@refinery29 prioritized the work of my white counterparts, ignored my creative input, and stole my creative ideas. I got paid $20K less than them for doing the same work, and had to appeal to my VP, only to receive half of that... I was stiffed and stifled.
My experience at @refinery29 is the reason I was driven to create my series ‘Here We Go’. I pitched the idea unto deaf ears, only to see them push and promote content created by my WHITE counterparts with less flavor. Idk...maybe I was too black. #BLM
I wrote the most professional letter that basically said... "Dear VP, we just released a campaign about 'Ask For More' so I'd love for this company to practice what they preach yada ya". The irony!
I got tired. I got tired of running around. Tired of trying to prove that my POV mattered to @refinery29. Why should I? IM A STORYTELLER TOO! And then I realized, I had no creative control, but was doing their work for way less pay. My spirit was almost beat down. BUT NOPPEE!
Can you imagine? Being asked to be talent because they needed "someone of color"? Or to be told by a client that they don't want illustrations of women of color? I expected more from @Refinery29 and they failed me. They, in fact, did not practice what they preached.
More often than not, "women of color" really meant "BLACK", so we're clear.
I felt so conflicted. To the outside world, I had the best job. They thought it was great and I was thankful. But I def had my moments, you know...
