference to Black and Brown people.

At BSN, this term makes room for varied cultures, identities and lived experiences. It does not mean that everyone shares the same background or perspective.

What a mastermind group means

A mastermind group is a facilitated circle that meets regularly to exchange ideas, work through challenges and support its members.

At BSN, our approach also makes room for reflection, expression, connection and being heard. I facilitate the conversation while members contribute their perspectives and choose what kind of support they want.

Our Shared Values

Purpose, self-awareness, reciprocity, respect, confidentiality, transparency, accountability, openness and sustainable participation guide the circle.

In practice, we agree to:

• Listen and make room for others to participate
• Ask before offering advice
• Respect boundaries and the kind of support another being requests
• Protect personal information shared within the circle
• Communicate when plans or capacity change
• Acknowledge our impact and take responsibility for our actions
• Consider other perspectives while making our own choices
• Choose commitments we can reasonably manage

We can disagree while treating one another with care. When something affects another member, we make space to acknowledge the impact and consider how to respond.

Read the BSN Community Agreements.

What Happens in a Gathering

Each gathering includes a check-in, discussion of the monthly theme and time for members to bring what is present for them.

Express what matters to you

Share an experience, feeling, question, idea or challenge. You choose what you share and what kind of response you want.

You can speak, use chat or pass on a question. Cameras are optional.

Explore with support

Ask questions, hear other perspectives and receive feedback when you want it. Consider ideas and experiences that may help you see something differently.

Before responding to personal sharing, we clarify whether someone wants listening, questions, feedback or another kind of support.

Choose what comes next

You may choose an action, continue reflecting, return to something later or leave with what you received from the conversation.

Every conversation does not have to become an action item.

I manage the discussion and time. With up to 24 members, individual discussion time varies by gathering.

I show up for each scheduled gathering, even when attendance is small or no members attend. With one member, the gathering becomes a facilitated individual conversation. When no members attend, I use the time to record an exploration of the monthly theme.

I remain available for members throughout the scheduled 90-minute gathering window. A facilitator-only recording may be shorter than 90 minutes. These recordings are added to the annual member library.

Gatherings are recorded, including member sharing and group discussion. Recording expectations and consent are discussed before membership payment. The recording details appear below.

One Monthly Theme • Two Connected Gatherings

Each monthly rotation gives us a shared focus and time to return to the conversation.

First gathering

We explore the theme and how it connects with members’ experiences, interests, questions or goals.

You may choose something you want to explore, carry forward or try between gatherings.

Second gathering

We return to the theme and reflect on what we noticed, experienced, considered or tried.

You can share what has come up for you, revisit a question or listen to what others bring.

Between meetings, you may work on something you chose, continue reflecting or simply return for the next gathering.

How Monthly Themes Are Selected

Share your interests

I select the opening themes in advance so the content is prepared regardless of enrollment. Member suggestions and application responses help shape future themes.

Submit suggestions to ShaaniCreates directly or in the private BSN Discord community at least 14 days before the next monthly rotation begins. Include a question, experience, interest or challenge you would like to explore.

ShaaniCreates selects the focus

I review suggestions and choose one monthly theme based on shared interests, current member priorities and space for perspectives we have not yet explored.

Related suggestions may be combined. If no new suggestions are submitted, I choose from prepared themes, interests shared in applications or earlier gatherings.

The theme is announced 7 days before the rotation begins

The theme is posted in the private BSN Discord community and sent by email with a brief explanation of why it was chosen.

Each gathering’s specific focus, agenda and optional reflection questions are shared at least 72 hours before we meet.

Arrive in the way that works for you

You may reflect ahead of time, bring something you want to discuss or listen before contributing.

Examples of Monthly Themes

These examples offer a starting point. The circle’s interests and priorities shape the topics we choose.

Creative momentum

What could help you move an idea forward when getting started feels difficult?

A rhythm that fits

How can you plan around your energy, attention and responsibilities?

Boundaries with care

How can you communicate your capacity while honoring the relationships that matter to you?

Identity and self-expression

What would it look like to bring more of your values and identity into your creative work or everyday choices?

Support that works for you

What could listening, accountability, body doubling, feedback or shared reflection look like on your terms?

Being heard

What helps you feel comfortable expressing something before deciding what you want to do with it?

Rest and meaningful progress

How can you make room for wellbeing while continuing toward something you care about?

Membership Options

• 1 ongoing circle
• 1 monthly theme
• 2 connected virtual gatherings each month
• 90 minutes per gathering
• 24 members per monthly rotation
• Facilitated by ShaaniCreates

Annual and monthly members share the 24-member limit. Annual memberships reserve a place throughout their membership term. Monthly memberships are offered for remaining places.

When a rotation is full, qualified applicants may choose to join the waiting list.

Beginning in November 2026, BSN meets on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 9–10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Microsoft Teams. Eastern Time follows the America/New_York time zone, including daylight saving changes.

Our first gatherings are November 14 and November 28, 2026. December gatherings are December 12 and December 26, 2026. Members receive joining instructions after enrollment.

Monthly membership • $20

Participate in one calendar month’s theme and two connected gatherings.

Monthly membership includes:

• 2 live virtual gatherings, 90 minutes each
• Private BSN Discord access during your membership month
• Monthly theme and gathering agendas sent by email
• The choice to continue into another available rotation
• No automatic renewal

Enrollment closes before the first gathering of the rotation. Applicants accepted after that point may join the next available rotation.

Your invitation identifies the month you are joining. Membership begins on the first day of that month and ends on its last day.

For example, an October membership runs from October 1 through October 31.

Recording-library access is reserved for annual members.

Annual membership • $169

Participate in 12 consecutive monthly rotations.

Annual membership includes:

• 1 monthly theme and 2 connected virtual gatherings each month
• A reserved place throughout your membership term
• Private BSN Discord access while your membership is active
• Monthly themes and gathering agendas sent by email
• Access to the annual member recording library while your membership is active

Your annual term begins on the first day of your starting rotation. Your invitation and checkout details show the start date, end date and next renewal date.

Annual membership renews automatically each year on your membership anniversary until cancelled.

You can cancel automatic renewal before your next renewal date. Cancellation stops future renewal payments and does not end access during the annual membership period you have already paid for.

Annual membership saves $71 compared with purchasing 12 monthly memberships at $240.

Payment and refund requests

There is no payment required to apply.

After acceptance, choose your membership option and review the dates, renewal terms, recording arrangements and payment policies before paying. After I approve your application and you accept your membership invitation, I send the appropriate Square payment link with your enrollment instructions.

Monthly and annual membership payments are generally final.

If extenuating circumstances arise, you may submit a refund request within 72 hours after the completed payment. Contact ShaaniCreates with the request and relevant circumstances.

Refund requests are reviewed individually and require approval from ShaaniCreates. Submitting a request does not guarantee a refund.

Apply Now

Connection Between Gatherings

Both membership options include access to the private BSN Discord community during your active membership.

This is where you can find announcements, suggest topics, share reflections or progress and connect with members between gatherings.

Participation in Discord is optional. Monthly themes and gathering agendas are also sent by email.

Recordings and Confidentiality

BSN gatherings are recorded, including member sharing and group discussion.

Members are informed when recording begins and consent is confirmed before recording. Each being chooses what they feel comfortable sharing while recording is active.

The recording arrangements include:

• What is recorded: The live gathering, including member sharing and group discussion
• Who has access: Annual members while their membership is active
• How recordings may be used: Personal viewing within BSN
• What members agree to: No downloading, reproducing or sharing recordings outside the circle
• How confidentiality applies: Information heard through recordings is subject to the same confidentiality agreements as live conversations

Cameras are optional. Microsoft Teams recordings may include your voice, camera video and content shared on screen. A chat message may be included if it is read aloud or shown on a shared screen. Keeping your camera off does not mean your participation is unrecorded.

Recordings that include member participation are available to active annual members for up to one year from the recording date. After that, I remove them from the BSN library and delete the stored recording.

Annual members can view all recordings still available in the library, including gatherings held before they joined. This means future annual members may hear sharing from earlier gatherings.

Recordings featuring only ShaaniCreates, without member participation or private member information, may be shared publicly, adapted for other offerings or kept longer. Their availability in the BSN member library remains limited to one year from the recording date. After that, I remove them from the library, even if I keep a copy for use elsewhere.

Recordings containing member voices, images, chat or personal sharing remain within the agreed member-access boundaries. They are not used for public content or other offerings. Removing a member’s name does not turn their sharing into facilitator-only content.

Access ends when your annual membership ends, even if a recording is still within its 1-year availability period. Joining or renewing does not extend a recording’s availability period.

Before enrollment, members receive the recording agreement explaining what is captured and how recording access works.

If you do not consent to being recorded, contact me before paying so we can discuss whether a participation arrangement is available that works for you.

Members agree to protect one another’s information, though an agreement cannot guarantee another person’s actions.

Applying to BSN

Applicants confirm that they self-identify as neurodistinct, Indigenous and melanated.

This eligibility confirmation is separate from the nine scored questions. Identity is not awarded points.

How the application is assessed

The application is based on BSN’s mission and values.

• 9 questions
• Up to 10 points per question
• 90 points possible
• At least 80 out of 90 required for membership consideration

A project, measurable goal or specific problem to solve is optional. An intention to connect, express yourself, reflect, receive support, be heard or contribute to the circle may also demonstrate alignment.

Your answers are reviewed for alignment with the published criteria. Writing style, answer length and formal diagnoses do not earn points.

Access needs are discussed collaboratively and are not scored as shortcomings.

An example application question

What brings you to BSN and what would you like to experience in this circle?

This question is scored using two criteria:

• Clear personal intention • Up to 5 points
• Alignment with what BSN offers • Up to 5 points

A clear intention may include working toward a goal, exploring a question, finding community, expressing yourself, seeking accountability or having space to be heard.

View the Application Questions and Scoring Guide

What happens after you apply

Complete your application

Confirm eligibility and answer the 9 questions. Short answers or bullet points are welcome.

Receive a review

I review your application using the published criteria and respond within 7 calendar days with a score and a brief explanation. If something is unclear, you may be asked to clarify it before a final score is assigned.

Explore mutual fit

Qualifying applicants confirm the schedule, participation agreements, recording arrangements and any access needs. A score of 80 qualifies an application for consideration. An invitation also depends on available places and whether BSN can reasonably support the applicant’s stated intentions and participation needs.

Accept your invitation

After your application is approved, review your membership invitation, dates and terms. Accept your invitation and choose annual membership for $169 or monthly membership for $20. I then send the appropriate Square payment link. After payment, receive gathering access details, community access and next steps.

If more qualifying applicants meet the participation requirements than there are places, invitations are offered in the order completed applications were received. Remaining applicants may choose to join the waiting list.

Continuing annual members do not repeat the scored application while their membership remains active.

Returning monthly members do not repeat the scored application unless BSN requests an updated application because participation requirements or circumstances have materially changed.

Common Questions

1 — Do I need to identify as neurodistinct, Indigenous and melanated?

Yes. BSN is specifically for beings who self-identify with all three identities.

2 — Do I need a formal diagnosis?

No. BSN uses neurodistinct as an expansive identity that may include developmental, neurological, cognitive, psychiatric, sensory, learning-related and acquired differences.

Each being defines their own relationship with neurodistinct identity. A formal diagnosis is not required.

3 — Do I need a goal or project to join?

A specific goal or project is optional. You may come for community, reflection, conversation, expression or a place to be heard.

Your intention matters more than having a measurable outcome.

4 — Can I come because I want to talk and be heard?

Yes. You can bring something you want to express without turning it into a problem to solve or an action plan.

Let us know what kind of response would feel supportive. You may ask for listening without advice.

5 — Can I participate mostly by listening?

Yes. Listening is a form of participation.

You can speak, use chat, respond when you want to and pass when you prefer. The way you participate may change from one gathering to another.

6 — Do I have to turn on my camera?

No. Cameras are optional.

Camera-optional participation does not mean participation is unrecorded. Please review the recording arrangements before joining.

7 — What does membership include?

Both options include the monthly theme, two live gatherings per month and private BSN Discord access during your active membership.

Monthly membership covers one calendar month.

Annual membership covers 12 consecutive monthly rotations, reserves your place and includes recording-library access while active.

8 — Can I join after a monthly rotation has started?

Enrollment closes before the first gathering. If you are accepted after that point, you may join the next available rotation.

Your invitation confirms your starting month before payment.

9 — How do renewal and cancellation work?

Monthly memberships do not renew automatically. You choose whether to purchase another available rotation.

Annual memberships renew automatically each year on your membership anniversary until cancelled. Your renewal date is shown before payment.

Cancelling annual renewal stops the next annual payment while allowing access to continue through your paid membership term.

10 — Can a membership payment be refunded?

Payments are generally final.

If extenuating circumstances arise, you may request a refund within 72 hours after the completed payment. Requests are reviewed individually by ShaaniCreates and approval is not guaranteed.

11 — Do I need to use Discord?

No. Discord participation is optional.

Monthly themes and gathering agendas are also sent by email.

12 — Does a score of 80 guarantee acceptance?

No. A score of 80 out of 90 qualifies your application for consideration.

Available places, agreement with the participation commitments and mutual fit also inform the invitation.

13 — Will I have individual time with the facilitator?

BSN is a group experience with shared discussion time. With up to 24 members, the amount of individual attention varies by gathering.

14 — Is BSN therapy?

No. BSN is a facilitated peer community and mastermind experience.

Members can share experiences, emotions, questions and challenges while receiving listening and peer support. BSN does not provide therapy, crisis support or medical care.

15 — What happens if I miss a gathering?

Annual members can revisit available recordings through the member library while their membership is active.

Monthly membership includes live participation and does not include recording-library access.

16 — What gets recorded?

The live gathering is recorded, including member sharing and group discussion.

Recordings that include member participation are available to active annual members for up to one year from the recording date. After that, I remove them from the BSN library and delete the stored recording.

Recordings featuring only ShaaniCreates, without member participation or private member information, may be shared publicly, adapted for other offerings or kept longer. Their availability in the BSN member library remains limited to one year from the recording date. After that, I remove them from the library, even if I keep a copy for use elsewhere.

Recording details and consent are addressed before enrollment. Members are also informed when recording begins.

Contact me before paying if you do not consent to being recorded so we can discuss whether an appropriate participation arrangement is available.

17 — What happens when the circle is full?

Qualified applicants may choose to join the waiting list.

Annual and monthly members share the 24-member limit. Annual memberships reserve places throughout their terms and monthly memberships fill remaining places.

18 — When and where do we meet?

We meet virtually twice each month for 90 minutes.

Beginning in November 2026, BSN meets on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 9–10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Microsoft Teams. Eastern Time follows the America/New_York time zone, including daylight saving changes.

Our first gatherings are November 14 and November 28, 2026. December gatherings are December 12 and December 26, 2026. Members receive joining instructions after enrollment.

Our between-meeting community is on Discord. Recording-library details will be shared before enrollment opens.

What Would You Like to Share?

Bring an idea, a question, a goal, an experience or something you want space to express.

Come to connect. Come to contribute. Come to listen. Come to be heard.

Apply Now

Have a question before applying? Contact me.