INTERVIEW WITH BRENDA DELLA CASA

I vividly remember the first time I had a chat with Brenda, as she was such a joy to speak with. It was one of the highlights of lockdown for me. Her passion, enthusiasm and knowledge just shone through. Plus, she embodied something that is very rare and quite important to me and that was the spirit of reciprocity. She offered to make introductions and actually followed through right away. She was the first person I mentioned my business idea to and she was full of practical advice and suggestions. It’s no wonder, as she is passionate about empowerment and is one of the few people that actually walk their talk.

Brenda is a writer steeped in psychology, research and empowerment; things that have been at the heart of her career since day one. From creating content and directing digital strategies to running workshops and mentoring women in the luxury space, her career has focused on the goal of adding value to others in a way that allows them to curate a life and career they love.

I am thrilled to feature her on my “Meet the Founder” blog and I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I have.

1. Describe your business and what led you to set it up?

I am the founder of BDC Digital Media and The BDC Collective. BDC Digital Media is an agency that provides content, creative direction, training and strategy to businesses and The BDC Collective is a community built to support entrepreneurs in content creation and lifestyle curation.

After years of working in editorial, publishing, Digital Technology and PR, I decided to combine my skill set and use them to support other entrepreneurs build their businesses. While working for celebrity designer, Preston Bailey, I started teaching these skills in his PB Protege Programme (now PB Live!) and it all took off from there.

2. What is your favourite thing about working in your business?

I love using my skill set to empower and encourage entrepreneurs, it’s rewarding on a daily basis. I also really love to create and direct content, working with creatives and sitting down to do strategy. Every part of my job offers a challenge and a reward which is something I never take for granted.

3. Is there one client you dream of working with?

I don’t have a dream client but I have a dream of bringing clients together to enhance their brands that I am working on.

4. Who is your typical client and has that evolved over time?

My typical client is a boutique brand in the luxury, lifestyle or beauty space. The space has been the same since the beginning but I have learned to be careful about who I work with. What I do requires respect, accountability and partnership on both sides so I only work with clients who are willing to do their part. That decision not to just “say yes” to every opportunity has helped me to do better work for clients (as I am not being drained by unnecessary chaotic energy) and I am much happier!

5. How much notice do you need for anyone to work with you?

I usually require 30 days notice and we will need another 15 days for a branding project in order to set the tone and create a branding/style guide.

6. What are the different types of luxury branding services you provide?

I am a one-stop-shop for branding, content, strategy and creative direction. This includes B2B, B2C, social media, marketing materials, website content, blogs, ghostwriting and more. I also do training and speaking.

7. What branding services are crucial for luxury businesses in 2021?

All of the services I mentioned above and they need to be synergistic.

8. How can a brand build a relationship with you?

Send me an email and we can schedule a call/Zoom and discuss how we can work together.

9. Where would you recommend going for afternoon tea?

The Wolseley does a lovely afternoon tea and is very special to me. My late publicist, Sue Blake, took me there on my book tour for Cinderella Was a Liar years ago and it’s been a favourite ever since. My friends even threw me a little pre-baby tea there.

10. Can you tell us about the best recent holiday you’ve ever had?

I have enjoyed some very nice holidays with my fiance and our family but the best recent one was our babymoon to Los Angeles. We rented a really romantic little bungalow and took hikes every morning, had lunch at the original Ivy (my favourite) and just enjoyed the city. My close friends flew in from different parts of the country to see us and threw me an impromptu baby shower and it was just a week full of sunshine, love and friendship – a very happy time.

11. Where do you get your personal stationery from?

Benneton Graveur when I want to splurge, SugarPaper when I want something fun and glamorous.

12. What’s your dream car?

Ah, this is easy; a 1963 Aston Martin DB5 Convertible in black or red.

13. If you could have a new kitchen, who would you get in to do it?

Nicki Ingham at John Lewis of Hungerford (she’s in the Blackheath Showroom).

14. What are your favourite bath products?

I will try all kinds of salts, sugars and oils (I love everything from randoms on the TK Maxx shelf to Neom and Jo Malone). That said, I really take an old school Sophia Loren approach to my baths. A bit of baby body wash for bubbles (non-drying), a few drops of essential oils, a little olive oil, a candle and some Ella Fitzgerald and a cup of tea or glass of wine and I am set. I do this on a regular basis and I love it.

15. Who is your dream make up artist?

My best friend, Lauren Cosenza happens to be one of the best in the business. She has done everything from editorial and fashion to TV and film. I will always choose her. You always walk away looking your best and feeling it too as she’s also a fantastic listener and gives amazing advice.

16. Who is the best hairstylist you know?

Colourist: Amy Jameson in London, Greg Pike in Chicago/New York. Cut, Vicky Demetriou. Extensions: Tatiana Keralina London.

17. What’s your favourite restaurant meal?

I can’t choose one as I love a good meal but some favourites are the chicken pot pie at The Waverly Inn, oxtail pappardelle at Gemma and anything at The Barbary in Covent Garden.

18. If you had an unlimited budget for a shopping spree, where would you go?

A Vintage DIOR store. I’d buy everything showcased at the Paris DIOR exhibition. If I had money left over, I would buy something owned by Marilyn Monroe.

19. If you could get your children, anything what would it be?

Time with her late great-grandfather.

20. Has a piece of jewellery ever made you happy?

Absolutely! I love Jewellery! The ring from my grandmother is very special to me as is my engagement ring. My partner has bought me several beautiful pieces, all of which I intend to give to my daughter.

21. What’s your dream credit card and why?

I don’t have a dream credit card. I’d rather have the cash and use my debit card.

22. Where can we find you on Social Media?

@TheBDCCollective and @BDCDigitalMedia on Instagram.

The BDC Collective on Facebook