Today we’d like to introduce you to Hana Mackenzie.
Hi Hana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Curated started from my own experience in the modeling and creative industry. As I became more involved, I started noticing issues that I felt were not talked about enough, especially around safety, representation, body image, and models being taken advantage of through unpaid work or being placed in harmful situations.
I wanted to create something different. My goal was to bring the art back to modeling and create a space where models, creatives, and brands could work together in a way that felt safe, respectful, and genuinely collaborative.
I started Curated as a creative events platform, putting together one event called Make a Splash. I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but the response was overwhelming. More than 12 brands partnered with us for that first event. What meant even more to me was hearing directly from the models afterward. Several told me it was one of the best modeling experiences they had ever had. They felt comfortable creating, even in tiny bathing suits, without feeling like they were going to be sexualized or treated differently because of what they were wearing. That was the moment I really understood the kind of space I wanted Curated to create.
At the same time, I realized I was already doing so much behind the scenes. I was building websites, managing social media, taking photographs, modeling, creating content, coordinating events, and connecting businesses with creatives. What started as a creative project was becoming a career, and I decided I wanted to take it seriously.
That was when Curated began evolving into what it is today: a creative and experiential marketing agency focused on helping brands tell their stories while creating meaningful opportunities for the creative community. I wanted to start with the people and businesses around me, so much of our work has grown through supporting local businesses and creating opportunities within our own community.
For me, Curated has never just been about marketing. It is about creating a space where brands can connect with real people, where creatives are valued and protected, and where modeling and content creation can feel like art again. I am still building Curated every day, but the mission remains the same: to create opportunities, build community, and make the creative industry more intentional.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall, it has been a fairly smooth and exciting road. One of my biggest challenges was probably being a little too ambitious with how quickly I wanted to grow Curated while also balancing a full school schedule. There were so many ideas I wanted to bring to life that I sometimes had to remind myself that building something meaningful takes time.
As Curated has grown, I’ve also learned how important it is to be intentional about who I bring into our creative community. Because safety is such a core part of what we do, vetting photographers, models, and attendees takes time and attention. Communication can also be unpredictable in the modeling industry, so I’ve learned to plan ahead, set clear expectations, and surround myself with people who are reliable and genuinely excited to be involved.
Rather than seeing these as setbacks, I think they have helped me become a better founder. They’ve taught me how to balance ambition with patience, build strong relationships, and create systems that allow Curated to grow sustainably. I’m grateful that the challenges have ultimately pushed me to be more intentional about the community I’m building.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Curated (My Curated Co)?
Curated is a creative and experiential marketing agency built around one simple idea: the people behind the work matter just as much as the work itself. We connect brands with models, content creators, photographers, and other creatives to bring campaigns and ideas to life through events, social media, content creation, brand activations, photography, casting, and creative collaborations.
What sets Curated apart is the environment we create. We feed our talent on set, we encourage and empower people rather than tear them down, and we do not put limits on someone based on their body size or appearance. I wanted to create the kind of creative space I wish everyone could experience, where people can show up as themselves and feel comfortable creating.
We also intentionally seek out brands that are often overlooked by traditional marketing and modeling spaces, including minority-owned businesses and brands that do not fit the traditional “one-size-fits-all” image of who or what a brand should be. I believe great marketing should reflect the diversity of the people actually buying and experiencing these products.
For us, a successful shoot is not just about getting the perfect photo. It is about making sure everyone involved feels valued throughout the process. We want our models and creatives to leave a set feeling better about themselves, not worse.
I am most proud of the community we are building. Hearing models tell me that they felt safe, comfortable, and genuinely able to be creative at our events has meant just as much to me as any campaign or brand partnership. That is what I want Curated to be known for: beautiful creative work, meaningful opportunities, and a standard of collaboration where people feel respected.
At its core, Curated is about making space for brands and people who deserve to be seen. We are building a creative community where local and minority-owned businesses can grow, creatives can find opportunities, and everyone involved can feel like they belong.
Our services include:
• Experiential Marketing & Events – Creative events, brand activations, pop-ups, and experiences designed to bring brands and communities together.
• Social Media Management – Strategy, content planning, account management, and day-to-day social media support.
• Content Creation & UGC – Authentic photo and video content created for brands to use across social media, websites, and marketing campaigns.
• Photography & Videography – Lifestyle, product, campaign, event, and creative photography and video production.
• Model & Creator Casting – Connecting brands with diverse models, creators, and talent who fit their vision and audience.
• Influencer & Creator Marketing – Connecting brands with creators and developing collaborations that feel authentic and natural.
• Brand Activations & Partnerships – Developing creative partnerships and campaigns that help brands connect with new audiences.
• Creative Direction & Production – Helping take an idea from concept to execution, including creative planning, talent coordination, styling, production, and on-set support.
At the heart of all of our services is the same goal: creating meaningful experiences and content while making sure the people behind the work feel valued, represented, and empowered.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Honestly, I don’t think luck has played a major role in getting me where I am. If it had, I think my path would look very different. Most of the opportunities I’ve had have come from networking, putting myself out there, and being willing to pitch myself.
I’ve built a lot of my career by simply starting conversations. I’ve met people at farmers markets, fashion events, LA Fashion Week, creative shoots, and through social media, and I’ve never been afraid to introduce myself or ask how I can be involved. A lot of those conversations have turned into friendships, collaborations, and opportunities that I never could have planned.
I think the biggest thing has been surrounding myself with people who share my interests and genuinely want to see each other succeed. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to build an amazing group of people who support me and encourage me every step of the way, but those relationships came from putting in the effort to build them.
So while I’m grateful for every opportunity that has come my way, I don’t necessarily call it luck. I call it showing up, making connections, taking chances, and being willing to create my own opportunities.
Pricing:
- Contact Us for a Quote
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mycuratedco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycuratedco?stkn=MTM5anNianc5d3UzMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/hana.mackenzie?stkn=MWlxM2tobmhpN3B2OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
