BLUP50
BLUP50 TALENT FEATURE // VANESSA MARIA
We’re finally back with another BLUP50 feature, this time with London-based DJ, broadcaster, and creative producer Vanessa Maria. She continues to advocate mental health through music with a variety of projects, including the “Don’t Keep Hush” initiative, which she has helped grow over the past few years.
We delve deeper into her early experiences in radio, her big plans for this year, such as podcasting, and the challenges she has to work through in order to thrive in her multifaceted career. With these wins, it is evident that Vanessa Maria is a trailblazer who has built a reputation for herself in her industry by working hard and consistently pushing the boundaries. Read on as she shares her sources of creative inspiration while also imparting some life lessons for all of us to remember.
// DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN ONE WORD.
Introspective or silly – but I’ll go with introspective!
// YOU’RE DEFINITELY A MULTIDISCIPLINARY CREATIVE WHO DOES MANY THINGS, WAS DJING THE FIRST THING YOU BEGAN WITH?
I actually started off doing radio. I would break down my psychology lectures on the show, bringing in topics that were the typical ‘entertainment’ topics like love and attachment theories. It actually helped me solidify ideas in my studies – I thought it was a sick concept at the time.
I learned to DJ the year after I graduated university, I was a student officer at my university. The janitor (big up Andrew) would help me set up decks during my lunch break from the DJ society. That was really the start.
// WAS THERE A BIG MOMENT WHERE EVERYTHING JUST CHANGED FOR YOU?
I don’t think there were any ‘big moments’ but there were more consistent ‘smaller’ moments. I won a foundation FM DJ competition, so I then DJ’ed at Wireless, which was an introduction to the music world [for me].
// YOU RECENTLY SHARED ON INSTAGRAM HOW IT CAN BE LONELY AS A DJ. TALK A BIT MORE ABOUT HOW ‘DON’T KEEP HUSH’ PROJECT CAME ABOUT.
With that post, I didn’t realise how many people felt the same. It’s sad, but I also found it ironic and kind of funny because we’re all feeling the same way. I also have performance anxiety so it can really affect me, whether it’s a new place, new city, or even home events.
Don’t Keep Hush is a collaboration with Fred, founder of Keep Hush, an underground music community. We’ve been a bit quiet this year but we’ve done fundraising events, sold T-shirt merch, panels, and hosted a night to support Black Minds Matter. The next objective is to start a monthly supper club which will be called ‘Spinning Plates’. We want to have a community focused space outside of the parties so we’ll have open decks, people cooking and we’ll eat together and talk about whatever’s on our minds.
// DO YOU HAVE A GO TO STYLE OR FAVOURITE FASHION BRAND YOU LIKE WEARING?
I thought about this – I don’t think I have a favourite fashion brand. I live in tracksuits.
For next year, I really wanna start getting more into thrifting and wearing secondhand clothing. I hosted a panel for Depop and it really made me think more about circular fashion and also sustainability so I’m trying to think about how I can purchase and keep it sustainable.
When it comes to occasions like Halloween, I know exactly how I would want to look. It wouldn’t matter where the items are from – could be from Prada, could be from Primark! But Zendaya is a style icon for me, she never misses!
// HOW DO YOU SWITCH OFF?
I think this year I’ve definitely learned how to do that. If you’re going through life fast ahead and you don’t care about your health, you won’t stop until you have a problem with your health – that will humble you. I have pre premenstrual dysphoric disorder so that was humbling for me because I have to focus on my wellbeing and energy – that’s helped me switch off. Also exercising, reconnecting with friends and family is always a nice way to switch off.
I have pre premenstrual dysphoric disorder so that was humbling for me because I have to focus on my wellbeing and energy – that’s helped me switch off.
VANESSA MARIA
// HOW DID BEGIN YOUR AWARD WINNING DOC, ‘WHEN WELLBEING IS WHITE’?
At the time I didn’t know anything about film & documentary, so I just tweeted about my idea and then from the tweet, I built a team. I didn’t have any budget, it was just a passion project but I was lucky enough that people wanted to get involved.
A lot of the freelancers, even from BBC, were helping me through the process of how to basically produce documentaries. We’d write a script, find narratives and find the talent who would be involved. I was doing a lot of it in my spare time.
// FOR MULTIFACETED AMBITIOUS CREATIVES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ON HOW TO BALANCE THINGS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE’S SO MANY THINGS WE CAN DO ?
I would ask yourself what season you’re in at the moment, what is bringing you joy and where your interests lie. Focus on what is that fire in your belly.
I think a lot of the time, especially as young people, we see one thing and we’re like “that’s what I’m gonna do for the rest of my life”. But that one thing can open doors to a lot of other things. If you don’t know exactly what you want to do, just give things a go and something will stick more than something else. It’s easier to say you don’t like something than liking it – that’s what I did when I started. It doesn’t feel like you are progressing, but you are because you already know what you don’t wanna do – which is great.
// GO TO SONG OF THE YEAR (2022)?
Sticky – Drake and also Slizzy Like – Cash Cobain
// WHAT’S RECENTLY SOMETHING THAT’S CAUGHT YOUR ATTENTION ON TIKTOK/INSTAGRAM?
A platform and magazine called New Currency, ran by an amazing creative and all around visionary called Kazeem. He’s from Toronto, and he came down and connected with almost the whole of London in like a week! He brought his magazine down to London and held a 2 day festival at 180 Strand – full of workshops, art, music. That really inspired me because I know how hard he works on that.
I’ve also started hopping on TikTok which has really inspired me as a platform recently. I used to think it wasn’t for me but then I realised it’s an amazing place to share as a creative. It’s nice to see it used in a different way – the way they use TikTok in a way that’s subversive is amazing.
“If you don’t know exactly what you want to do, just give things a go and something will stick more than something else.”
VANESSA MARIA
I also love the work GUAP is doing and all the work they’re doing to support and uplift other creatives, as well as Shannie Mears FSRA at the Elephant Room.
// WHAT IS A COLLABORATION THAT MEANT THE MOST TO YOU?
The RA x Black Minds Matter podcast. It was just amazing to have the focus on music and mental health as the underlying driver and theme throughout the series. We then turned that into a short documentary with Fauzia and Damn Shaq which was a great experience.
// WHICH BRANDS WOULD YOU LOVE TO COLLABORATE WITH?
When it comes to brands, I like thinking out of the box. I’d love to do a project or DJ on top of a train for national rail, dj under a waterwall for a national park, or collab with some skincare brands to tailormake some products for the clurb.
I would also love to work with Nike, Carhartt and Converse.
// IS THE ‘NOTION X NO BOUNDARIES’ SERIES COMING BACK?
Yes, me and my friend, Stacey Olika are bringing it back for 2023. The focus is on Bristol as the project is to support up and coming creatives outside of London. Everything is so London centric and there isn’t really a base or spot for people doing things outside.
// DO YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS ?
I do but I listen to ones that many people would not expect me to listen to! The main one is Andy Huberman – it’ll cover things like gut health or he’ll break down depression or the science of love / relationships from a biological perspective. But he won’t just talk about the topics, he’ll have fresh research that came out like from last week. Then on the opposite scale, I love the Receipts Podcast! I also like the Party of One Podcast which is more self help/motivation – I love the way she breaks down concepts on TikTok.
// WHAT’S NEXT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?
I’m most looking forward to starting a podcast and more festivals, international bookings, gigs, more amazing guests lined up for radio. I also wanna train as a therapist on the side.
// WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST LESSON YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?
When thinking about where you are at, eliminate the word ‘should’. ‘Should’ holds you back and feeds into your deepest insecurities. When people say stuff like, oh, “I should have done this, or I should have done this by this age…” This can turn into such a barrier to the point where some people actually just give up or they stop.
You are where you need to be and there’s nothing to say that you can’t get to where you wanna go. It’s just a matter of opportunities, time, effort and consistency.
I’ve seen that the year is always bigger than you – I’m grateful for every opportunity. You are a moving part in someone else’s story and also in someone else’s moment of glory, so it’s amazing to find gratitude in that as well.
FOLLOW VANESSA MARIA’S JOURNEY
Instagram: @nessamariaw
Portfolio / Site: www.vanessamariawilson.com
Don’t Keep Hush: @dontkeephush
Co-Founder of For Sure Studio Ben Paul joins us this week for our next BLUP50 talent feature. In Ben’s own words, “…’what if’ should be excluded from your internal vocabulary. The only thing that holds you back is yourself.” Last year, in one of the most unpredictable, unsettling times of our lives, Ben squashed his own ‘what if’ and decided to set up his own creative studio. Read on to find out who Ben’s greatest inspiration is and what his future vision for For Sure is.
// YOUR WORD FOR 2021
Momentum
// WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN ONLINE/INSTAGRAM /TIKTOK / TWITTER THAT HAS STOPPED YOU SCROLLING?
@reubendangoor’s work always does it for me. @thisiscollins are one of my favorite agencies, their attention to detail is something I always aspire to.
// GIVE US A WHISTLE STOP TOUR OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE
Graduated with a degree in design back in 2009. Went perm then freelance, until setting up on my own in 2015. March 2020 myself and my friend Matt (who had a similar passion for research led design), decided two heads were better than one. For Sure was born and we’ve not looked back since.
//WHAT DOES 24 HOURS IN YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE?
I try to segment my day off as much as possible to help me focus on the task in hand. Only having meetings at specific times of the day really helps focus the creative time spent on developing ideas.
// WHAT DO YOU DO TO SWITCH OFF OR CHILL?
Usually I would offset a hectic day with sport, it helps me refocus for the following day. Love a good playlist too!
// WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR BEST CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?
The day left my full-time job. Not because of the job, but more of the fact that it was the springboard for me to think completely freely and build a route to starting For Sure Studio. I certainly went the long-way round but we’re here now and I’m very grateful of the lessons I’ve learnt on the journey so far.
// WHAT DO YOU SEE IN YOUR FUTURE?
Expanding the studio, finding our niche in the market and exploring that further. Hiring some amazing talent whilst cultivating a working environment I would be proud of and so would our staff. Away from work I hope that I’m still able to grace the football pitch well into my forties. And spend some time creating away from a screen, with a few paint brushes instead.
// IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ONE CREATIVE/BRAND WHO WOULD IT BE?
Kendrick Lemar. It would be a dream of mine to work with him on some tour creative, after having witnessed the DAMN tour live. He has such clarity in his vision, he’s able to refine and present his message in a way I’ve not seen before.
// WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?
I guess mines an inspiring moment. Michael Jordan’s flu game, could barely stand up, yet he went onto score 38 points when his team needed him the most. I’ll always remember that game he’s the GOAT of all sports for me.
// WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO SAY ABOUT YOU AT THE END OF YOUR CAREER?
That you’ve built a company that will be here long after I’m gone.
// WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO NEW CREATIVES?
‘What if’ should be excluded from your internal vocabulary. The only thing that holds you back is yourself.
// WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU IN YOUR WORLD RIGHT NOW?
Checking in with all my friends and family, keeping a good balance in life as things open up again. Working with the local community to bring in some top talent to For Sure Studio.
// ANYTHING ELSE TO SHARE?
Just a big shout out to Dines and Studio Blup for all of the guidance and support. It really means a lot. Big love. BP x
FOLLOW BEN:
Swoosh recruits Kelly Anna London as A.I.R.
When it comes to Nike’s extensive line of running sneakers, the brand often invites artists to lend their creative visions. For its ongoing Artist In Residence (A.I.R.) series, the Swoosh recruits Kelly Anna London to take on one of its newest silhouettes—the Nike Pegasus 38.
Recognized for her powerful, silhouetted figures that are often connected to sports and body positivity, London indulges the performance trainer’s black mesh uppers in colorful, haphazard shapes and figures that seem to be a modern twist on Henri Matisse’s work. The hues used in her patterns are also applied elsewhere, such as the pastel green used on the lateral side’s oversized Swoosh outline and the laces. Additionally, a royal blue colors the lace loops and the inside. A midsole with a design that’s just as busy as the uppers’ rounds out the look, as the React foam and Zoom Air-cushioned unit features black paint splatters on a white base.
Release date to be announced.
Speaking to our latest BLUP50 member Chikay was a real eye opener. Chikay hasn’t just ‘fallen’ into where she is now as Head of Global Growth & Marketing Partnerships at Cult Beauty – one of the biggest digital beauty brands globally. In fact having moved form Leeds straight after Uni to trying a number of jobs to get a foot in the door and finance her London living – Chikay’s is the epitome of GRIT! In a recent instagram post, Chikay also opened up and shared her experience of Asian Hate Crime which definitely shed new light on how serious a matter it is. Read on to find out more about Chikay’s journey to success.
// YOUR WORD FOR 2021
Kindness
// WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN ONLINE/INSTAGRAM /TIKTOK / TWITTER THAT HAS STOPPED YOU SCROLLING?
I try to follow a big range of accounts – those that promote positive news, memes obviously but also accounts that provide education on international issues that mainstream press deem not worthy to report on and it is usually these that stop me in my tracks.
// GIVE US A WHISTLE STOP TOUR OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE
Sep 2011 – Moved to London after graduating for an unpaid internship for a marketing agency and quickly realised that there was no long-term career prospect for me there when my daily tasks were primarily made up of changing the bins and emptying the dishwasher.
2 weeks later – Quit the internship and walked into the first shop I would think of (Selfridges on Oxford Street) and managed to get a job on the spot as a sales assistant to finance my stay in London to look for more long-term roles.
2012 – Sales negotiator at Foxtons for 7 months
Aug 2012 – This is when my career in digital marketing began, I was offered a role in an online drinks start up business 31DOVER by David Laurie, the then CEO who I had met whilst working on the shop floor in Selfridges. Working at Selfridges was a tough time for me with no friends around (I was the first to move to London) and at work staff were treated horrendously by both management and customers. BUT I wouldn’t change this experience for the world, I would not be doing what I do now had I not been there and met David.
Oct 2013 – Search Engine Marketing at NET-A-PORTER
Feb 2015 – For the past 6 years I’ve been at Cult Beauty where I currently look over the global growth and partnerships strategy of the business!
//WHAT DOES 24 HOURS IN YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE?
On a normal weekday I wake up bleary eyed and reluctantly put on my workout kit to exercise on my spin bike before the day starts. Then coffee and a big breakfast is next on the agenda whilst I check my emails and prep for the meetings of the day, I average around 5 zoom calls a day so it’s a constant balancing act of meetings/getting back to emails/supporting my team whilst also trying to tick off my never ending to do list.
Myself and my sister are also in the processing of buying a property so evenings now are primarily made up of reviewing contracts/paperwork whilst watching cartoons (Rick and Morty/Bob’s Burgers is my poison)
// WHAT DO YOU DO TO SWITCH OFF OR CHILL?
This is going to sound bizarre but it’s got to be spinning for me. When I go on my bike, I completely zone out I don’t think about my to do lists or worry and my focus is pushing myself to my absolute fullest. It’s honestly like therapy for me but cheaper!
// WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR BEST CAREER HIGHLIGHTS?
I am incredibly lucky to have quite a few awards and accolades under my belt BUT watching the progression of my team must be my proudest achievement to date. I have an unbelievably talented team of bright hard working talent who have also won awards for their achievements. To see that gives me more joy than anything else in my career.
// WHAT DO YOU SEE IN YOUR FUTURE?
The last year has taught me to not plan too far ahead in the future as anything can happen. I’d like to step into my future with an open mind, as long as I am happy and healthy with my friends and family around. (I would really like a doggo though – very specifically a Shiba Inu haha)
// IF YOU COULD COLLABORATE WITH ONE CREATIVE/BRAND WHO WOULD IT BE?
Ben and Jerry’s – without a doubt. I admire this brand so much for their unapologetic advocation to support progressive and polarising issues that need to be addressed.
// WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO SAY ABOUT YOU AT THE END OF YOUR CAREER?
I find a lot of enjoyment in helping others develop their skills, if I’ve made a difference to someone’s career (be it from a progression standpoint or there to support them during difficult times) that would give me so much joy.
// WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO NEW CREATIVES?
I wouldn’t consider myself a creative in the traditional sense, a lot of my work actually revolves around data analysis and strategy however creativity is key to thinking differently and innovating within the space. Find your passion, what you are good at and constantly push yourself to try new ideas, there will be setbacks and mistakes along the way but find opportunities in these to learn.
// WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU IN YOUR WORLD RIGHT NOW?
I feel incredibly passionate about equality/racial justice/human rights – I think it is important to hold businesses and individuals accountable and responsible to action huge improvements that’s necessary in these areas.
// ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO MENTION?
The #stopasianhate movement is very close to my heart, for anyone who is interested to learn more about my personal experiences and ways to help I do talk about this subject regularly on my Instagram
FOLLOW CHIKAY
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