#GIRLBOSS SPOTLIGHT: ANDREA AUDIGE

Written by: Kabrea Thomas

After knowing this #Girlboss for just a few months we instantly connected and I knew I had to get her on the #GirlbossSpotlight. While juggling a 9 to 5 and managing a financial/media company Andrea has been able to build connections with people that not only inspire her, but helped her recognize her passion. Read all about how Andrea became a #Girlboss.

Kabrea Thomas:

What is Makadrez and where did the inspiration behind the name ‘Makadrez’ come from?

Andrea Audige:

Makadrez is a financial/multi-media company that consists of an online publication, focused on shining light on innovative and creative individuals of minority backgrounds making progressive moves to improve their society. We also offer brand strategy, and financial services to help strengthen the front and back end of companies. The idea to start Makadrez came about 5 years ago after experiencing a lack of growth creatively in the corporate world. I was working as a financial accountant at a production company, but the routine of coming into the office everyday doing the same tasks started to drive me crazy. I was going out a lot around this time, and I was consistently bumping into amazing individuals that were doing great cultivating things. I wanted to build a platform to share their story, and explore my the creative bug that was itching me for years. I started taking Makadrez seriously in 2017, and ever since then I have experienced an exponential growth, from working on doing everything by myself to now working with a team of people.

KT:

What was your first interview like? And did that interview help shape and or change your interviewing style?

AA:

The best word to describe my first interview is jinky. I interviewed an R&B singer that was on the come up (when starting out I wanted to create a hip-hop blog). My lighting was sooooooo bad during the interview, but you would have known because I tried my best in windows movie maker and edited something close to presentable. The artist was doing a photo shoot in Queens, NY and I met him at the studio space. I literally meant with him for 30 minutes prior to the interview, and I had to make the best out of it because the studio owners were trying to close for the day, and to make matters worse his manager was pressing me on time. However, I made the best of it. I would not say it shaped me because I did not know what I was doing, but I would definitely say it set the bar by prepping me on what I needed to know in order to present content that properly represents my brand.

KT:

What inspired your interest in providing exclusive content on undiscovered artists

(musicians, chiefs, hair stylists, etc.)?  

AA:

Many times within this creative world people tend to state an individual’s worth based on what they can do, or who that person knows. I wanted to create an authentic platform that is open to individuals that are actually doing the work to build their brand, and not just talking as if their doing the work. Everyone has a story that got them to where they currently are. I am a true believer in paying it forward. The individuals I interview all have unique stories that can help build and guide another individual in the journey.

KT:

Does your culture/upbringing have a lot to do with the artists (musicians, chiefs,hair stylists, etc.) you interview? If so, how?  

AA:

Not at all, I am Haitian and I come from a very traditional Haitian household. I interview people from all different backgrounds working in many different fields.

KT:

Where do you usually find your artists (musicians, chiefs,hair stylists, etc.) and how do you know they’d make a great fit to be featured on Makadrez?  

AA:

I find people everywhere from social media, networking events, and people reach out to me. I usually would vet an individual as bad as it may sound by social stalking them, or just doing an in depth research on them and their product. I like to make sure that the person is not doing what they say they do as a hobby, and that they are serious.

KT:

For any readers who may be interested in creating a media company, what are some tips you would provide them with when starting out?

AA:

I would definitely say JUST START. Your idea will change (as you develop) as time goes on, but don’t afraid to start. Have a solid basis of what kind of media company you would like to start, and go from there.

KT:

Lastly, do you have any upcoming projects or interviews we should look out for? Tell us all about it?

AA:

Yes, I have a panel discussion I will be hosting over the summer that includes some amazing individuals I have met over the years, We are working on a lot of original content, interviews that will come out between this month and next month.

To keep up to date with Andrea's projects be sure to follow Makadrez on instagram. AND you can also check out my latest interview with the #Girlboss herself.  Check it out below: