Even in this technology-driven, hyper-digital, social media-crazed, Google-browsing world, women are still the backbone of everyday buying power. We quickly embrace new gadgets and devices. We exceed men’s use of social media on every platform except LinkedIn. We comprise at least half of all video gamers and NFL fans. We even compile the list that our hubbies use to shop for our families. Yet many operations within the advertising industry choose to have mostly men navigate the creative and craft the messages that are supposed to market to women.

It’s a “she-economy,” and despite the fact that women influence approximately 85 percent of consumer spending, only three percent of creative directors are women.

So why couldn’t that creative director be me? I’ve always loved art and design. As a child, I’d draw on anything with a surface. When other kids went to the library for the words, I’d go to find elaborately illustrated books. I would study every color, shade and line. It is so important to find your passion, that one thing you are your best at, and follow it in life.

It wasn’t until my sophomore year of college that I found graphic communications and advertising. I was then able to combine a passion for art and new ideas with a curiosity for life and business. That knowledge guided a creative process that today helps craft great visual concepts and transforms them into campaigns that support entire marketing plans.

The best advice I received was, regardless of a job title, start to think beyond your current state. You need to think like a creative director, a business owner or CEO in order to become one. Build on other skills required to be successful at whatever you desire to do or be.

I needed to maximize the reach of my passion in order to open doors. So I learned to listen to leadership and to give more than I received. I continue to learn in order to contribute to whatever ideas are on the table. Over the years, I’ve been given some wonderful opportunities within my field. I’ve worked as a graphic artist, art director, freelancer, business owner, consultant and finally creative director, a position I’ve held for more than seven years.

As a newly appointed member of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, I am motivated by the artistic talent here on the Coast. We have yet to show off our potential as a staple for art enthusiasts.

My desire to become my best self inspires me every single day. I am my most important design. I believe every woman should be inspired by her own possibilities.

So we all must learn to push past our fears, take chances and ask the question: “Why not me?” Women can and should advocate for themselves, go after new opportunities and be just as ambitious and successful as men.

We must ensure we know our value, live by it every day and allow it to influence all decisions. People will view you as you portray yourself, so be confident and take the limits off your life. Self-doubt is natural, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Remember that you are where you are because you’re good at what you do.

Now, do I have it all together? Nah, some days I still don’t even know what I truly want to be when I grown up. But I do know one thing: what’s to be is up to me, and I am so grateful for the doors God has opened.

Cecelia Shabazz
Creative Director