Three members of TAG and Vamp share their inspiring career stories and outline the importance of increasing networking opportunities for black women.

Did you know that for every 100 men promoted to manager, only 60 black women are? Or that ethnic minorities have to send 60% more job applications to get a positive response, compared to their white counterparts?

It truly is time to change the narrative - it has been for a long time. One way we can work towards achieving a more equal workforce is by vastly improving the networking opportunities for black women – especially since 50-80% of jobs are thought to be filled through networking alone.

This is something that Christina Okorocha, the creator of Twice As Good (TAG) powered by AllBright and co-founder of VAMP, a digital talent and entertainment PR agency focused on helping brands to maximise their reach by authentically diversifying their content and approach, is passionate about.

“Networking is crucial to career and personal growth because meeting people outside of your immediate circle can expose you to new opportunities and knowledge,” she told AllBright. “I believe the absence of networking during the pandemic will impact career progression, especially for black women, because ethnic minorities have to send 60% more job applications to get a positive response. Black women have to network and rely on the advice from peers to progress, and I hope TAG will support in proving a space to do this.”

Here, as part of AllBright’s networking-focused The Sisterhood Works Project, three members of VAMP and TAG share the stories of their careers. Read on to hear how their sisterhoods have helped to support their successes – and why creating more networking opportunities for black women is so crucially important.

Trina Nicole, Dancer and Body Confidence Advocate, Founder of The Curve Catwalk

Dancer and body confidence advocate, Trina Nicole, is best known for founding the UK’s first plus size dance class; the Curve Catwalk. She has been featured on Forbes, BBC, Channel 4 and her performance credits include Lizzo and Beyonce. Trina uses her platform to amplify marginalised voices, championing diversity to bring about positive representation. She has fronted campaigns for leading brands including Gap, Clarks and Adidas.

Tell us a bit about your career journey so far, and what your current role involves?

I studied drama, film and TV at Brunel University and got my first job in TV as a runner. I freelanced in television for several years, networking and climbing up the career ladder pretty quickly. Soon after, I landed my (then) dream job as a production coordinator, but I realized that, although I was earning good money, I was just chasing a job title. So, I saved up for several months and then quit my job in pursuit of happiness, which sounds super cliché, but it’s true!

I realised I was going for jobs that I felt I was ‘supposed to’. I scarified money for my happiness, and I’m so glad it paid off. I wanted to do more of the things that I loved and enjoyed - dancing being one of them. As I began to return back to being in dance studios I became extremely frustrated with the lack of diversity in these spaces, and so I created The Curve Catwalk. It was a space I really wished existed and I poured my heart and soul into being the change I wanted to see.

As the CEO, I work across all departments of the business, from creating, planning to implementing strategy and brand partnerships. Yes, I’m working on getting a bigger team! But what I would say is that I’ve learned so many transferable skills from working in a creative industry, that I use on a day-to-day basis now.

What have been the highlights of your career?

The top of my list has to be featuring in a ‘Brown Skin Girl’ music video by Beyonce, who I’m obsessed with. It still feels unreal to say that! Also performing on stage at Glastonbury with Lizzo – I’m never going to forget that. Most recently, I would say my two Women’s History Month campaigns, with Gap and Clarks. They both meant so much to me, not simply for the brand recognition. Being part of meaningful campaigns where I get to be authentic, share my story and increase the visibility of plus size black women (which is also part of my mission), was a dream come true.

What have been the challenges, and how you have overcome these?

Honestly, my biggest challenges actually come from my own mindset. It’s all well and good reading daily motivational quotes, but actually adapting this to your life, turning down the volume on your inner critic and dealing with imposter syndrome is real. It’s something that I’ve struggled with.

I’ve had a fear of failure, but also a fear of success. And once I acknowledged this I just had to stop, and breathe… and breathe some more. Because of the global pandemic, we’ve all had to just slow down. Lockdown really allowed for more clarity, while embracing change. I limited distractions, revisited my goals and sharpened my vision; almost centering myself again.

Building your dream career involves a lot of uncertainty. It takes courage, self-belief and also patience, so if you feel like you’re going off track or lacking motivation, remember why you started in the first place.

How important has the sisterhood been for you in your career so far?

Sisterhood has been so instrumental in my career, specifically when thinking about black women. It’s important for me to highlight this because I grew up hearing the stereotype that black women don't support other black women; this idea that there’s only room for one and it’s absolutely not true.

It really has been black women that have spoken my name in rooms I haven’t even entered, opening up opportunities for me because they want to see me win. Knowing that I’m supported by my sisterhood in this way has given me so much confidence to really show up in the world unapologetically and stop shrinking myself. Black women are my biggest inspiration - it’s so motivating seeing all the wonderful things that these women go on to achieve. It lets me know what’s possible and empowers me to live to my full potential and actually do for others what they have done for me.

Why is networking so important?

Networking allows you to access certain opportunities that you might not have been able to find by yourself. I would always hear the saying ‘your network is your net worth’, but I never fully appreciated the meaning behind it. Now I understand that when you build a strong network, it is worth so much because it can really open so many doors. I had to learn that networking isn’t just about walking into a room and exchanging information or reaching out only when you want or need something. It’s building actual connections with people. I have to remind myself that the better strategy is to lead with giving, rather than taking. So, I always think to myself, how can I help and be of benefit to other people, too?

What have been the advantages for you of being a part of Vamp and TAG?

As well as The Curve Catwalk, I also co-founded Curlture, a platform boasting over 50,000 followers that empowers women to embrace their natural hair, beauty and culture. This is how I was first introduced to Vamp.

I have loved working with Vamp and being part of TAG for many reasons. Vamp is all about representing the underrepresented. As a black woman, you’re often overlooked and not offered the same opportunities and/or paid the same as your white counterparts within the influencer industry. So having Vamp on board and bridging the gap has made a world of difference, and we’ve actually had our best campaigns because of Vamp. I was drawn to TAG by the opportunity to connect with like-minded black women. Entrepreneurship can sometimes feel lonely, so being part of a network filled with ambitious, creative women just felt like the place I needed to be. I can’t wait to see how it all blossoms and if I follow my own networking advice, I’m sure there’ll be many wonderful relationships that will be built through TAG.

What is your best piece of career advice for other women?

My best piece of career advice would be to ask for help. Don’t think that you have to do everything on your own. I honestly wish I had asked for help sooner, but I was too busy being a superwoman!

I guess many people view it as a sign of weakness or have a perception that to be an entrepreneur you must go at it alone, but it’s absolutely not true. Identify areas you’d like to improve and reach out and ask for help/ get a mentor. Mentors can be one of the fastest ways to get from where you are to where you want to be and it’s actually a smart business move, in my opinion.

“If you want to go somewhere, it is best to find someone who has already been there.” – Robert Kiyonsaki

Joyce Havemeier, Marketing Consultant and Founder of Vega Digital

Joyce Havemeier is a marketing consultant and founder of Vega Digital, a marketing agency focused on building awareness, driving conversions and improving user experience online. Using her skills and German language abilities, Joyce has worked with a variety of clients over 9 years, including Tiffany & co, Universal Pictures, Cancer Research UK, Arsenal FC, Lucozade and many more.

Tell us a bit about your career journey so far, and what your current role involves?

I’ve worked in a variety of settings within the digital marketing space. I started my career in a start-up agency before moving to a huge global corp agency, and following this I worked directly for a client in-house. I am now working independently on a consultancy basis.

Working in these diverse environments certainly taught me a lot. The roles came with pros and cons, and so much learning took place at each point in my career. My current role involves helping businesses and agencies create and execute digital strategies, mostly within paid search, paid social and SEO. In addition to this, I have also created brand strategies that speak to the audience in a way that is inclusive and diverse. Although analytical, number-driven marketing is my forte, I am shifting into more creative and mindful channels which reflect the current culture and climate.

You recently started a business while on maternity leave - congratulations! Please tell us a bit about this experience, including the highlights and any challenges, and how you have overcome these?

This was a huge stepping stone for me, but as there was an entire shift in ways of working globally due to the pandemic (and on a personal level, a shift due to me having a baby), this was the perfect time to start my own business. Challenges were definitely incoming as I was no longer supported by a huge corporation with a large media spend - this meant that I was unable to seek out technical support from some media owners. However, this taught me a lot of new skills around launching campaigns independently.

My biggest highlight for my brand new business has definitely been receiving and retaining clients simply by word of mouth and through my network (I have yet to pitch or send a single email or message seeking business). This is a testament to my years in this industry and the amount of hard work and hours I have put into this. It's a great feeling knowing you are being recognised.

How important has the sisterhood been for you in your career so far?

Very. The experience of black women in the corporate workplace is not one that can be understood by many. Having the support of similar and like-minded women is intrinsic to my own wellbeing in what can sometimes be very white, and very male-dominated, environments. Having women surrounding you who genuinely root for your success is second to none.

Why is networking so important?

It's good to be at the forefront of someone's mind when it comes to your skills and talent, and without networking this isn't possible. Building a great network can also help you grow, gain knowledge and call on others who can support you personally and professionally.

What have been the advantages for you of being a part of Vamp and TAG?

Meeting and having the support of like-minded people, something many probably take for granted. It is a wonderful feeling to have so much support and encouragement. What is your best piece of career advice for other women? Don't be afraid to put yourself out there - tell people about your skills, what you want to learn and your dream role. One day these can all come back for you, just because you told someone.

Christel Kayibi, Legal and Business Affairs Manager and A&R at Columbia Records

Tell us a bit about your career journey so far, and what your current role involves?

My career so far has been a testament to the fact that reinvention is key and always possible. I knew I wanted to be a lawyer when I was 16 years old and quickly realised that, as I was passionate about business and commerce, a career in corporate law would be the best path for me. I did my training at a law firm and after a brief trip to Nigeria in February 2015, to work with one of our key clients, I knew that I wanted to be involved in more deals involving Africa.

After this realisation, I spent the next 4 years trying to pivot over to focus on African finance deals. I went as far as actually leaving London to move to Ghana and work for a law firm there to get the experience I needed. It was while living and working in Ghana that I got the call that changed my whole career trajectory - and my whole life, quite frankly.

A friend, DJ Naijaboi, had called me saying that Mr Eazi (one of the biggest African artists) needed a lawyer. I was nervous and didn't know much about music law, but I knew I had to take this opportunity. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

I currently work for Columbia Records as an A&R and Legal and Business Affairs Manager. As a BA manager I work across 3 labels - Columbia Records, Too Loud Records and Dream Life Records - advising on various legal and business issues, to ensure that the labels are operating efficiently. My day can range from drafting agreements to signing artists, to clearing features, negotiating brand deals and generally tracking investment and spending on all of our artists. I'm always reminded daily that I am more than a lawyer here.

What have been the highlights of your career so far?

My main highlight would be negotiating a deal between Eazi and Columbia Records. I remember walking into Eazi’s single release party (fashionably late) and he shouted in the mic, 'Hi guys, meet my lawyer Christel' and about 200 guests just stopped to applaud and greeted me. I think that's when I knew I had established myself as a music lawyer.

Negotiating that deal also resulted in me being offered a job by the president of Columbia Records, resulting in my second career as a full time music lawyer.

What have been the challenges, and how you have overcome these?

The main challenge I had to overcome was initially becoming a lawyer, and the various barriers to entry that exist. There are no lawyers in my family and I had no one that could provide me with advice or work experience. I understood very early on that law was elitist and so, if I wanted to be a corporate lawyer, I would have to study at the best university and get the best grade possible.

I remember telling my tax lecturer that I wanted to apply to law firms for a training contract, and he told me one of the obstacles I faced was that I was a black female. For some strange reason I knew he was going to say that, but it made me more determined to work harder and make it. I worked extremely hard at university and I didn't have the typical university experience. I worked part-time at a bank and studied full-time. I went to two parties in the three years that I studied at King's College! I skipped fresher’s week and lived in the library and it paid off. I thank God everyday that it did.

How important has the sisterhood been for you in your career so far?

Sisterhood is very important to me. I have so many 'sister-friends' who cheered me on during my journey. At times when I wanted to give up they would encourage me. When I would apply for jobs, they would pray with me, and when I got the jobs, they would celebrate me. Sisterhood is everything to me.

Why is networking so important?

Networking is the reason I am where I am. I met Naijaboi, who became Eazi's DJ, at an Afrobeat karoke event and we spoke and kept in touch, and that chance meeting led to me becoming Eazi's lawyer. I stayed in touch with the president of Columbia after the signing, and that led to me frequently scheduling meetings with him just to 'chat and catch-up', and that eventually led to him offering me a job. Networking is key to building a career but it’s also key to building a social circle of diverse people.

What have been the advantages for you of being a part of Vamp and TAG?

I've known Christina and the Vamp ladies for years and the main advantage of working with them is seeing 3 women inspire me to do more. They work incredibly hard and are pioneering a lane for themselves. It’s amazing to watch.

What is your best piece of career advice for other women?

Don't be afraid to reinvent yourself and, when you realise that you have a new passion or interest, try to see if there is a way to pivot your career to include them. What you wanted to be at 16 may not be the only thing you are interested in, or the only career choice that you can explore during your time here on earth.