Macy Gow - Start-up Case Study
Macy Gow graduated from LJMU in 2023 with a degree in Fashion Communication. She is the founder of Artists of Aura, a creative agency for emerging music artists - specialising in social media management and styling.
What does your business do?
Artists of Aura is a creative agency for emerging music artists - specialising in social media management and styling.
How did you get the idea to start your business?
Whilst working with Studio 88, a music production studio in Manchester, I noticed a gap in the market to offer accessible services to emerging music artists of the North West with the majority of opportunities and high quality services being based in London
How did the Start-Up Hub help and support you?
The Hub helped us to develop our business proposal and awarded us a grant to help up develop the idea and launch as a business.
What has been the best thing about starting your business?
Creative control and freedom with projects as well as the opportunity to work and grow with a new generation of musical talent in the North West.
What is the best thing about doing business in the Liverpool City Region?
Having access to a plethora of emerging music artists who are eager to develop their presence and build up a musical career.
What was your biggest challenge in getting started up?
Getting visibility for our brand and services, further than just social media marketing. But I have pushed myself socially and attended many networking events and other music related events which helps me get my face known and my services recognised.
What advice would you give to an LJMU student thinking of starting their own business?
To just do it! Even if you have no clue how to run a business, with the support of the LJMU Start-up Hub, you'll have the guidance and advice needed to steer you in the right direction.
Are there any exciting plans for the future you can share with us?
Yes - we have plans to launch a new side of our business with a heavy focus on combining the music and fashion industries together - along with developing our brand ethos of promoting sustainable practices.
Support from the Student Futures team
If you want to talk about potential careers options with your degree, need help finding opportunities or want support with your CV, application forms or preparing for an interview, you can get advice and guidance by booking a 30-minute 1-2-1 careers meeting with a Careers and Employability Adviser from the LJMU Student Futures Team. You can also come along to a Careers drop-in or CV Café which take place weekly at the Careers Zones for quick careers queries.
If you are thinking about starting a business, freelancing, pursuing a side-hustle or have an idea that you want to explore further, email the Start-up Hub and a member of the team will be back in touch, or visit the Start-up Hub website.
For help finding part-time, temporary or casual you can fit around your studies, email the Unitemps team or visit their website.