About me
A digital marketing expert and fierce entrepreneur, Annika Allen has managed to work for and alongside brands such as Google, Universal, Sleek, BBC, Channel 4, Luster International, Crimestoppers, Urban Development planning, designing and delivering global digital campaigns and producing engaging content.
Annika began her career as a journalist and migrated into TV production working on shows such as 10 Years Younger (Channel 4), Holiday Showdown (ITV), 60 Years of RnB (MTV) and Richard and Judy (Channel 4). Her journey into entrepreneurship began when she co-owned youth lifestyle publication Flavourmag and continues with her new business The Colour Network - a black lifestyle and entertainment she owns with Kojo Anim.
The recently created the Black Magic Awards to honour women who have paved the way in a variety of industries from music to sport.
Her entrepreneurial spirit, creative flair and go-getting attitude has enabled her to build businesses and brands and empower the next generation of creative talent through digital communications and entertaining and educational experiential events.
With a passion for championing diversity, empowering women, youth and creating engaging content, she enjoys telling stories using video, audio, writing and social media.
Projects
- Black Magic AwardsCelebrities, activists, influencers and more unite to celebrate black girl magic at the Black Magic Awards. Created in 2017 by Kojo Anim and Annika Allen, the Black Magic Awards recognises the extraordinary accomplishments made by black women and gives a voice to the excellence Black women share with the world across a variety of disciplines including music, entertainment, sports, business and much more. A selection of bold, brilliant black women who stand as vanguards in their chosen fields, a
- The Black Magic AwardsSeptember saw 12 inspirational women honoured at the first annual Black Magic Awards, which took place at Hackney Empire. The awards night, sponsored by Palmer's, were founded to celebrate the women who have contributed to the black entertainment, sports, business and community scene. Hosted by entertainer Eddie Kadi and America's Next Top Model contestant Annaliese Dayes, it was a night of true magic with performances from the likes of MOBO Award winning singers Rachel Kerr and Lurine Cato, 8-year-old viral dance sensation Princess K and a guest appearance from model Munroe Bergdrof and rapper Stormzy. The rapper presented the last award of the night to one of his idols, legendary radio DJ Jenny Francis, who featured on an interlude on the rappers hit album Gang Signs and Prayer earlier this year. With over 20 years in the business, the Heart FM DJ, was honoured with the 'Radio Personality' award and the show's organisers thought that there was no one better to present the award to her. "A childhood hero to so many of us, introduced me to R&B as a kid. 27 years of radio, more than deserved" the rapper tweeted to his fans alongside a photo of himself and the winner. Hollyoaks' Duyane Boachie presented the Actress award to Coronation Street and Waterloo Road star Angela Griffin and Casulty star Charles Venn presented the Media Mogul Award to GQ Publisher Vanessa Kingori MBE. Jamelia, Alesha Dixon's Mis-Teeq’s, TV presenter Charlene White, England footballer Rachel Yankey, entertainer Angie Le Mar, journalist/broadcaster Jasmine Dotiwala, music artist Eve and Beverley De Gale from the charity ACLT were also honoured on the night. “Despite their contribution and achievements, some of the women we honoured this year have never been properly recognised,” said Kojo Anim, Founder of The Colour Network. He continues, "However, rather than dwelling on it, we wanted to make a change and shine some much needed light on these amazing women.” Others in attendance and gracing the black carpet on the night included; Actors Fab Santino, Femi Oyeniran and Adam Deacon, music talent The Katanas, Magic FM's Angie Greaves, Big Brother personalities Deborah Agboola and Hannah Agboola plus many more. "The evening consisted of motivating and encouraging words from the honourees and featured captivating performances,' says The Colour Network co-founder Annika Allen. 'It was an inspiring look for all women—especially black women who don't get to see enough positive images of powerful women of colour in the media. The Black Magic Awards show was organised by The Colour Network and will provide honours to women from the scene that they have served well and celebrate their illustrious talents yearly. To continue the legacy on the run up to the 2018 event The Colour Network will release a monthly Black Magic podcast to continue to spotlight the strengths and triumphs of these amazing women. AWARD CATEGORIES COMEDY - ANGIE LE MAR MEDIA MOGUL Sponsored by Palmer's - VANESSA KINGORI THE TRIBUTE AWARD Sponsored by Palmer's - JAMELIA SPORTS PERSONALITY - RACHEL YANKEY ACTRESS - ANGELA GRIFFIN TV PERSONALITY - CHARLENE WHITE BRAND - BIANCA MILLER MUSIC Sponsored by Palmer's - MIS-TEEQ RADIO PERSONALITY - JENNY FRANCIS COMMUNITY CHAMPION - BEVERLEY DE GALE INTERNATIONAL STAR - EVE THE INFLUENCE AWARD Sponsored by Palmer's - JASMINE DOTIWALA
- Deal Real LegacyI was Events and Digital Manager for the Deal Real Legacy project. DEAL REAL, the iconic record store rooted in UK music culture from the early 2000’s until its closure in 2007, returned in April 2015 for Record Store Day, for a 6 week pop-up run. As well as having the likes of Kanye West, Mos Def and the late Amy Winehouse visit the store for impromptu in-store performances during the early stages of their careers, DEAL REAL is noted for celebrating the then, up and coming artists from the UK Hip-Hop and Grime scene. Deal Real continued its role of supporting new talent at 14 Newburgh Street for six weeks when a new generation of undiscovered talent including visual artists, musicians and fashion designers were promoted. There was also archived footage recreating some of the most memorable moments . Kano, Ghetts, Tinchy Stryder, Akala are just some of the artist that performed for the return.
- Google Top Black TalentI hosted and produced Flavourmag presents Google’s Top Black Talent - a series of live on Air Hangouts for black students, graduates and young professionals dedicated to showcasing top role models across industries including technology, law, marketing, PR, music and fashion, to help them gain insight into career possibilities and learn key skills to get ahead.
Work history
Digital Manager
London, United KingdomFull Time
I have excellent all-round digital skills, which is needed in this role. In particular digital project management and campaign creation and management. Working with an innovative digital team and range of stakeholders on numerous concurrent digital projects and developing content the day to day tasks for this role are varied.
Digital and Project Manager
- London, United KingdomFreelance
Creative Media Network combines youth engagement and music to develop amazing initiatives. In 2015 we designed a Youth Engagement Programme offering 10 teenagers live briefs, networking opportunities
and an accredited qualification.
The project also included mentoring from industry influencers, advice on career paths, and internships with a series of talks and workshops from Soho media companies and Carnaby brands.
The programme ran alongside the opening of Deal Real Legacy pop up shop at 14 Newburgh Street which launched on Record Store Day on 18 April 2015. This showcased new talent in fashion, art and music as well as playing host to a photography exhibition showing highlights from the original store, plus weekly in-store gigs with a line up including Kate Tempest, Kano and Tinchy Stryder plus more.
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Skills
- Digital Expertise
- Journalism
- Producing Televison
- Communications
- Event Magagement
- Marketing
- Email Marketing
- Social Media Digital Strategies
- Production/project Management
- Editorial