This week on Own It we’re talking to Alexis Toney and Grace Kwak from Background Noise. It is a strategic consultancy that promotes diversity through inclusive strategies that help meet brands where they are and help them grow to where they need to go.
And diversity lives through every bit of their firm. Alexis is a New York City club deejay when she is not working on client projects. Grace balanced that busy life by moving to California not long ago for a more relaxed lifestyle.
We talked about their journeys, how they met and connected, who inspired them to lead and own their own firm and a lot more. And their perspectives on closing the gender gap in agency ownership were insightful and interesting. And the two partners almost immediately made the conversation fun!
You’re going to love this episode.
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The speakers emphasize that their agency prioritizes the well-being of their team over aggressive growth, a lesson learned from past experiences in agencies that pushed employees to burnout. This includes considering mental health, flexible working conditions, and even innovative ideas like "Menstrual Mondays" to ensure a healthier work environment.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, finding a co-founder is crucial for sharing the immense pressure and workload of starting and running a business. Having partners allows for mutual support, balancing responsibilities, and maintaining mental health, leading to a more sustainable work-life balance that solo entrepreneurs often struggle to achieve.
For entrepreneurs without disposable income or a financial safety net, it's essential to have a "Plan AA" (a full-time job) that provides financial stability while building their dream business. This strategy allows founders to invest in their venture without the constant worry of financial strain, providing a buffer until the business can sustain itself.
