SHE ASPIRES PRESENTS: SCARLETT V CLARK
Scarlett V Clark is the Founder and CEO of Smart Girl Tribe, an international female empowerment organisation focusing on the issues that matter. With a mission to change the conversations we are having and build a tribe of independent and strong girls, Scarlett is hoping to develop a worldwide community through the website, foundation and motivational talks.
We had the opportunity to interview Scarlett recently and here is what she said.
What inspired you to start SGT?
Scarlett: Sex, weight, and boyfriends were the topics magazines were focusing on at the time. Those weren’t the conversations I was having and certainly not the conversations my friends were having. I wondered why somebody hadn’t created an outlet for young females to discuss the issues that matter. That’s when I realised, I am somebody. I grew up reading Jane Eyre and learning about the suffragettes so I always knew I was going to work in female empowerment, it came naturally to me. Being a young female is different nowadays, there is a different set of pressures and expectations. SMART GIRL TRIBE is a sanctuary where women can be real and have a positive impact on the world.
What makes SGT different from other platforms?
Scarlett: We are a female empowerment organisation, what started as a magazine is now a global platform, with a stationery line, merchandise, and a foundation. We are essentially the best friend or sister you never had, we focus on the questions our readers are asking, the topics the government or educational system aren’t facing while always remaining committed to building a tribe of strong, fearless and independent females. We are discussing the issues impacting women’s lives. There isn’t another magazine out there using such creative ways to promote female empowerment not only at work but in universities and schools too.
What has been the best part of the journey so far?
Scarlett: Watching the SGT community grow has been incredible, we have representatives all over the world now and that is something I never imagined would happen. For me personally though meeting the readers is phenomenal, I started this hub because it was needed, I really wanted to promote healthy media and create empowering content. When readers approach me on the street or message me directly telling me how SGT has changed their life, that is everything.
What challenges have arisen that you didn't previously expect?
Scarlett: I was only 19 when I built SGT, it was my passion. I didn’t have a business head, I didn’t have writers and since I grew up in rural Italy I didn’t even have a phone line- all of that meant I had to push myself to learn, read and study my craft. It was a lot of information all at once to take in and I wasn’t expecting there to be so many different elements to a website. That’s a piece of solid advice though, if you don’t know how to do something, you can always learn. I spent months reading about the different aspects of running a business, so much so that now I am fully confident in all of my decisions. I do have my head in the clouds, but my feet are firmly on the ground (even if in five-inch heels).
Where do you see yourself and SGT in 5 years?
Scarlett: This month we set up the SMART GIRL TRIBE Foundation, we built it to provide retreats for young girls every summer to give them access to experts and leaders to teach them the tools they need to thrive. In 5 years, I suspect we will be bigger than ever before. The goal is to have a huge impact globally and especially in third world countries. My book will be out by then as well, one of the many exciting projects we have launching in the next few months.
What advice would you give to others that want to start their own business?
Scarlett: To believe that failure and being fearful aren’t options. You have to be resilient and keep going, even if you are the only one who can see your vision. Losers quit when they fail, winners fail until they succeed. Don’t compare yourself either, as a result of social media it is easy to base your triumphs or victories on other companies’ success, you can’t compare your chapter two to someone’s chapter 20.
How would you describe your leadership style?
Scarlett: I always keep three words in my head: grace, honesty, and authenticity. With my team, I ask for their opinions and I value their views. We are all dedicated to one mission, that won’t be achieved if we are not in sync. I am completely transparent with my readers too, every day I show the behind-the-scenes of running a successful company if I am having a tough day, I don’t hide it or fake enthusiasm, I’m real and people appreciate that. That’s the power of vulnerability when you have the courage to show your imperfect story to the world, it inspires others. That’s exactly the type of media we need nowadays.
What in your opinion is the key to your company's success?
Scarlett: Our commitment to the cause, every decision we make is for our reader’s best interest. We really open up and share personal stories. If we haven’t experienced something ourselves then we find someone who has, all of our content is curated to build fearless females. Young women though who will hold onto our stories for a very long time, whether that be a video, online article or one of my motivational speeches. There is also a balance to everything, you have to enjoy what you’re doing. If I could, I really would work 25 hours per day, I love my job. You have to allow time for fun though, in between goals and checklists you have something funny called life. It is in those moments you can really get inspired, for instance, I have fun traveling and explore new places because I know that is when I will get most inspired. You can’t just stick to the same routine.
Do you have any events planned for the future?
Scarlett: Our readers are itching for a Smart Girl Tribe event so it is definitely something we will be organising. Right now, we have a lot on and all over the world too so we will probably be looking into events at the tail end of the year.
How can our followers, many of whom are located around the world, follow you and Smart Girl Tribe?
Scarlett: You can visit the Smart Girl Tribe website or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. I love to hear from new followers and readers, so please do get in touch!