Music Week - An open letter from Carla Marie Williams

With 15 years experience of working in the music industry Carla Marie has ‘…seen a lot, heard a lot, and experienced a lot.’ Carla champions women in the scene as founder of GIRLS I RATE and when approached by Music Week to respond to the industry’s Black Out Tuesday, requested a complete takeover with some of her favourite girls she rates, including Nao, Shola Ama, Adele White, Safiya Lambie-Knight.

“I wanted to celebrate black women in music from behind and in front of the camera. I thought long and hard about it, there were so many women I wanted to choose but eventually decided to select ‘Girls I Rate’ who are in my circle, who have supported me over the years and who I believe have managed to carve out great careers for themselves, without really having to compromise who they are.“

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.