Founder Interview with Mandi Hawke, Proud Empowerment Business Solutions
Photo Credit: Proud Empowerment Business Solutions - Photographer: Tabatha Mudra Photo Video
Mandi Hawke is the Founder and Chief Magic Maker at Proud Empowerment Business Solutions, a consultancy firm dedicated to creating authentic and inclusive marketing strategies for LGBTQ+ centers, brands, and affirming mental health agencies. Launched during the pandemic, Mandi embarked on this venture after recognizing a profound need for specialized marketing that speaks directly to the diverse experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. Drawing from her rich background in LGBTQ+ advocacy and visual marketing, along with her personal commitment to social justice, Mandi has positioned Proud Empowerment as a symbol of innovation and inclusivity in the marketing world.
During the interview, Mandi shared the origin story behind Proud Empowerment Business Solutions. From a young age, she was drawn to entrepreneurship, learning the ropes of business while spending time in her father's print shop, running lemonade stands, and selling friendship bracelets. These experiences laid the foundation for Mandi's entrepreneurial journey, eventually leading her to publish her first book, 'Proud Empowerment for LGBTQ+ Youth,' and to launch Proud Empowerment Business Solutions. Throughout our conversation, Mandi navigated us through the highs and lows of starting and growing a mission-driven business and painted a powerful illustration of using one's platform for broader societal change. Let's jump right in!
Can you walk us through your professional journey and how you got to where you are today?
My journey as an entrepreneur began with an early exposure to the world of business. Growing up in my father's print shop, I was a very annoying, ADHD, neurodivergent child. So they put me to work which offered valuable insights into running a small enterprise. From a young age, I already had a strong desire for entrepreneurship, evident through lemonade stands and selling friendship bracelets.
In my twenties, I got involved in a grassroots drag organization which led me to meet the executive director of our local LGBTQ+ center. I ended up moving into the LGBTQ+ advocacy field which completely changed the trajectory of my life. Then in 2014, my passion for empowering others and advocating for social justice led me to write my first book, "Proud Empowerment for LGBTQ+ Youth." It was the first-ever personal growth book specifically tailored to queer teens. This project not only reflected my dedication to LGBTQ+ advocacy but also laid the foundation for what would later become Proud Empowerment Business Solutions.
When the pandemic struck, I faced a turning point in my career when I was let go from my full-time job at an LGBTQ+ social service agency. This pivotal moment pushed me to take a leap of faith and turn my dream of entrepreneurship into a reality.
Becoming an entrepreneur was more than just a means to an end; it was a deeply ingrained aspiration. I wanted to build a company that not only generates revenue but also makes a meaningful impact in the lives of others. My lived experiences as an LGBTQ+ advocate, combined with my expertise in marketing and branding, laid the groundwork for our company's specialization in creating content that resonates with diverse audiences, using inclusive language and affirming imagery.
My motivation to start this company was fueled by a desire to empower LGBTQ+ centers and affirming mental health agencies, helping them reach and connect with their audiences in authentic and meaningful ways.
What inspired you to offer the services you provide?
The inspiration behind Proud Empowerment Business Solutions stems from my deep-rooted commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy and social justice.
Facing a career crossroads during the pandemic, I decided to turn my passion for empowerment into a business reality. The unique aspect of our services lies in our focus on LGBTQ+ centers, LGBTQ+ brands, and affirming mental health agencies. Our offerings, including comprehensive branding packages, coaching, consulting, and social media management, distinguish us through our commitment to inclusive language and diverse imagery.
“What sets us apart is not just our business success but the positive impact we make on society. Our LGBTQ+ team members bring lived experiences to the table, ensuring our clients' digital campaigns are not only effective but also reflect our dedication to diversity and mental health topics. In essence, our inspiration comes from the desire to empower, advocate, and create a meaningful impact on the LGBTQ+ and social justice landscape.”
Proud Empowerment Business Solutions - Photographer: Tabatha Mudra Photo Video
What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced in your journey as a service provider, and what did you do to overcome this?
One of the real hurdles we've faced in our journey is finding the right balance between growing our services for diverse LGBTQ+ and social justice organizations and keeping that personal touch that makes us unique in the digital marketing scene.
To tackle this, we've been mindful about how we scale up. Bringing new team members on board isn't just about skills; it's about finding people who resonate with our values and understand the specific challenges our clients face. This ensures that as we grow, we keep that authentic and tailored support that our clients love.
We're also embracing technology smartly. By investing in tools and processes that can handle some of the heavy lifting, we're freeing up more time for the hands-on, personalized attention our clients deserve.
Staying in close communication with our clients has been crucial too. Regular check-ins help us understand their evolving needs, making sure our services stay spot-on in the ever-changing world of LGBTQ+ advocacy and social justice.
In essence, it's all about growing in a way that doesn't lose the personal connection we're known for. It's been a journey of learning, adapting, and making sure we stay true to our roots even as we reach new heights.
If you could give one piece of advice to future LGBTQ+ service providers within your field, what would it be?
“The one piece of advice I'd offer is to stay true to your authentic self. Embrace your unique perspective and experiences as an LGBTQ+ individual, as these qualities are your strengths in this industry.”
Don't shy away from infusing your business with inclusivity, diversity, and a genuine understanding of the LGBTQ+ community. It's not just about providing services; it's about making a positive impact. Your authenticity will resonate with clients who value businesses that align with their values and experiences.
Build a team that reflects the diversity you aim to promote. Having voices from different backgrounds strengthens your business and ensures a well-rounded approach to addressing the varied needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Remember, your journey is not just about business success; it's about contributing to the broader cause of LGBTQ+ advocacy and social justice. In a world where authenticity matters, your genuine commitment to your community will set you apart and foster lasting connections.
How does being openly queer inspire or impact your business?
Being openly queer is at the heart of our business at Proud Empowerment. It's not just about being ourselves; it's a strategic choice that shapes our unique approach. Our lived experiences inspire campaigns that authentically resonate with the LGBTQ+ community—using language and imagery that feels genuine.
Beyond marketing, our openness creates a supportive culture, fostering trust with both team members and clients. We're not just a service provider; we're a community ally.
Our queer identity isn't just personal; it's a business asset. It drives our advocacy initiatives, turning our success into a positive contribution to the LGBTQ+ community. It's not just about understanding; it's about celebrating and amplifying the diverse stories within our community.
What brands or services by LGBTQ+ founders are your go-to's and why?
One standout personal brand that holds a special place for me is TomboyX. Founded by Fran Dunaway and Naomi Gonzalez, they offer inclusive and comfortable underwear and loungewear for all body types. What I particularly appreciate is their unwavering commitment to size inclusivity and diverse representation, which resonates deeply with our values.
When it comes to tech, one of our top go-to brands is OpenAI, specifically ChatGPT. Co-founded by Sam Altman, an openly gay entrepreneur and trailblazer in the tech industry, OpenAI's leadership reflects both entrepreneurial success and a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ representation. As LGBTQ+ business owners, we find inspiration in leaders like Sam who bring authenticity to their roles.
In our daily operations, we absolutely love using ChatGPT for ideation, quick proofing, and enhancing our workflow. It has become an indispensable tool for us. If you haven't tried asking ChatGPT for advice on supporting a friend who just came out as transgender, you'll be thrilled to see how affirming the AI has been programmed to be. : )
Furthermore, Alicia Garza, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, stands as a pivotal force in advocating for justice and equality. As an openly queer individual, her role in shaping BLM after the tragic killing of Trayvon Martin in 2013 is commendable. Inspired by her dedication, we draw motivation for our advocacy work from the intersectional principles championed by BLM.
Who is your favorite LGBTQ+ celebrity and why?
Choosing a favorite LGBTQ+ celebrity is quite a challenge for me, as I generally struggle with picking favorites. However, I hold deep respect for individuals who openly embrace their identity in the public eye. Over the years, there are several remarkable figures I've followed, and among them is the entire cast of Pose, including Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Indya Moore, Billy Porter, Angelica Ross — the list goes on, and they are all truly AMAZING.
Furthermore, RuPaul has a special place in my heart. I vividly remember staying up late as a young person to watch the RuPaul Show. RuPaul's influence has been a source of inspiration for me over the years.
Additionally, witnessing Laverne Cox's incredible journey and seeing her "glow up" has been nothing short of amazing. Her resilience and impact on transgender visibility in the entertainment industry have been truly inspiring.
In essence, my admiration extends to those who have made significant contributions to LGBTQ+ representation and storytelling. Each of these individuals has left an indelible mark on my appreciation for diversity and resilience in the spotlight.
Can you share one fun fact about yourself?
Oh gosh just one? I am an artist, activist, author and love spinning silk flags.
