Mercedes Benson is an International DJ and Digital Creative and as a multi-hyphenate, Mercedes uses her social platform to showcase her style and inspire creatives to knock down barriers and advocate for themselves.
Mercedes’s social content receives high-engagement and centres around fashion, lifestyle, her love for luxury, and her creativity within music & DJ-ing.
Mercedes also owns a successful recruitment initiative that champions people of colour, connecting Black talent with creative job opportunities in the UK called Social Fixt. She is also well known on the London fashion and DJ circuit, having worked with the likes of Valentino, Nike, MAC, and Soho House.
We sat down with Social Fixt Owner and DJ Mercedes Benson to find out about her journey as a creative, what gave her the thrill to leave her dream job to start her own company to help creatives, and her transition into being self employed as a DJ.
1. How long have you been in the creative industry?
I have actively been in the creative industry since 2012 - that was when I had my first ever internship at Adidas HQ. Since that day I never looked back. Since then, it's been a non-stop journey of creative exploration. I should've been popping the champagne for my 10-year anniversary, but you know, thanks to our good friend COVID, that plan went out the window. Gotta laugh about it, right? Haha!
2. Do you feel like there were any obstacles when trying to find your dream job?
The primary challenge revolved around navigating this unfamiliar territory independently. My family wasn't exactly on board with my newfound career, and they lacked an understanding of how it would financially benefit me. As a result, I had to embark on this journey solo, relying on my curiosity to figure out how to break into a world that seemed distant and vastly different from what I was accustomed to.
3. Do you think a degree is important now, or experience is more essential?
I'm an advocate of embracing both worlds. For me, a degree serves as tangible proof of self-motivated learning at an advanced level. Opting for a subject or industry that genuinely interests you (that "like" factor is crucial) can make pursuing a degree an excellent means to deepen your knowledge. Plus, being surrounded by fellow students on similar journeys opens up opportunities for building a valuable network—I forged some lifelong friendships during my university days. The key, however, is to maximize that experience while studying. Think summer internships, LinkedIn networking, or even a year abroad—all ways to stay ahead of the curve.
4. If someone has no qualifications or experience in their chosen area of creativity, but want to make a fresh start, where do you suggest that they begin?
First and foremost, do some RESEARCH. We often feel overwhelmed about switching careers because we're not sure what we really want. So, go out there and actively figure it out or at least narrow it down a bit. Join community networks like SocialFIXT or Stack World, talk to others online who have careers pathways you admire, and jot down the pros and cons to see if it aligns with your WHY. That'll make the start of this journey a whole lot smoother. After that, you're ready to dive in and put your plan into action.
5. What made you start SocialFIXT?
Frustration. After putting in about 5 years in the creative industry, I came to the realisation that being one of the only or very few black individuals in my departments was likely going to be the standard in the UK. It seemed odd that our advertising campaigns were so diverse, yet the boardrooms and decision-makers were predominantly white, middle clas and male. I aimed to balance the playing field, and SF became my avenue for making that happen.
6. How does SocialFIXT help people get work in the creative industry?
We function as both a job board and a community platform, organising events and workshops to enhance your skills and offer entry into quite a difficult. Through collaborations with companies that prioritise Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we focus on promoting job opportunities in workplaces where we're confident you'll be well-supported.
7. What do you think is the most difficult hurdle as a creative in the industry?
The main challenge lies in confidence. When you step into the room on your first day, you'll quickly notice that you're the only one like you. In these situations, it's crucial to be unapologetic about who you are and the value you bring to the table – after all, that's why you got hired. The mindset and imposter syndrome often undermine our ability to assert ourselves in these professions.
8. We know that you quit your career job to be your own boss, how did you feel taking that leap?
Initially, I felt anxious and believed I had fallen short. Yet, I dislike dwelling in self-pity for extended periods, so I quickly understood that I held the sole power to reshape my story. There was no safety net—just me. I believe tapping into my own resilience and being open about my vulnerabilities to seek assistance played a pivotal role in my journey to becoming self-employed.
9. If you had any advice for your younger self, what would it be?
You’re allowed to change your mind. Don't feel pressured to choose a career based solely on what you think will bring you money. Pursue what you love and enjoy, and the rest will fall into place naturally.
10. Name two things you cannot live without in the creative industry, and ONE thing you cannot live without in your day to day life.
My emails and Pinterest are my go-to sources for creative fuel and connecting with others, which is essential for me. As for my day-to-day routine, my laptop is a must-have because, after all, how would I DJ without it? :D
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