The fashion industry still often measures diversity by the models and talent in front of the camera, but there is much work to be done behind-the-scenes. Most areas within the fashion workplace lack true representation, and in recent weeks many companies have come under fire for failing to create safe spaces for black and brown employees to work.

Candace Marie knows this very well. The social media expert has worked in fashion for over 10 years – at Refinery 29, Barneys New York, and Prada crafting the digital voice. She has first-hand experience of what it’s like to be the only person of color in mostly white work environments – and she knows the toll this can take on the mind and body. Not one to wait for change, Marie is taking matters into her own hands – and carving out a space to advocate for minority creatives in the luxury fashion space. With her new initiative, Black in Corporate, Marie is building a much-needed resource for those looking for relief, support, and guidance in their jobs. We caught up with the digital expert and influencer to hear more about the platform.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBJIKPkBxib/

How are you? 

Honestly? Not well at all. This year has been a whirlwind and this past month has been extremely hard. What’s currently happening in regards to black lives isn’t something new, but I strongly believe that because COVID-19 has forced the entire world to be still, everyone now has to face the disturbing truth that racism is very much alive and breathing.

What inspired you to start this initiative?  

I am a black woman in corporate and have been my entire career. This is something I’ve lived and breathed for so long that I personally know and live this struggle on a day to day basis. Knowing that I am not the only one that has this struggle, I felt it pertinent to create a space that was aimed at creating resources for black individuals within corporate environments and for those who seek to help bridge the gap.

Can you describe your personal experiences working behind corporate walls? How has this shaped you, and what were some of the challenges? 

[In] all of my experiences within corporate walls, I have been one of the few that look like me. Most white people will never know what it’s like to work with an all-black team and walk into a meeting with all-black colleagues. However, as a black individual, I walk into white-majority environments every day and have no sense of community within a space in which I spend a majority of my time. This in itself has made me want to advocate for black individuals all the more who may not ever have a chance to be in those corporate rooms and have certain conversations. The challenging part though is that it does take a toll on me physically, emotionally and mentally.

What advice can you offer black individuals working in challenging corporate structures? 

Form Bonds With Black Co-Workers: You spend more time with your co-workers than you do your own family. Form a community inside these walls that will nourish you, build you up and be there as a lifeline of support and empathy during a crisis.

Bring Joy To Your Work Space: Establish the right energy in your workspace by bringing in items that bring you joy and happiness. This can include photos of family, flowers, candles, low-music, lamp, etc.

Take Mental Health Days: Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

Rest: The hustle mentality needs to be redefined. Sleeping is productive! Quality sleep and rest protects both your mental health and physical health.

Therapy: #BlackMentalHealth matters and is critical. The effects of systematic racism and discrimination alone takes a toll on your well-being. Now combine that with consistently watching black individuals killed disproportionately by police and dying from COVID-19. Why would we think we are immune from mental issues? Your mental health must be protected at all cost.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBQw29UlZQy/

Is there any advice you have for non-black co-workers on how to be an authentic and true ally? 

Be Mindful: Most white people will never know what it’s like to work with an all-black team and walk into a meeting with all black colleagues. However, black individuals walk into white-majority environments every day and have no sense of community within a space in which they spend a majority of their time. Diversity should be pervasive, but that is NOT the reality of most corporate companies. Black people walk into their jobs, meetings and sit with teams that are majority white– and they are still expected to perform.

Research: Black coworkers are not your black bible. Black people are already doing their job in the workplace while navigating being the minority. Giving them work that you can do yourself makes this even harder.

Listen: Period.

Where do you want this initiative to go, and what does success look like for you? 

First and foremost, I want this initiative to provide resources that black individuals need while being in white corporate spaces. This in itself will continue to evolve into job resources for black individuals in corporate and awareness/action that can be taken in white corporate spaces. Ultimate success for this initiative is having black individuals permeate from the top to the bottom of each and every company.

How can the fashion industry do better? Where do you want to see change? 

The fashion industry needs to do the work. Period. There is no easy solution or “Step 1, 2, and 3” that I can or will give. I’ve been doing the work for years and it is past time for white individuals within the fashion industry to get it together and do the same. Black individuals within the fashion industry are exhausted from carrying the workload of their day to day jobs as well as trying to fight for equality and serve as the “black bible” for these corporations who have either been too lazy or just honestly didn’t care until now.

I want to see change everywhere. There is no particular space in the fashion industry that I feel has truly mastered equality and justice for black individuals.

How can individuals get involved with this amazing new initiative? 

Follow and share @blckandcorporate on IG and Twitter. Reach out to us at blckincorporate@gmail.com!