We at CLEVER are celebrating Black History Month this year by honoring and amplifying Black creators in the influencer marketing space. Four CLEVER creators have partnered with us to publish our first-ever Black History Month blog series. These posts are intended to provide insight into how the influencer industry can support Black creators this February and throughout the year.
This week, we are thrilled to feature Morgan Angelique Owens.
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Follow Morgan at:
Blog: http://www.morganaowens.com/
Instagram: @morganangeliqueowens
Facebook: @morganaowensbrand
I am Black Girl Magic. Yet, often I find myself questioning why that statement bothers others. As we enter Black History Month, I always encourage my audience to continue to celebrate BHM year around and not just for one month. I also love to celebrate strong Black Women who have made a significant impact on not only history but the self-esteem of young girls who aspire to be them. Because of THEM, I CAN.
First, let me introduce myself. My name is Morgan Angelique Owens, I am an entrepreneur, author, blogger/influencer, and Chief Creative Beauty Consultant for Herald Beauty. My corporate background is in Marketing, Branding and Diversity & Inclusion. In April 2018, I stepped out on faith and became a full-time entrepreneur. I am the author of, “Finding My Sparkle” which is my journey through low self-esteem and how I eventually found my sparkle. Due to the pandemic, I became a full-time content creator in March of 2020. I had already launched my blog, Professional Pretty in January 2020 and decided to pivot my business full time doing that.
How does my content reflect or celebrate Black History Month?
Well, I like to believe my business as an entrepreneur celebrates and reflects Black History Month year around. As a full-time entrepreneur, my goal has always help minority women and young girls be their best possible selves and to find their sparkle. My content likes to reflect positivity, inspiration, and motivation to always stay positive and faithful. As the new Chief Creative Beauty Consultant for Herald Beauty (The Cincinnati Herald), Cincinnati’s longest Black-owned newspaper - I get to amplify and put shine on brands and businesses that often don’t get the recognition they deserve. I also get to work with brands who value minority women in beauty - since we hold a billion-dollar spend but are often left out of the conversation.
Have you ever had the opportunity to do a paid, brand-sponsored post in celebration of Black History month?
I have not been able to do a paid or brand sponsored post in celebration of Black History Month, but I totally feel opportunities should be made to me and every creator of color with the same energy as other major holidays. I’m thankful to Clever for reaching out to me asking me to participate in this, you don’t see that often - I appreciate it a-lot.
As a Black influencer, what message do you want brands and the influencer marketing industry to hear loud and clear? What are your hopes for the future?
Please pay us our worth. Most of us are doing this full time and we pour so much blood, sweat, tears and love into the content we create. We value our audience and have worked so hard to build an authentic connection with them that we should be compensated for our talents and time. Often, offering us products that are severely below our pay range can be frustrating and sometimes a blow to the chest. Just like corporate, there is a pay inequity that we must address, even if it's uncomfortable.
What is your advice for brands who want to continue to celebrate Black History beyond the month of February?
Do it! Please tap into creators of color and celebrate the perspective and audience we bring to the table, not just for one month. Actions speak louder than words.
(CreditRepair.com campaign)
(Hartz Dog Diapers campaign)
(Post Cereals campaign)