Member Spotlight: Brooke Hammer of Atlanta First Agency
Hey ladies! Welcome to another Member Spotlight, featuring our members — influencers, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and girl bosses alike! Next up: Brooke Hammer of Atlanta First Agency.
Read on to learn about how one of Brooke’s college projects turned into a successful business.
Q: Tell us a little about you, girl!
A: I graduated from Kennesaw State University in May 2019 with a professional Sales degree! I started on the sales track because of my love of people and hate of working a 9-5 in a cubicle. I started a small project called Atlanta First Agency my sophomore year and I had no idea what it would become. It started in June of 2017 with the intention of staffing for wholesale apparel trade shows. Today, we have over 80% Market Share in our niche, a branch in New York City, and have altered our focus to the professional development of our members and permanent solutions for our clients. Atlanta First Agency staffs in all major cities including Atlanta, Dallas, New York City, and Las Vegas.
Q: How do you stay motivated through challenging times in your career?
A: I actually thrive in the "grind" phase of the business. I love the start up part. I love working so hard that I forget what day it is and seeing challenges be overcome. Once I start to see results, I have a very short-lived accomplished feeling and then I start to get bored. When our Atlanta branch finally started to mature and run without me, I became hungry again for what was next. I think I thrive off of the adrenaline that comes with starting something new. That’s why we now have a New York branch!
Q: What advice do you have for women wanting to start their own business/achieving their career goals?
A: Start organically and small. Taking a small step is still a win, just never stop moving forward. Everyone has a million excuses as to why not. Looking back I had so many excuses that I quickly realized were either not relevant, not that scary or I overcame them and it wasn't nearly as hard as I thought. In the beginning, lots of people will give you "advice" - take it with a grain of salt. The only people you need to listen to is your customers. If you are selling a product or service, only take feedback from someone who would be your ideal consumer. Not your mom, best friend or neighbor. When your customers give you feedback and it’s not what you wanted to hear, don't take that as "I shouldn't start this business" take it as "how should I change this business to make it work and bring value that someone would pay for?".
Q: What excites you most about AFA?
A: I have a management team that is very close-knit and open with each other. We support each other, not only in business and projects, but also in life. When someone goes through something personal, the rest of the team rallies around them. They pick up their slack and ask them if they want to come over for a glass of wine. It's the most incredible thing, and it just happens so naturally. I think my favorite part is that we have monthly goal setting sessions with a business coach. These are goals and dreams that are not specifically with my company. It's the clothing line they want to start, the podcast they want to create or the director of a marketing agency they want to be one day. Pushing them toward those goals and helping them develop, even if it means they leave my company, makes me more excited and fulfilled than anything else I do.
Q: Tell us about your most memorable career experience.
A: Last August, we threw a Women of Fashion Conference for our members. We brought some of the most amazing and established business owners of the fashion industry and sold out our tickets. I saw so many young women become inspired and network with each other. It was an amazing day, even the business owners left feeling motivated and inspired.
THERE YOU HAVE IT, LADIES
A little peek into Brooke’s journey. Be sure to follow along with Atlanta First Agency and learn more about AFA on their website. Looking to get involved with AFA? As of now, Dallas June Mart is being held and they’re hopeful that Atlanta Mart will happen as well - so if you’re looking for work or looking for trade show staff, be sure to contact them!
Who should we spotlight next?! Leave a comment below!
