Talking diversity and inclusion with Charlotte of SevenSix Agency

This week, we've interviewed Charlotte Williams, founder of marketing agency SevenSix.

SevenSix's focus is simple, creating more space for diversity and inclusivity in the marketing world. From working with small, independent brands to household names. We spoke to Charlotte about the issues facing people of colour within the creative and media industries and how the Black Lives Matter movement is already shaping a new era in content and marketing.

Talking diversity and inclusion with Charlotte of SevenSix Agency

@charlottesevensix on Instagram, wearing our Rosa Earrings in Orange/Pink

1. What sparked the idea of SevenSix Agency?

SevenSix Agency was born out of frustration. I kept seeing campaigns that were totally homogenous and wanted to show brands that there are more types of influencer out there.

2. Your role must be very rewarding! What part of the process is the most exciting for you?

My favourite part of my role is negotiating a good fee for the talent we work with and getting them paid. It sounds a bit crude but the industry is so fickle and can be really difficult to navigate if you haven't got the experience.

Talking diversity and inclusion with Charlotte of SevenSix Agency

@biancafloey via @sevensixagency

Talking diversity and inclusion with Charlotte of SevenSix Agency

@urgalsal_ via @sevensixagency

3. How has the recent Black Lives Matter movement had an impact on the brands and influencers in your network? Have you seen brands making a conscious difference in their casting decisions?

We have been inundated with briefs since the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement and it is great to see. Black and brown content creators are being sought out for campaigns that they might not normally have gotten and we're so pleased to see this.

4. What do you think are the main issues facing POC in the creative and media industries?

Both the creative and advertising industries are known for not being diverse at all when it comes to race and class. The problem that many people of colour face is that they can't get into the jobs they want as they don't have the right connections/can't afford to take unpaid internships/ aren't seen by the recruiters as they may not have gone to the right school or university.

Talking diversity and inclusion with Charlotte of SevenSix Agency

@glow_with_ola via @sevensixagency

Talking diversity and inclusion with Charlotte of SevenSix Agency

@the_brooksbrother via @sevensixagency

5. How can you tell if a brand is being performative or genuine in their inclusivity?

One way of telling is if a brand has booked a black model for the website and social media shoots but doesn't work with black and brown influencers - black models are cool and on-trend so I feel that they are seen more as an accessory to the brand than an act of inclusion.

6. How do you hope to see diversity and inclusivity in fashion and lifestyle marketing change in the next 3 years?

I hope to see more teams made up of a diverse staff, be that race, class, sexuality and gender. The only way things will change in a sustainable way is if we fix it from the root of the problem.

Talking diversity and inclusion with Charlotte of SevenSix Agency

@afroglory_ via @sevensixagency

Talking diversity and inclusion with Charlotte of SevenSix Agency

@its.arooj via @sevensixagency

7. What advice do you have for POC who want to get into the creative industry, but feel that there isn’t a space for them?

My advice is, this space is for you and there are people like myself out here making sure you see that. The industry needs a shake-up and there's no better time than now!

Remember to follow SevenSix Agency on Instagram @sevensixagency and Charlotte at @charlottesevensix.