Can you tell us what inspired the creation of The Zoo XYZ?
I was inspired to create a disruptive brand. A brand that challenges the status quo and
builds a community where underrepresented voices are not only heard but truly seen
and valued.
What would you say are the main challenges that women from minorities face in the industry? What have you done to give back to your community?
Ask them and they will all tell you a variety of experiences that they are challenged by.
The main ones that stand out from my own experience and of those connected to me
often seem to be:
● Not having a work environment that feels safe, where you can be yourself
without fear of judgement, misunderstanding and lack of community.
● Continuously having to “prove’ their worth in a role against male and white
counterparts which also has a knock on effect to equality in pay.
What have you done to give back to your community?
Access. Opportunities. Experience.
When I first started in the industry I was headhunted out of university and began
delivering event management training courses at Rising Tide. There I realised a lot of
my friends could not get Event experience without a job and couldn’t get a job
without experience. A vicious cycle, so I developed the next step, a course that
provided vocational and practical experience, a 12 week L3 AQA accredited course
teaching all about the industry and then the opportunity to produce an event using
that experience. This for me was the ultimate way of providing access to this crazy
world of Events.
From there I continued to form great relationships working with some of the now OG’s in the music and events industry and extended this access to those within my
network. I’m now considered a plug to many far and wide I realised I could produce
things in a very short space of time with great connections, and suppliers. By
connecting people I was able to extend these opportunities.
As the scale and scope of work we produced grew, so did those wanting to get into
this world and grow their own businesses and experiences. I’ve always wanted to
share my knowledge of the industry so expanding our teachings, opportunities and
voice was essential to increasing visibility of the Black experience.
I continue to gain insight, have conversations and advocate for my community and do
so through as many channels as I can.
How do you plan to use your role as an ambassador to impact the events
industry?
I plan to continue to be vocal in as many new spaces as possible, connecting,
empowering and learning simultaneously.
What is your dream event to produce?
This is a tough question because there isn’t just one event that stands out. For me, the
ideal event is where creativity thrives with a great budget—an event producer’s
dream! The best events come to life when you have a talented team working
alongside an equally amazing client. When those two worlds align, that’s where real
creativity flourishes. I’m particularly passionate about bringing activations to life across
the African continent. The more we can do there, the better! I’ve even started laying
the groundwork for a touring circuit in Africa before COVID, and I hope to use that
experience to build something sustainable in the future.
What legacy do you want to leave in the events industry?
The legacy I want to leave in the events industry is one where the Black community is
truly seen, heard, and celebrated for our exceptional contributions. I want to ensure
our voices and talents are recognised, not just occasionally, but consistently in the
spotlight. It’s about creating pathways for Black event professionals to lead, innovate,
and have their creative excellence acknowledged. I aim to foster a culture where
diversity and inclusion are embedded into the core of the industry, ensuring Black
professionals have equal access to opportunities, recognition, and success, ultimately
shaping a more equitable and representative future.
www.thezoo.xyz
