Meet Akeem Brathwaite | Creative Director & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Akeem Brathwaite and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Akeem, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always been passionate about Advertising and design. This personal interest fueled my desire to create something meaningful. I wanted freedom and to be a thought leader to implement my ideas and strategies without the constraints found. Starting my own business provided the autonomy I was looking for.

I conducted market research to understand what was lacking during that time and planted myself in that problem to bring solutions. I focused on developing a unique value proposition that explained to my clients why they should choose Made Alive.
I then created a business plan outlining my strategies, risks, operational plans, and financial projections. Year after year, I updated my plan to reflect my current operational growth and identity. In the international space, I observe other businesses that offer similar services to see what I can improve, implement or see if this business will truly be feasible in the long term.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As the Founder and Creative Director of Made Alive Design & Co., I launched the business in 2019. It started gaining significant traction in 2020, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the consumer market shifted to a fully digital landscape. This transition allowed us to meet the growing demand for high-quality digital design services, primarily motion graphic videos, fueling our growth and establishing our presence in the industry.

Starting Made Alive Design & Co. in 2019 was not without its challenges. Initially, clients did not realize the future demand for our services in the market, and as a startup, we were competing against established full-service agencies.

To overcome these challenges, I decided to focus on a niche service: motion graphics and video. This allowed us to build a strong strategy centered around video content, which was becoming the primary medium to reach target audiences as the digital landscape evolved.

Through the highs and lows, I learned the importance of persistence and continuous improvement. Networking became essential, and I found myself evolving from an introverted person to an extrovert when necessary. Leading this business has improved my presentation skills, thought processes, financial management, and overall skill set.

The name “Made Alive” reflects our mission: design brings a brand to life. It’s like bringing dry bones back to life for a more creative aspect. The right strategy can revive even the most stagnant brands, aligning perfectly with our name, “Made Alive.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One advantage about island life is that there are a lot of beaches to go to. The first spot I would take that best friend is Pebbles beach where the waters are the right temperature and paddleboarding is the best. Day two: we are going to Bridgetown where it is vibrant in history and shopping. On the third day, we are going to do some off-roading through some hidden trails with electric bicycles. Fourth day, Harrisons Cave to experience its beautiful limestone cave.
Day five: We are going to do a Barbados 360 tour passing through UNESCO world heritage sites to the coastlines of Barbados.
Day six: a spa day to relax after all that adventuring. Day seven: Spending the day at the beach to relax even more while enjoying rum sours.
As for the food, Bajan pudding and souse, grilled fish and chips, macaroni pie, rice and peas and we cannot forget the tacos during this trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give credit to my business and work partners Crystal Mars of Beyond Mars Consulting, Azariah Cave and Dionne Brathwaite, both who have been motivating and giving great advice for business and personal life.

Also, I can’t forget this incredible author Marty Neumeier and his book set ‘Zag’ and ‘The Brand Gap’.

Website: www.madealive.me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madealive.design/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-alive

Other: www.linkedin.com/in/akeem-brathwaite/