Tell us about what do you do? What inspired you to start the company?
What we do is use everything at our disposal, from the usual tools of marketing through to techniques from the arts, to resonate with people. Be that crafting strategies to curating music, menus or simply making sure our clients are spoken about in the right way, in the right places. We’re about people and perspectives.
What is it about Saintil Comms that’s different from other companies and agencies?
The team and I have an interdisciplinary bag of goodness at our disposal, from art historians, designers, former superstar DJs, scientists, art theorists alongside analytic marketers, architects. It’s about making something bespoke.
We know you run a talk series called Rising Minds. Can you tell us a bit more about that?
Sure! It was started exactly a year ago with Director of consulting at Seren and good friend Drew Smith. As I previously ran talks on digital and him heading up Creative Mornings LDN, it was a rather easy to get started. Luckily Shoreditch House reached out to Drew and we’ve been holding our monthly talks since then. We’ve had everyone from games designers to the innovation head of Barclays’ speak. All we ask is that they talk about something they’re excited or inspired by, as opposed to bigging themselves up. Too much at least. ;-)
What kind of people attend?
The great thing is the mix of people we get, from global CEOs and heads of multinationals through to practitioners, students, those from totally unrelated fields and of course the Soho House membership base.
Why Shoreditch?
Even with all this talk about the gentrification of the area, there’s still something great about the area. I often refer to Shoreditch as a creative village. The people and businesses all know each other and share strong connections which helps boost the culture here. The same can be said across all pretty much all areas, be it coffee shops, design practices or digital agencies. Plus I don’t see any other part in London that combines an open-minded, relaxed yet driven international community that’s aiming to innovate from tech to arts, paired with a sense for business. For instance we’re sharing an office with Protein, Billetto, Steely Fox, Sandpit Labs and General Assembly. Where else do you get that kind of rad under one roof?!
What do you love the most about Shoreditch – is there a specific place?
Apart from the creative environment I enjoy the contrast between Shoreditch and when you go further down to Liverpool Street or Moorgate. Brick vs glass. Creatives vs siren servers. Short suits vs suits.
As for specific places I enjoy working at Shoreditch House, love the Mortadella sandwich at Allpress Espresso Roastery, Tuckshop coffee or the burrito with soy-braised pork and smoked kim-chi at Death By Burrito. As for shopping, Redchurch Street is doing pretty well with upping the game with names, though really there are always sample sales around here.
What are your future plans?
From inception we’ve been working abroad, helping clients with recruit, execute projects and engage with influencers in Dubai, Shanghai, Mexico City, Tokyo, NYC and Paris. Most recently though we’ll be working with Death By Burrito on their French expansion as well as holding Rising Minds at Soho House NYC later this month, with possible roll out to more Houses later this year.
As for fun stuff, we’ll be taking part in the Protein Block Party on September 27th bringing some experiential goodness to the proceedings. You should come. If last year is anything to go by, it should be a blast.
