Dawn Britt: Making connections between brands and consumers at One Seven Agency

Dawn Britt

At OneSeven Agency, our approach begins with the client's goals. We work with each client from the very first onboarding meeting to uncover their story and vision of their brand and we create customized marketing communications strategies and plans that align with business objectives to achieve long term success. We truly take a deep-dive into their brand and are genuine partners, never just a vendor.

What was the inspiration to start this business?

I had worked with many agencies throughout my career when I was in-house , but was never completely satisfied with what they could offer. To me, it was very important to have an agency that understood not only public relations, but also how important it was to integrate all communication mediums to create the strongest message possible for a brand. When I decided it was time to move on, I created a business to provide what I had sought when I was the client. OneSeven Agency is a full-service integrated marketing agency – ONE source that fuses SEVEN core traditional and non-traditional facets of communications together: marketing, public relations, social media, creative, digital, events and partnerships to produce strong, measurable results. I had the PR and and marketing communications background and my "now" fiance owned a creative agency and printing company. We formed a strategic partnership that has developed into a successful business model, which our clients find very valuable. And I will say it's pretty nice having your business partner turn into your life partner!

When you started your business, did you ever envision that you would be where you are now?

I envisioned my company growing for sure. But to see the consistent overall growth each year for the past 7 years is pretty surreal. I will walk into my office and look around and say to myself "I can't believe this is mine. I own this company."

Was there ever a time that things didn't fall into place, struggles, or challenges? What were they and how did you get past it and grow from the experience?

Of course. Losing clients during a very challenging economic time, we had to hunker down, take some gambles, pivot, and trust in our capabilities and abilities that the business would bounce back. The experience (and fulfillment) of knowing you can come back from adversity has made the business experience less frightening and added confidence in how we move forward with our heads held high.

What was the biggest lesson you learned while starting and growing this business?

One of the biggest lessons you learn real quick when starting and growing a business is that you have tremendous RESPONSIBILITY and it's pretty scary at times. Each and every day my responsibility is not only to myself but to my business partner, my team, my clients, my vendors, and to the overall business, which must be nurtured every step of the way.

What would you tell a FEM that is struggling in her business and feel like it's too difficult?

Don't give up. Everything in life that is truly rewarding is not going to be easy, keep on going and know that every entrepreneur has felt like this.

What continues to inspire you to keep on growing your business?

My team inspires me. I am committed to providing them with a pleasant and progressive work environment for learning and personal growth. Seeing my team working hard by challenging themselves every day to become successful marketing communications experts and publicists inspires me to keep going and grow my business. My clients also inspire me as they invest in my company and in turn I am invested in them.

Final advice for those thinking of starting a business or looking to grow their current business?

Just do it. But be ready to work really hard – I’m not kidding 24-7 – the business needs to be your child, your passion, your everything. Don’t hesitate thinking you need more time to prepare. Just do it and take the risk, because you’re never going to be ready, and all the preparation and research in the world isn't going to change that. There will always be things you didn't plan for and you will need to figure it out along the way. Go for it and Don't. Look. Back.

To connect: FB: @onesevenagency// @dawnbritt IG:@princessbritt17//@onesevenagency