Who You Know: Kelliesha White

NAME: Kelliesha White

ROLE & COMPANY: Freelance Project Management, Brand Consultant & Talent Manager

HOMETOWN: North London

CURRENT CITY OF RESIDENCE: London

Describe your typical day to day at work:

Now that I’m stepping into the world of freelance no two days are ever the same. Briefs that I have worked on vary from product launches, market research, Influencer marketing, brand activations, campaign photoshoots etc. A typical day for me could be digesting a brief, sourcing the right talent for that brief, creating a deck to sell the talent into the client and then outreaching and negotiating costs. Another day could be looking for suppliers to develop and produce influencer packs for gifting, the world of account management is complex and fast pace.

Tell us about your career journey and how you got your current role:

My very first creative experience was at GUAP magazine where I was the Arts & Culture Editor, being around so many creatives inspired me and it created a spark in me that still hasn’t died till this day. My first job within marketing was at a huge global advertising agency where I worked with brands such as smartwater, adidas & Reebok. I sent in my CV & cover letter and got invited for an interview, the normal interview process has three rounds and I got the job after one round so I was really proud of myself.

I decided after eight months that I wasn’t happy there due to the company culture and I knew I wouldn’t be able to excel at the pace I wanted to so I took a risk and accepted an offer at a much smaller Youth marketing agency. It was the best decision I ever made, I learnt so quickly and got promoted within the first eight months. Here is where I established myself and grew my network, sometimes you have to work in environments that force you to be challenged so you can realise what you’re capable of.

Being made redundant because of Covid- 19 forced me to go freelance and it's been a blessing in disguise. I am currently Brand consulting for an award winning digital marketing agency. 

What’s your most memorable career moment?

The most memorable moment would probably be my Welcome to Tottenham Exhibition & Documentary screening. When I gave the speech before the screening, I remember seeing a packed-out audience and there’s no better feeling than knowing that all those people came out to see something you believed in and brought to life.

What’s one motto that you live by?

You create your own luck.

Name three women creatives who inspire you:

I would say I’m only really inspired by one woman Grace Ladoja. She emulates ownership and that’s important for this generation of black creatives.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into your profession?

Think about your network from the age of 16, immerse yourself in work experience and put yourself in rooms with gate keepers. In the creative industry, access is limited so you have to force your way in.

Anything else you’d like to add?

If you can think it you can become it, you may get lost along the way but if you really want something, you’ll find your way back on the right path.