We were lucky to catch up with Daphne Benzaquen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Daphne, thanks for joining us today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

I’ve always believed in the power of paying it forward, a principle my first mentor ingrained in me while advising on my initial venture, DAPH, a leather accessory brand. Naturally, sharing advice and insights became second nature to me.

Before launching EMERGE, I spent countless hours in my coworking space, mingling with fellow entrepreneurs. What started as casual conversations by the coffee machine often turned into in-depth sessions where I’d find myself conducting impromptu website reviews or email audits. We would chat for hours, delving deep into brainstorming sessions, exploring innovative ways to present their brands to target customers.

The owner of the coworking space, who has since become a dear friend, observed these interactions and pointed out that people typically charge for the kind of advice and assistance I was freely offering. That evening, I went home and researched the industry-standard rates for such consulting services.

To my surprise, during a subsequent meeting with a colleague I had previously advised, they were the ones to ask how much they could pay for my time and insights, as our earlier discussions had already positively impacted their business. That’s how I acquired my first client, marking the beginning of my professional journey at EMERGE.

Daphne, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello! I’m Daphne Benzaquen, the passionate co-founder of EMERGE The Agency, a dynamic marketing consultancy focused on helping brands thrive in the digital age. My journey into the world of marketing and brand consultancy began somewhat serendipitously. With a background in sustainable fashion design and an MBA, I initially launched DAPH, a leather accessory brand that combined my Peruvian roots with sustainable resources. Through DAPH, I discovered my knack for not just creating products but also for crafting compelling marketing narratives that truly resonated with audiences.

This realization propelled me to establish EMerge, where I leverage my expertise to assist fashion and wellness brands, particularly those making their foray into the U.S. market. At EMERGE, we provide a range of services from strategic marketing to digital transformation and e-commerce optimization. Our goal is to connect e-commerce fashion brands with their customers, build loyalty, and spur sales through customized, innovative marketing strategies.

What sets us apart is our commitment to not just follow trends but to create them, ensuring our clients always stay ahead of the curve. We focus on building a deep understanding of our clients’ needs and the market dynamics, which allows us to offer tailored, impactful solutions.

I’m particularly proud of how EMERGE has grown rapidly while maintaining a focus on sustainability and ethical practices, values I hold dear from my days at DAPH. For anyone getting to know EMERGE, I want them to see us as not just a consultancy, but as a partner that is committed to their growth and success. We’re here to transform challenges into opportunities and to help brands not just meet but exceed their strategic goals.

Thankfully, my journey has also allowed me to give back—mentoring young entrepreneurs and sharing the insights I’ve gained. It’s about making a difference, one brand at a time, and I am excited for what the future holds.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Meeting my co-founder, Jessica, was one of those serendipitous moments that you hear about but never really expect to happen to yourself. Our paths crossed at a local industry event during St. Louis Design Week. We quickly learned that we both had a passion for sustainable fashion. WE started attending various events and we were just two attendees exchanging thoughts on the latest trends in ethical fashion and the challenges of implementing sustainable practices in our businesses.

We soon found ourselves as board members of Fashion Group International Saint Louis, and quickly realized that our skills complemented each other perfectly. I brought to the table a background in ecommerce and brand development, while Jessica had a strong grasp of social media marketing and business strategy. It was like finding the missing piece to a puzzle.

Our mutual dedication to not just participate in the fashion industry but transform it for the better led to the birth of EMERGE The Agency. We were driven by a shared vision to create a marketing firm that not only prioritized sustainability but also empowered brands with the tools and strategies needed to succeed in a competitive market.

The synergy between us was palpable from the start, and it has been the foundation of our partnership. Together, we have built EMERGE into a beacon for brands looking to make a genuine impact, guided by our combined expertise and aligned values.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building a strong reputation in our market at EMERGE The Agency has fundamentally been about authenticity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to our clients’ success. From the outset, we positioned ourselves not just as consultants, but as integral team members dedicated to fostering growth and innovation within the brands we work with.

One key factor has been our approach to client relationships. We are steadfast cheerleaders for our clients, but we also maintain a commitment to honesty in all our advisories. This means being upfront about our capabilities and always prioritizing what is best for the client over all else. By doing so, we ensure that every strategy we recommend is not only feasible but also tailored to deliver tangible results.

Moreover, we’ve built trust by consistently proving to our clients that they can think outside the box and succeed. We encourage them to break molds and defy standard norms, instilling a level of confidence that empowers them to explore new avenues they might not have considered before. This approach has not only led to innovative campaigns and strategies but has also cemented our relationships with clients, fostering a sense of true partnership.

This ethos of being part of our clients’ teams, combined with our readiness to push boundaries and maintain transparency, has been instrumental in building a reputable and trusted brand in a competitive market. We believe that our success is a reflection of our clients’ growth and satisfaction, and this belief drives everything we do at EMERGE.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emergetheagency.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergetheagency
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emergetheagency
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/daphnebenzaquen

Image Credits

Tori Wright Photography