In honor of August being Black Business Month, the Chicago Defender is running a series of profiles on our city’s dynamic Black entrepreneurs.
Meet Taylar Barrington-Booker, the visionary who made it her business to create opportunities for Black women in the digital space.
On Juneteenth, Barrington-Booker launched the Agency Cliquish digital brand to bridge the equity gap for Black creatives.
Chicago Defender: Taylar, you are an innovator. As an entrepreneur, it is your job to be legendary and revolutionary. You have done that by birthing an influencer agency designed to create the next generation of Black digital millionaires through Agency Cliquish. I speak for all readers when I ask why an influencer agency?
Taylar Barrington-Booker: The decision to create an influencer agency specifically focused on Black creators stems from recognizing digital platforms’ immense power and influence in today’s culture. Social media and online platforms have become significant channels for connection, information exchange, creative expression and commerce. They provide opportunities for individuals to build personal brands, share their stories and connect with audiences on a global scale.
However, there has been a historical underrepresentation and undervaluation of Black creators in the influencer space. Black influencers have often faced disparities in opportunities, compensation and recognition compared to their counterparts.
This lack of representation and equitable access to resources motivated me to establish an agency to address these disparities and create opportunities for Black creators to thrive.
By launching Agency Cliquish, I aimed to bridge the equity gap and empower Black influencers to become successful entrepreneurs. I believe that by nurturing and supporting talented Black creators, we can cultivate a new generation of Black digital millionaires who can harness the power of their platforms to create impact, inspire others and generate wealth.
An influencer agency provides a structured platform for Black creators to access brand collaborations, negotiate fair compensation, receive professional guidance and enhance their digital presence. It allows us to connect them with brands and businesses that value their unique perspectives and amplify their voices.Â
An influencer agency focused on Black creators serves as a vehicle for empowerment, representation, and economic advancement. It aims to challenge the existing inequities and build a more inclusive and diverse influencer landscape where Black voices and stories are celebrated and rewarded.
Black influencers have often faced disparities in opportunities, compensation and recognition compared to their counterparts.
Chicago Defender: Agency Cliquish represents an impressive roster of Black creatives in the lifestyle, beauty, fashion, culture and wellness verticals. In that time, your team of dynamic Black women has taken several Black creators that hadn’t earned their first dollar as an influencer to earning north of $300K+ in less than nine months. That takes strategy and critical insight. What can you share with the Chicago Defender audience on what you look for in building a team of dynamic Black women?
Taylar Barrington-Booker: When building a team of dynamic Black women, there are several essential qualities and attributes that I look for. First and foremost, I value passion and drive. I seek individuals who are genuinely passionate about their craft and are motivated to make a difference in the digital space.
Additionally, I prioritize diversity of talents and skills. A team with expertise and perspectives can bring fresh ideas and innovation to our agency. Whether it’s in the areas of lifestyle, beauty, fashion, culture or wellness, I strive to assemble a team with a diverse skill set that can cater to the various needs of our clients and creators.
Collaboration and teamwork are also essential factors. I look for individuals who thrive in a collaborative environment, can work together seamlessly, and support each other’s growth. Building a supportive and inclusive team culture is crucial to fostering creativity and achieving our goals.
Furthermore, I seek individuals who are adaptable and willing to embrace change. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to have team members who can navigate and thrive in this ever-changing environment. Flexibility, along with a desire to learn and a willingness to adapt, are vital qualities that I value.
Lastly, I believe in the power of authenticity and representation. I look for team members who embrace their unique identities and bring their authentic selves to their work. Celebrating and amplifying the voices of Black women in the influencer industry is at the core of our mission, so having team members who embody and represent that mission is crucial.
Building a team of dynamic Black women requires a combination of passion, diverse skills, collaboration, adaptability, authenticity, and representation. By bringing together individuals who possess these qualities, we can create a strong and impactful team to drive positive industry change.
Chicago Defender: August is Black Business Month. What tips can you share with those looking to enter entrepreneurship?
Taylar Barrington-Booker:
- Find your passion: Start by identifying your passion and interests. Building a business around something you genuinely love and are knowledgeable about will give you the motivation and resilience needed to overcome challenges.
- Embrace continuous learning: Entrepreneurship is a continuous learning process. Stay updated with industry trends, seek opportunities for professional development, and be open to acquiring new skills. Constantly educate yourself and adapt to changes in the market to stay competitive.
- Build a solid online presence: In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial. Invest in building a professional website, creating engaging social media profiles and leveraging digital marketing strategies to reach and connect with your target audience effectively.
- Embrace resilience and perseverance: Entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs. Embrace resilience and persevere through challenges and setbacks. Learn from failures, adapt strategies and stay committed to your vision and goals.
- Celebrate your uniqueness: Embrace and leverage your unique identity to strengthen your business. Celebrate your cultural heritage, experiences and perspectives, as they can set you apart and attract a diverse customer base.
Chicago Defender: You officially launched your digital brand on Juneteenth. What a cultural power play. Being keenly aware of the reality that Black creators are significantly underpaid and undervalued, how does Agency Cliquish plan to fill this gap?
Taylar Barrington-Booker: Agency Cliquish aims to fill the gap by providing a platform and resources for Black creators to thrive digitally. We prioritize fair compensation for our talent and work closely with brands to ensure they understand the value and impact of partnering with Black influencers. By actively addressing the underpayment and undervaluation of Black creators, we are working towards creating a more equitable and inclusive industry.
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