On the final day of their internship, our BrandLab interns presented a Brand Platform to the Shinebox senior leadership team. The setting was symbolic: our new, mid-renovation office in downtown Minneapolis. The sound of sanding and hammering had paused, and a collection of chairs formed a semi-circle around a laptop on a stool and a rolling TV cart. This makeshift stage stood in front of floor-to-ceiling scaffolding, where a 14-foot screen will soon be installed.

This summer, Shinebox had the privilege of partnering with The BrandLab — an organization dedicated to opening doors for young talent from underrepresented backgrounds and empowering them to launch successful careers in marketing, advertising, and design. BrandLab’s mission is to create a more diverse and inclusive industry, and we were eager to support this cause by providing hands-on experience and mentorship to two incredibly talented individuals.

From the beginning, Maxine, a Graphic Designer, and Anabella, a Strategist & Designer, brought their unique skills, curiosity, and a strong drive to both learn and contribute to the Shinebox team.