International Women's Day: Interview with Wozzy Brewster OBE, founder of The Midi Music Company
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we caught up with local female business founder Wozzy Brewster who runs The Midi Music Company that pr
ovides free support, advice and guidance to young people who are interested in developing careers within performing arts and the creative industries.
Tell us a bit more about your background?
My love for music and drama began at my primary school in Deptford where I used to take part in musicals, like the Wizard of Oz. My mum would always talk about the fact I got the good parts and lead roles in shows. She was so proud. Primary school is where I also started learning the guitar. I loved the creativity. I was involved in drama clubs at secondary school.
My love for theatre and music grew and my professional career began when I volunteered at The Albany. I learnt performing arts as a trade and fine-tuned my skills in theatre and drama. I also found my passion in organising and working with young people.
What, or who, inspired your career and your business?
During my time at The Albany I was inspired by a lady named Pauline Jacobs, she encouraged me to invest in my self-development in arts administration. I later went on to work for Community Music London where I ran the south-east London music education programmes and got involved in events/festivals.
I also travelled and spent some time in Berlin. It was after this I decided to set up my own company. I felt there were a lot of gaps in music education and not enough opportunities for young people. MMC was founded and primarily focused on music technology and we’ve created amazing opportunities for young people through short creative courses in music production and other programmes.
What’s your experience as a woman, in your industry?
The music industry is very male dominated – I have worked with amazing people but I think sometimes people don’t always value your input as a woman, even though you have significant expertise.
Times are changing though. I sit on the UK Music Diversity Taskforce and we oversee the gender and race balance in our industry. We aim to tackle the glass ceiling when it comes to gender and ethnicity, especially at the more senior levels.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It’s an opportunity to celebrate women and their contributions and achievements in our society. I believe that the world, communities and countries need to do more to nurture our girls and support our women so they are inspired to become their greatest versions of themselves that they can be.
What do you think the biggest issue today is that women face in the workplace?
The gender pay gap. I think the pay gap impedes our progress. Pay gives us freedom and allows us to be able to do more and present ourselves better. We should all be rewarded and paid equally.
What piece of advice would you give to other women thinking of taking a similar career path?
I’d say to young and older women to be brave and strong. Always be open to learn as it helps you grow. Networking is important especially in the creative industries – there’s so much online that has been made free so take the opportunities that are there and get to know people in your field.
Trust your gut and do what you love with your greatest passion!