Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandi Hawke
Hi Mandi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Have you ever wondered how a life filled with design, drag, and devotion to social change could collide so beautifully?
I’m an artist, author, entrepreneur, advocate, and mentor. I grew up in my father’s print shop, surrounded by design and marketing from day one. With over 15 years in LGBTQ+ social services, including my roles as director of youth services and human resources, I’ve been in the trenches of digital marketing, fully aware of both the chaos and the immense importance of social services.
From the Stage to Social Services
For several years, I co-led and performed with a grassroots organization called Drag it Out! During one of our pride performances, I met the executive director of our local LGBTQ+ center, and a connection was sparked. Just a few months later, I found myself writing grants and creating an entire youth department from the ground up. Today, that same nonprofit’s youth department receives over half a million dollars in grants annually.
Foster Parenting
Foster parenting became a big part of my life, especially welcoming LGBTQ+ teens into my home for eight years. Thirteen diverse and wonderful children and teens got to experience the love and support of my family. But when the pandemic hit, my position at the LGBTQ Center was cut, and the strain began to unravel my home life.
Finding Purpose
After some serious soul-searching, a divorce, and time to recharge, I realized I needed to get crystal clear on who my people were. And guess who I decided to focus on? LGBTQ+ centers, inclusive mental health organizations, and LGBTQ businesses or queer business owners.
Proud Empowerment Business Solutions
Today, my partner Mo and I have brought our skills together to infuse the digital marketing world with inclusivity and diversity. We specialize in crafting end-to-end, inclusive digital marketing strategies that drive traffic, leads, revenue, and meaningful impact.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest obstacles I faced was balancing my passion for LGBTQ+ advocacy and social services with the need for personal and financial stability. When the pandemic hit, and my position at the LGBTQ+ center was cut, I was confronted with the uncertainty of losing not only a job but also a significant part of my identity. This moment forced me to reevaluate everything, ultimately leading to the founding of Proud Empowerment Business Solutions, where I could combine my digital marketing expertise with my passion for serving LGBTQ+ communities.
As a neurodivergent individual, navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship brought its own set of challenges. I often grappled with sensory overload and the struggles of maintaining focus, which made aspects like financial management and strategic planning particularly daunting. However, these challenges also fueled my determination to create a business that embraces diversity and inclusivity.
Another significant challenge was rebuilding after profound personal changes. A divorce and the end of my previous role shook the foundation of my life. Yet, from this difficult period, I learned the importance of adaptability and clarity of purpose. It was then that I decided to focus on empowering LGBTQ+ and inclusive organizations through digital marketing.
Launching and growing Proud Empowerment Business Solutions came with the challenge of understanding the nuances of entrepreneurship while staying true to my values. Every step required learning and often making mistakes, yet these hurdles also led to some of my greatest insights and innovations in inclusive marketing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Proud Empowerment Business Solutions?
Proud Empowerment Business Solutions (PEBS) is more than just a digital marketing agency—we’re a catalyst for change in a digital world that desperately needs inclusivity and authenticity. We specialize in helping busy, overwhelmed agency owners and business leaders calm the chaos and clear the confusion of digital marketing. By taking the heavy lifting off their plates, we empower them to focus on what they do best. In 2024, a strong digital presence isn’t optional—it’s essential. With 64% of consumers more likely to buy from brands that actively stand for diversity and inclusion, we don’t just believe in this at PEBS—we make it easier for our clients to integrate and amplify these values. From boosting traffic and generating leads to driving revenue and impact, we simplify digital marketing while ensuring that our campaigns reflect the beautiful diversity of our world. We handle the complexities, allowing organizations to concentrate on what they do best: growing their business.
To meet our clients’ unique needs, we’ve developed three core programs designed to make their brands shine in today’s competitive landscape. SparkleSesh™ is our dynamic end-to-end digital marketing strategy session, where we dive deep into your brand’s vision, pinpoint opportunities, and create actionable plans to elevate your marketing efforts. GlowUp™ is our implementation service offering a full digital makeover, transforming your online presence with cohesive branding, content, and campaigns that resonate authentically with your audience. And then there’s Visibility™, our ongoing retainer program focused on maximizing your brand’s reach and engagement through strategic, data-driven marketing campaigns that boost traffic, generate leads, and drive lasting impact.
Through these programs, we’re committed to empowering business owners and organizations to navigate the chaos of digital marketing with confidence. As we look to the future, we’re excited to grow our impact and further support the LGBTQ+ community through these innovative and inclusive offerings.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, our vision for Proud Empowerment Business Solutions (PEBS) is full of exciting and meaningful growth. One of our biggest goals is to expand the agency’s reach and impact by partnering with a nonprofit to secure grant funding. This funding will enable us to provide our inclusive digital marketing expertise to grassroots LGBTQ+ centers and nonprofits that currently lack the budget to amplify their voices and missions online. But we’re not stopping there. We’re also passionate about investing in the next generation: we plan to launch digital marketing classes specifically for LGBTQ+ young people, mentoring them and equipping them with the skills needed to thrive as freelancers in today’s digital world. Our future isn’t just about scaling our business; it’s about empowering our community and fostering a new wave of inclusive digital storytellers.
Pricing:
- SparkleSesh™ $1200
- Glow Up™ $5k+
- Proud Visibility™ $3k + a month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.proudempowerment.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proudempowerment/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProudEmpowermentBusinessSolutions
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ProudEmpowermentBusinessSolutions
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@proudempowerment
