Creative Industries Embrace Minority Women, but Ownership Stays Elusive

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-20

You've seen it before—a brilliant campaign, a stunning photo series, or a groundbreaking film that puts minority women front and center. The creative world loves showcasing diverse faces. But here's the uncomfortable truth: those same women often don't get to call the shots behind the scenes. Elle Lorenzoni digs into this paradox, and it's a story worth unpacking. ### The Visibility Trap It's easy to assume that more visibility equals more power. After all, if you see someone on a billboard or in a magazine, they must be in charge, right? Not quite. Minority women are increasingly featured in creative work—as models, actors, or spokespeople—but ownership and leadership roles remain stubbornly out of reach. Think of it like being invited to the party but never getting a key to the house. - **Visibility ≠ Control**: Being seen doesn't mean having a say in strategy, budgets, or direction. - **Tokenism Risks**: Some companies use diversity as a marketing tool without changing their power structures. - **Systemic Barriers**: Access to capital, networks, and mentorship often excludes minority women from ownership. ### Why Ownership Matters Ownership isn't just about titles or equity. It's about influence. When minority women own creative businesses, they shape narratives, hire more diverse teams, and challenge industry norms. Without ownership, their perspectives remain curated by others. Lorenzoni points out that this gap isn't accidental—it's baked into how creative industries operate. > "We're told that if we work hard enough, we'll rise to the top. But the ladder is missing rungs for women like us." — Anonymous creative director This quote captures the frustration. Hard work alone doesn't open doors when the system is designed to keep certain people out. ### The Numbers Don't Lie Data from recent studies shows that while minority women make up a growing share of creative talent, they own less than 5% of creative agencies or production companies. Compare that to their white male counterparts, who hold over 70% of ownership roles. The gap is staggering, especially when you consider that diverse teams consistently outperform homogeneous ones in creativity and profitability. ### What Can Change? So, what's the path forward? It's not about waiting for the industry to wake up. Here are a few shifts that could make a real difference: - **Funding Access**: Venture capital and small business loans need to reach minority women more equitably. Right now, less than 1% of VC funding goes to Black women founders. - **Mentorship Programs**: Structured support from established owners can help navigate the unwritten rules of creative business. - **Policy Changes**: Governments and industry bodies can mandate diversity in ownership, not just in front of the camera. ### The Bigger Picture This isn't just a fairness issue—it's an economic one. When minority women own creative businesses, they generate jobs, drive innovation, and tell stories that resonate with a broader audience. Keeping them out of ownership costs everyone. Lorenzoni's exploration reminds us that visibility is a starting point, not a finish line. The real work is in shifting who holds the power. If you're in the creative industry, ask yourself: Are you just putting diverse faces in your ads, or are you giving them a seat at the table where decisions are made? That's the question that could change everything.