This week on Own It we’re talking to Erin Fabio from Grit Studio. Grit Studio is a boutique marketing agency built for bold brands and the women behind them. Erin brings a “dream it, build it” mentality to every challenge. She also recently took up tennis and says it's her time to not think about anything other than being in the present.
Erin has so many good nuggets to share in this conversation. We talked about her journey, her inspirations and certainly discussed the gender gap in agency ownership. You’ll love her thoughts and insights. We know we did.
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When founding a business, especially while simultaneously growing a family, it's easy to fall into a survival mode where decisions are made reactively. However, Erin highlights the importance of transitioning from merely surviving to making intentional decisions that align business growth with personal life, moving beyond the "fog of babies" to achieve greater clarity and steer the business in a desired direction.
The traditional concept of "work-life balance" often implies an unrealistic equal distribution of time and energy, leading to feelings of failure when one aspect inevitably demands more. Erin proposes "alignment" as a more realistic and empowering framework, where work and personal life are viewed as an interconnected ecosystem. This approach recognizes that priorities shift, and the goal is to ensure that different aspects of life support and serve each other, rather than striving for a perpetually equal, static state.
The advertising industry's low rate of female agency ownership stems from environments not conducive to women's evolving lives, particularly as mothers and creatives. Agencies often impose rigid structures (e.g., strict 9-to-5 schedules, biometric time clocks) that force women to choose between career advancement and personal life. To increase female leadership, the industry must create flexible, supportive cultures that value efficiency and creativity over rigid adherence to traditional working models, allowing women to thrive without compromising their personal roles.
To address the significant gender gap in agency ownership, it's crucial to instill financial and business literacy in girls from kindergarten. Early exposure to concepts like money management, brainstorming, and the "dream it, build it" philosophy empowers them to translate creative ideas into actionable plans and understand the mechanics of business. This foundational knowledge helps girls envision diverse career paths, including entrepreneurship, that might not be traditionally presented, thereby equipping them with the tools and confidence needed for future leadership roles.
A fundamental piece of advice for aspiring agency owners is to develop a high tolerance for discomfort and a genuine excitement for continuous change. The agency world is inherently unpredictable, requiring adaptability and a willingness to pivot. More importantly, trusting one's gut instinct is paramount, especially during challenging times. Relying on internal clarity rather than external noise or "silver bullets" allows owners to steer their business authentically and navigate complex situations effectively.
