We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Patrick McMullen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Patrick, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I’m Deaf and proud to be part of a community full of creativity and potential. A few years ago, I teamed up with my friend Big Ben and together we grew our TikTok account to over 1.3 million followers. That journey didn’t just teach me how to grow a brand on social media — it showed me what’s possible when you have the right strategy, storytelling, and support.

That’s why I started Inclusify Studio. I wanted to create the first Deaf-owned influencer marketing agency that truly understands Deaf culture, communication, and how to help brands connect with Deaf and hard of hearing creators in a real way.

Inclusify Studio isn’t just about brand deals. It’s about building partnerships where both the brand and the influencer grow together. We help hearing brands learn how to truly welcome the Deaf community — not just by including them in campaigns, but by understanding how to communicate with them and build long-term trust.

My mission is to help the Deaf community grow on social media, give more creators a seat at the table, and inspire more Deaf entrepreneurs to show up, lead, and change the world. I believe when you build the right bridge, everyone wins.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Inclusify Studio is more than just an agency. It’s a reflection of a community that’s been overlooked for too long. We’re the first Deaf-owned influencer marketing agency created by the Deaf community for the Deaf community, and we’re here to change the way the industry sees us.

Before I launched Inclusify Studio, I was a full-time creator. But I also saw how hard it was for Deaf creators to get the same opportunities, even when they had the talent. That’s what pushed me to create something bigger than myself.

We help brands connect with Deaf and hard of hearing creators in ways that are real, respectful, and rooted in culture. We offer influencer marketing, social media management, talent coordination, and campaign strategy. But what we really do is create opportunities. We help creators grow, earn, and be seen. We help brands learn how to show up better and do better.

What makes us different is that we get it. We’ve lived the struggle of being left out. We know what it’s like to have the talent but not the access. My team is Deaf-led and we understand both sides. We don’t just translate campaigns. We help brands and creators build real partnerships based on trust, understanding, and growth.

What I’m most proud of is not just the success stories, but the impact. We’ve helped creators generate over six figures. We’ve helped brands reach people they never connected with before. And we’ve proven that when Deaf voices are included, everybody wins.

My vision is to grow Inclusify Studio into one of the most respected and culture-shifting agencies in the world. I want to open more doors, raise the bar, and show the next generation of Deaf entrepreneurs what’s possible.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

My biggest advice is to make your team feel seen and heard. At Inclusify Studio, most of my team is Deaf, just like me. So I understand how important clear communication and mutual respect are. I always make time to check in, give credit when it’s due, and remind them how much their work matters.

I also believe in giving people space to take ownership. I let my team lead in areas they’re strong in and give them trust to figure things out. When people feel trusted and supported, they show up with more energy and confidence.

Morale stays high when the environment feels safe, honest, and positive. I try to make sure our team culture feels like a real community where we’re not just working, we’re growing together. That’s when people feel proud to be part of the mission.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building my personal brand. People want to work with people they trust, and the best way to build that trust is by showing up online. I create content that teaches, entertains, and shares both my wins and my struggles. I’m not afraid to be real because that’s what connects with people the most.

When you show your face and tell your story, clients start to feel like they already know you. That makes it easier for them to reach out and want to work with you. I’ve had so many people message me saying they’ve been following me for a while and are finally ready to hire me. That only happens when you stay consistent and visible.

My advice is to be out there. Show what you’re building, talk about what you’re learning, and don’t be afraid to share your journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.inclusifystudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepatrickmcmullen/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mcmullen-348767237/