FRA Marketing Graduate Launches Her Own Digital Marketing Agency: Atta Digital

We recently welcomed back FRA alumni Charlotte Mead to share her exciting journey since graduating from our BA (Hons) Marketing & Communication for Fashion degree in 2022. Just a few years on, Charlotte launched her own digital and social media agency, Atta Digital.

From her first steps into fashion marketing at the FRA to becoming a successful business owner, Charlotte's journey is one that shows passion, creativity and determination. Discover how she built her brand, what it's like to run your own agency, and the advice she has for aspiring marketers.

What is Atta Digital?

Launched in January, Atta Digital is a creative digital marketing agency focused on enhancing brand visibility and engagement through tailored social strategies. Their services include:

• Social media management packages
• Content days
• Subscriptions
• Social media profile audits

Since launching, Atta Digital has worked with brands such as Hair by Molly Mae, David Lloyd, Paddock Passion, and The Lash House.

Charlotte's Role at Atta Digital

As the founder, Charlotte leads all strategy, content and client relationships. With a strong background in marketing and a deep understanding of digital trends, she develops high-quality, creative campaigns that align with brand identity and deliver measurable results.

Her background in digital marketing spans across industries, and her strategic mindset ensures every piece of content serves a purpose.

Her Time at the Fashion Retail Academy

Charlotte discovered the FRA at age 15 and instantly knew it was the right path for her.

She began her journey on our Level 3 Fashion Retail Diploma, drawn by its creative and hands-on approach. Charlotte loved strategy-based learning - being creative with purpose.

She later progressed to the BA (Hons) Marketing & Communication for Fashion accelerated two-year degree. She credits the practical and industry-focused nature of the FRA with giving her a solid foundation in her career.

Work Experience & Early Career

While studying, Charlotte completed an internship at Space NK, gaining real-world experience that allowed her to apply her academic learning to a live business environment. 

Before even receiving her final degree results, Charlotte secured her first marketing role at DHL. Although it focused on website content, she was drawn to the world of social media. After two years at DHL, and some experience in micro-influencing from ages 16 to 18, she pivoted to a more creative direction.

She then became Digital Marketing Executive at a lighting company known for set designs at major events like Glastonbury and Adele's live shows, where she managed their entire social media presence. 

Why Charlotte Chose to Work for Herself

Despite the exciting roles, Charlotte felt a strong instinct to create something of her own. Having already gone viral a few times, she had the confidence and understanding of the market to launch her own agency.

She explained how it was scary, especially as she'd worked so hard to save money, but with the support of friends and family, and knowing she'll never be this young again, she knew she could do it!

Advice for Aspiring Business Owners

Charlotte's advice for others starting out:

• "Rejection is redirection" - Don't take setbacks personally.
• Build a platform - Create content that shows your skills and attracts clients.
• Say yes to opportunities - Even small unpaid projects can help you build a portfolio. 
• Network and show your face - Go out and meet people. Many of her clients came through word of mouth and viral TikTok's.
• "When you do a job, do it well!" - That's what people remember, and word-of-mouth is such a huge thing.

What's Next for Atta Digital?

Charlotte is getting ready for a busy summer! She'll be flying to Monaco to create content for F1's Grand Prix VIP experiences and also covering Silverstone's pop-up, glamping hotel for the UK Grand Prix.

With growing demand, she's already hired her first part-time team member - Sophie, a current FRA student. Charlotte's long term goal is to expand her team so she can take on more clients without compromising on quality.

Challenges Along the Way

Running a business hasn't come without its hurdles. Charlotte talks about challenges such as:

• Learning the ins and outs of accounting
• Dealing with ghosting and last minute drop-offs
• Struggling with giving away too much for free

Charlotte talks about how she struggled finding the balance between being nice and protecting her business. No one in her family owned a business, so she had to figure things out on her own.

Hear More in Our Podcast

Hear more from Charlotte in our 'Behind-the-Scenes' podcast, where she shares more about her journey at the FRA, what it's like to run a marketing agency and top tips for those wanting to launch their own brand one day! 

About the FRA Courses

Here's a quick breakdown of the courses Charlotte studied during her time with the Fashion Retail Academy:

Level 3 Fashion Retail Diploma

A two-year course exploring the diverse opportunities in the fashion industry - from head office to the shop floor. Covering areas like:

• Visual merchandising
• Fashion communications
• Retail management 
• Buying and merchandising

It's an ideal course for those looking to explore different areas of fashion business before specialising.

BA (Hons) Marketing & Communication for Fashion

An accelerated two-year degree combining creative and technical skills needed for fashion marketing, including:

• Social media strategy
• Digital creative skills
• Customer insight
• Web design

Charlotte's Advice for New FRA Students

Charlotte advises those who are joining the FRA to make the most of the tutors as they have real industry experience. She explains how the FRA gives you hands-on opportunities that really prepare you for the working world.

She also shares how when you're interviewing, talk about your projects, the industry masterclasses and all the other experiences you gain from the FRA. It gives you something to stand out!