“We need to follow our instincts more than ever”
Together with the well-known influencer Chloe Lecareux, Samy Samandjeu built up the agency “V Management”, which is growing rapidly with the success of its top influencers. High time to talk to “Mr. V” about today’s TV channels.
Since founding “V Management” in 2017, you have created a strong impact in the fashion world. Is there a formula for success in the digital era?
It’s difficult to analyse a moment you are living in, so there is no blueprint for success in the digital world. We, therefore, have to follow our instincts more than ever. However, if there is a formula, it would be the passion to create the best content every day.
Some might think that founding a digital agency in 2017 is a bit late. What makes “V Management” different?
As long as you have the drive and see demand, the best time to start is always today. When I started, talents in traditional agencies were often unhappy as they didn’t understand the processes behind social media and in the worst cases treated content creators badly. So our focus is always on the human aspect. First comes the relationship with the talent - and then we help him or her to become the best version of themselves.
The social media world is a very fast one. What is the advice you give to content creators?
Produce content - and do it every day! I always say that they need to think of themselves like
TV channels, providing entertainment followed by commercial breaks. To be seen, you have to entertain. And to entertain, you have to produce. The more you do it, the better you get. Learning by doing.
In 2020, more people than ever ordered online and consumed content via screens. Has that also changed the “trajectory” of the fashion industry forever?
Absolutely! As my mother always says, necessity is the mother of creation. For the first time, we had time to sit down and think deeply about what we want, what we like and how we want to live. Out of this self-reflection came questions about racism, equality, worklife balance, fast fashion and sustainability, among others. The fashion industry had to face the same questions and offer solutions. On the business side, the fashion industry fully embraced social media. They were the only marketing tool available to stay relevant and generate sales. This was the final push they needed to become the central marketing tool of our generation.
The power of social media for me is ...
... the power to create relationships.