Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aisha Rae. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Aisha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Any advice for creating a more inclusive workplace?

Creating an inclusive workplace is not just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental aspect of fostering a diverse and dynamic work environment that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole.

My personal journey I did not see many people who looking me in positions of authority. Many of the people who inspired me did not look like me or have the same background, because that was not common. After 2020 I have seen the impact and change that companies are now taking the extra step to diversify their teams, open dialogues, and taking accountability for not diversifying their organizations.

When individuals from diverse backgrounds see people who look like them in positions of authority and influence, it sends a powerful message that they too can aspire to those roles. This representation can inspire and motivate aspiring creatives, encouraging them to pursue their passions.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

BL8K was founded in 2017, by Aisha Rae. Aisha is a successful creative director, celebrity stylist, and fashion editor with 15 + years of extensive work experience working with Universal Records, Conde Nast, Skims, Gap, Mountain Dew, and more. Working in the industry with top publications, celebrities, and companies she was able to connect with many sought after creatives behind the scenes of global productions. While working in the industry, Aisha was constantly connecting creatives or brands with celebrities, publications, and more. She noticed that with her extensive experience and relationships there was a gap in the industry connecting emerging artist and brands with credible influential people and companies.

BL8K was created to be that missing link a one stop shop for companies to find branding, marketing, public relations, production, and creative services in one place. BL8K, is your gateway to a world of unparalleled creativity and global exposure. Today, we are thrilled to present our high-end creative agency, dedicated to producing innovative campaigns, editorials, commercials, digital content, and more. With our curated network of emerging talent and brands, we unlock limitless possibilities to implement digital, public relations, marketing, and social strategies that will elevate your brand to new heights.

BL8K services include the following:

• Celebrity & Editorial Placement
• Marketing Strategy & Execution
• Influencer Marketing & Seeding
• Brand Consultation & Strategy
• Social Media Content
• Creative Direction
• Events
• E-Commerce
• Productions

BL8K is an incubator for emerging brands and artist. We provide counsel, brand development, public relations and access to top global creatives to produce content and relationships with the top influential brands, media, celebrities, and publications in the industry in one place.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One of the challenges that non-creatives may struggle to understand about my journey as a creative is the nature of working with intangible concepts and ideation. Creatives often deal with abstract ideas, visions, and emotions that are not immediately visible or tangible. Here’s some insight into this aspect of the creative process:

The Vision Is in My Mind: As a creative, I envision concepts, designs, and ideas in my mind long before they take a tangible form. This can be difficult for non-creatives to grasp because it’s like trying to explain a painting before it’s been painted or a song before it’s been composed. It’s the ability to see something that doesn’t exist yet and work towards bringing it to life.

Creativity Is About Imagination: Creatives thrive on imagination and pushing boundaries. We’re often inspired by the world around us and translate those inspirations into new, innovative creations. This imaginative process may seem elusive to non-creatives who might be more focused on practical and concrete matters.

Creating Something from Nothing: Creatives have the audacity to transform nothing into something. We take blank canvases, empty pages, or mere ideas and turn them into works of art, innovative products, or compelling stories. This ability to start from scratch and build something meaningful can be hard for non-creatives to grasp.

The Power of Collaboration: While creativity is essential, it’s not the sole ingredient for success. Non-creatives play a crucial role in bringing creative ideas to fruition. Their skills in strategy, finance, budgeting, and logistics provide the necessary structure and support for turning creative visions into reality.

The Symbiotic Relationship: Creatives and non-creatives often work hand in hand to achieve success. They complement each other’s strengths. Creatives provide the initial spark of inspiration, while non-creatives contribute the practical know-how to execute and deliver the final product. It’s a powerful synergy that’s essential in industries like branding, marketing, and creative endeavors.

In essence, the creative journey is not just about whimsical ideas; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and working collaboratively to turn those ideas into something meaningful and impactful. Creativity and practicality are two sides of the same coin, and they both have their unique roles in achieving success in any industry. When creatives and non-creatives come together, they can create magic that benefits not only the individuals involved but also the entire industry.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part about being a creative is the realization of your vision on a global scale, where your creations become prominent features on billboards around the world, in television commercials, and in the pages of publications and stores. It’s the profound satisfaction of witnessing something you’ve conceived and nurtured take on a life of its own, transcending your individual existence. Here’s why this aspect of being a creative is so fulfilling:

Global Impact: When your work is showcased on billboards and in various media, it reaches audiences far and wide. Knowing that your creative expression resonates with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures is incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to the universality of creativity.

Legacy and Longevity: Creating something that outlives you is a unique and powerful experience. Your work becomes a part of the cultural fabric, leaving a lasting imprint on society. It may serve as a reference point or inspiration for future generations of creatives, perpetuating your creative legacy.

Tangible Transformation: Witnessing your ideas transform into tangible products, whether it’s a stunning visual campaign or a memorable brand identity, is a gratifying process. It’s the culmination of countless hours of brainstorming, experimentation, and hard work.

Emotional Connection: Creative work often has the ability to evoke emotions and connect with people on a deep level. Seeing how your creations impact individuals, eliciting joy, inspiration, or contemplation, adds a profound layer of meaning to your work.

Inspiring Others: Your work displayed prominently can serve as a source of inspiration for fellow creatives and aspiring artists. It can motivate others to explore their own creative potential, sparking a chain reaction of creativity and innovation.

Validation of Vision: Seeing your vision brought to life and embraced by the world validates your creative instincts and originality. It’s a reminder that your ideas have merit and that your unique perspective is valued.

In conclusion, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the privilege of witnessing your vision materialize on a grand scale, leaving an indelible mark on the world. It’s about creating something that transcends time and space, sparking emotions, and inspiring others to explore their creativity. This tangible manifestation of your imagination is a source of immense pride and fulfillment in the creative journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bl8k.com
• Instagram: @bl8k.creative
• Facebook: BL8K_ CREATIVE
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bl8k
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BL8K_

Image Credits
Dove Cameron- direction + photography. Benjo Arwars fashion. Aisha Rae talent. Dove Cameron wearing Collini Milano hair. Clayton Hawkins using R+Co BLEU make up. Melissa Hernandez using Pat McGrath Labs dop + photography assistant. Josh Hammaren video editing. WE STUDIO music. Chris Upton production. BL8K fashion assistants. Tashe Pollard + Angel Cross retouch. Mode Studios location. RoseWolff Studio words. Braden Bjella Kehlani Photography by Maxwell Poth Hair by Davontae Makeup by Patrick Ta Stylist: Aisha Rae Creative Agency: BL8K Assistant Stylists: Angel Cross & Tashe Pollard Doechii Photographer: StillVika Hair: Gee Walton Make Up : Saisha Beechman Creative Director: Cortez West Nails: Rasheeda Ameera Stylist: Aisha Rae Assistant Stylist: Tashe Pollard, Angel Cross, Serena Wentzel Creative Agency: BL8K Aurora James- Photography Michelle G. Gonzales Fashion Aisha Rae Interview Bethann Hardison Text Dania Curvy Makeup Uzo for NARS Cosmetics (A-Frame Agency) Hair Mirna Jose (See Management) Photo assistants Bryan Martinez, Steve Limones Makeup assistant Tanya Bures 2 Models- Creative Director + Photograoher: StillVika Models: Kiana Alexis + Aleyana N Makeup: RobScheppy Hair: marcela Osegueda Stylist: Aisha Rae Assistant Stylist: Nathan Rodriguez + Colette Chen Creative + Production: BL8K Mouna- HIGH PROFILE photography. StillVika fashion. Aisha Rae model. Mouna Fadiga make up. Rob Scheppy using Fenty Beauty hair. Arianna Chaylene Blean using Unite Hair + Four Seasons fashion assistant. Tashe Pollard + Elizabeth Margulis hair assistant. Mary Kendall production. BL8K