DNA

2020 started with COVID. By mid-year, the nation was torn apart by social unrest with the murder of George Floyd. And by the end of the year, companies were making bold commitments to DE&I. As we round out 2023, DE&I commitments have atrophied as attention spans are short and many have realized this work is hard. As an LGBTQ+ and Black-owned agency, DNA is more than promises and platitudes. We’re committed to making our differences the difference in advertising. Now is the time to stop just talking about this stuff and get some real shit done. So we’ve put our time, money, heart and action where it matters most - into our community, focused on those who could use a little more this holiday season and beyond. We created Black Black Friday (BBF) as a way to generate revenue for Black-owned businesses in the Pacific Northwest. Working with the Intentionalist and with financial support from BECU, BBF is offering shoppers a 20% discount at participating Black-owned businesses. But it takes a village, and our village has stepped up. We engaged a panel of Black-owned businesses to advise us on many of the details of the program. We tapped into our media partners and secured almost $1M in local support. Athletes like Doug Baldwin of the Seattle Seahawks and Brad Evans of the Seattle Sounders FC, political leaders like Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, and artists like LivT and Damon Brown are 100% in. Black Black Friday is who we are and what we’re doing. It’s in our DNA. We hope you’ll join us. If you live in the Northwest, purchase a Black Black Friday card at blackblackfriday.com and support Black-owned businesses in our region.

A funny thing happens when you walk away from your computer, get out in the real world and talk to people. Face-to-face on their turf. When you ask open-ended questions and actively listen. Dig deeper. You learn stuff. Some really amazing, inspiring stuff. That’s what we did earlier this year when we hit the streets and had conversations with Black business owners in Seattle. While the barriers they face are huge, and in general things are tough, you’ll never meet a more optimistic, passionate and resilient group of people anywhere. People like Parris Johnson, owner of Solemates. Ken Dillon, owner of Footprint Wine Tap. Bridgette Johnson, Owner of Central Cafe and Juice Bar. These conversations were the inspiration for what Black Black Friday is today - an effort to raise awareness in Seattle of the amazing Black-owned businesses in our community, and drive new revenue to their shops with a meaningful discount incentive for consumers to shop with the Black Black Friday prepaid card. We continued to listen, get advice and collaborate - to make sure we created a culturally relevant event. We created an advisory panel of Black business owners to meet with us regularly, including Monika Matthews from QueenCare, Rodney Hines from Métier Brewing Company, Marquita Evans from Intentions juice bar LLC, Efrem Fesaha from Boon Boona Coffee and Dee Alams from City Sweats. They helped guide every step of the way. When you tap into culture and collaborate with customers, you can create ideas that not only resonate, but can truly make a difference. Join us for Black Black Friday at blackblackfriday.com! – Alan Brown, Founders & Chair

Our CEO, Chris Witherspoon, shares why and how DNA started Black Black Friday and why this year will be even more impactful thanks to support from BECU, our partnership with the Intentionalist, and many others. #blackblackfriday #blackownedbusinesses #DifferentWins https://lnkd.in/gKtffAsR

Have you seen our latest work with NielsenIQ? Take a look at how “The Full View" is changing the way businesses use data! 📈

DEI means changing and evolving every day--click the link and learn more about how Maddy Giordano and our Production team are working to make sure we do our part! #DifferentWins https://lnkd.in/grsyNYyk

A powerful duo. Meet creative partners Dominique Merrell, art direction, and Tristan D., copy. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, these two met when paired together this summer while interning at DNA . Since the wrap of the program, they continue to collaborate, pushing each other creatively while concepting some great new projects. Both are looking for their next role! Check out their work at dominiquemerrell.com and tristandodson.com. #BLACtalent #BLACinternship #BLAC2023 #BLACcommunity #HireBlack

This was our 5th year of bringing BECU's crop mural to life for our friends in Pullman. Take a behind the scenes look at our latest creation and the people who brought it together!

I can't believe it, but 25 years ago, Dan Gross and I started DNA . And what a ride it's been. I'm so grateful to every current and former employee who came through our doors and gave us your talent and time, every client that has trusted us with your business, every freelancer who has spent a few days or months with us, and every partner/vendor we collaborated with. We couldn't have done it without you - THANK YOU! And to my current partner, Chris Witherspoon - 25 more??? Let's go!

The summer of Barbie has come to an end, but DNA Managing Director, Megan Meagher, is still feeling inspired. Read her thoughts on female leadership, growth, and the future of the industry. https://lnkd.in/gYAe8974

Have you signed up for our panel next week? Join DNA's virtual talk with experts from AAA, BECU, REI, and Seattle Sounders FC where we'll tackle challenges in recruiting and retaining members in loyalty programs. Don't miss out, reserve your spot now! https://lnkd.in/gtT4GiAs