At OpalbyOpal, we’re deeply inspired by individuals who move culture forward — who blur lines, break molds, and build something new in their image. In our new “Trailblazers” interview series, we sit down with the multi-hyphenate talents shaping tomorrow’s creative industries.
First up? The powerhouse that is Mercedes Benson. DJ, entrepreneur, public speaker, and cultural curator, Mercedes is a woman of many lanes — and she drives them all with fearless clarity. In this conversation, Opal and Mercedes talk about navigating the digital space, building community, and staying rooted while moving forward.
“I decided to bet on myself, and I haven’t looked back since.”
Opal: Mercedes, you’re a true multi-hyphenate — DJ, entrepreneur, speaker, content creator. How do you stay grounded in the midst of it all?
Mercedes: Honestly, it’s my faith that keeps me rooted. Being a Christian gives me a deeper perspective when everything around me feels noisy or overwhelming. And then there’s my mum and my fiancé, my inner circle. They’re my safe space, my sounding board, the ones who truly know my heart. I can dream out loud with them, vent when I need to, or bounce around ideas without fear of judgment. I’m naturally a passion-led person. I wake up with a new idea almost daily, but they help me slow down, stay focused, and remind me that timing is everything. There is a reason and a season for it all.
Opal: That inner circle is everything. Was there a specific moment you realized your creative passions could become a full-time path?
Mercedes: Getting fired from my full-time job in 2017 was the wake-up call I didn’t know I needed. It shook me, but it also lit a fire. I never wanted my financial stability to depend on whether a manager liked me or saw my value. That experience made me think differently about ownership, skills, and long-term freedom. I was just learning how to DJ then, and I had a few friends already making a living from it. That gave me the confidence to go all in. I decided to bet on myself, and I haven’t looked back since.
Opal: That leap of faith is so powerful. Let’s talk about SocialFixt and Powered by Purpose—platforms you’ve built that connects underrepresented talent with brands. What drives that work?
Mercedes: I can’t stand the thought of someone, especially a creative or a woman, feeling isolated on their journey because they don’t feel seen or understood. I’ve been there. The creative path can be incredibly lonely, especially when the people around you don’t quite get it. Building platforms like SocialFixt and Powered by Purpose was my way of reaching back to help my younger self, and anyone else walking that road. With SocialFixt, I wanted every Black creative to feel like they had a big sister to turn to, especially those who are first-gen and figuring it out from scratch. And with Powered by Purpose, I’m speaking to women like me, late 20s, 30s, trying to grow, pivot, or level up their careers with intention. Community is everything. We all just want to feel connected, supported, and understood.
Opal: There’s such a clear throughline of representation in your work. How do you use your visibility to challenge the norms?
Mercedes: I use my voice plainly and simply. I speak up, I show up, and I make space. As a Black woman navigating fashion, music, and digital media, I know how rare it is to see people like us represented at the top. That’s why I use my platform to show what’s possible and ask for more seats at the table. Because if you don’t ask, you won’t get. My journey took off when I started sharing the behind-the-scenes of my roles at Adidas and Google, when that access wasn’t visible online. And that’s the point: you can’t be what you can’t see. Platforms like mine help change the narrative around what’s possible for Black women in these industries. Being a Black woman DJ in a male-dominated space isn’t easy either. It’s tough to be seen for your skill without being reduced to a ‘look’ or a gimmick. Sadly, being good at your craft isn’t always enough, but I keep pushing because the more we take up space, the more we shift the culture.
“You can’t be what you can’t see.”
Opal: You’ve performed for major global brands—from Valentino to YouTube Music. How do you bring your own identity and energy into spaces that are often highly curated?
Mercedes: I just show up as me, that’s the secret. I’ve learned to trust that if a brand or event has booked me, they see something in my energy, sound, and vibe. So whether I’m playing Afrobeats, hip hop, or soulful house, I tap into what feels authentic and what I know will connect. Even in polished, curated spaces, I bring my full self, making the experience unique.
Opal: What does it mean to you to be a DJ and a cultural curator at the center of fashion and music?
Mercedes: I’ve never seen myself as just a DJ—music might be the heartbeat, but everything around it matters too. The community, the storytelling, the branding, and the fashion are all part of how I express myself. I don’t believe we were made to fit neatly into boxes. I get that it’s easier for the world to understand you when you stick to one lane, but that’s never been me. I’m here to live out my purpose through self-expression, and I know the people who are meant to get it… will.
Opal: What was your vision when founding SocialFixt, and how has that vision evolved?
Mercedes: The vision was simple: get Black creatives into better jobs. I’d constantly find myself being the only one in certain company spaces, but then I’d go out in Shoreditch or hit up creative events and raves, and see this thriving, talented underground scene full of Black and brown creatives. There was a gap, and I wanted SocialFixt to bridge it. What started as a passion project on social media turned into a real community. From IRL events to online workshops, we created a space where people felt seen, and slowly, the industry started to take notice. Some brands have genuinely leaned in to help elevate the mission, and that’s been beautiful to watch. But there’s still more work to do.
Opal: How do you protect your creative energy while running a company?
Mercedes: I’ve had to learn not to take things personally. As creatives, our work is so tied to who we are, so when someone says no or doesn’t get it, it can feel like a rejection of you, not just the idea. But business is business. It’s the art of generating money, not a reflection of your worth. I’ve had to separate and remind myself that both things can coexist; you can protect your creative energy while still making smart business decisions.
Opal: How do you define success today, and how has that definition shifted since the start of your journey?
Mercedes: Success used to mean survival—changing my circumstances and ensuring my life looked different from how I grew up. Going from a council flat to owning my own home, finding ways to earn a living unconventionally, and making my mum proud was the dream. But now, success looks different. It’s about impact. How many lives can I touch through my gifts? How many people can I help grow—professionally, financially, mentally? I want to build confidence in others, especially those who don’t always see themselves represented. If I can do that through my work and platforms, that’s real success.
Opal: What advice would you give to emerging creatives of color trying to break into these overlapping industries with purpose and impact?
Mercedes: You can do anything you put your mind to; you just have to stay focused and intentional. Get laser-sharp on your vision, then back it up with action. Do the research. Build the skills. Know your stuff so you walk into every room with confidence. Use your platforms—social media, real life, whatever it is—to connect with the people who can open doors. Don’t be afraid to reach out, offer your value, and remind them what you bring. Most importantly? Start. Don’t wait until it’s perfect—just do.
Mercedes, thank you for kicking off this series with so much intention and honesty. You remind us that growth doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful, and that representation isn’t a trend—it’s a responsibility.
Stay tuned for more trailblazers in conversation—only on OpalbyOpal.
