Dear Reader,

I started DiVA from a desk under my stairs with few contacts, no plan, or finances to spare. I was a single Mum and wanted to be my own boss and balance parenting with work. Originally, DiVA was a film production company. However, film producing is a tough gig when you’ve not got deep pockets, so my bread and butter came from delivering projects in the film industry that supported diversity. One of these projects was the Graduate Fellowship Programme – a 12-month internship scheme helping those from racially diverse groups start their careers in the film industry.

And so, the fairy job mother was born.

In my journal then, I wrote, “my vision for DiVA is to create a work placement mediation service” that offered subsided internships in the top film businesses. I had not long finished my Masters’ degree at the National Film & TV School. And as a graduate of one of the top film schools in Europe, doors of opportunity opened for me by virtue of having the school on my CV. It was like being sprinkled with fairy dust – I wanted those who came through DiVA to share this experience, to give them a foothold in the industry in leading brands that would carry gravitas on their CV.

DiVA became one of the most recognised brands in the creative industries, supporting future talent. The organisation was a bridge to just shy of 2000 individuals who kickstarted their careers in some of the world’s recognised entertainment brands spanning Film, TV, Music, and publishing, including Universal Music, Sony Music, Fremantle Media, BMG, All3 Media, and the BBC. We also won some awards along the way.

I merged the apprenticeship business in 2020 with another provider and continued with our swan song – the DiVA Kickstart Scheme. In its final year, the company distributed £2.6m in grant funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme, supporting over 100 businesses and 350+ young people into employment in companies such as the National Magazine Company, ViacomCBS, CNN, October Films, DLT Entertainment, WarnerBros and many more.

Yes, I may have built DiVA, but DiVA also built me. As a former care leaver, born and raised in the Northeast who left school with few GCSEs, DiVA allowed me to dance to the beat of my own drum. Those who know, know entrepreneurship is not all glitz and glamour! Rather, it will show you who you are. Your business relies on your ability to face yourself, deal with your weaknesses, bounce back, play to your strengths, and push through your fears. It’s not for the faint-hearted – but it is worth it.

Thank you to those in my team, past and present, and all our trainers, guest speakers and development coaches who contributed their talents to make the vision come to pass. And to all our apprentices, interns and clients – their success is our success.

Last but by no means least, to my heartbeat, my darling daughter Azariah Jade – who has been there from the start. It’s an honour to be your Mum.

And as for me, this fairy job mother will still be working her magic! I’m still working with businesses to develop apprenticeship programmes that support existing and new staff.  Additionally, as a People Development & Future Talent specialist, I’ve become a “backing singer” (figuratively speaking), providing consultancy support to HR & Learning & Development leads in the creative industries who are committed to creating workspaces where staff can develop their careers and feel included.

You can keep in touch with me on LinkedIn and Instagram. Or visit my website www.ariteminue.com

All the best,

Arit Eminue – Founder & Director, DiVA Apprenticeships