Today, we’re speaking with Nicolas, co-founder of Clark Influence, a pioneering influencer marketing agency founded in 2017 in Montreal. Together with Vincent Bronner, Nicolas has expanded Clark Influence’s reach from Canada to France, connecting brands with social media creators through campaigns driven by authenticity and responsibility. Nicolas discusses the journey, challenges, and his mission to elevate influencer marketing standards.
1. Nicolas, what inspired you to start Clark Influence, and how has the journey been so far?
Vincent and I founded Clark Influence with a vision to bridge the gap between brands and social media creators. We saw influencer marketing as a powerful way to create authentic connections with audiences, but at the time, many brands weren’t taking it seriously. Our mission has always been to create campaigns that resonate genuinely, with creative strategists working alongside creators to produce content that truly engages audiences. Over the years, we’ve expanded from Montreal to Paris and Toronto, helping clients across various industries connect with diverse communities.
2. What challenges did you face when you were starting out, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was building trust with brands unfamiliar with influencer marketing. Many were hesitant to invest, so we focused on educating clients about its value. Cash flow was also tight in the beginning, as we were self-funded. We kept our operations lean and reinvested our earnings into the business to maintain steady growth. Establishing a network of reliable creators aligned with our values was essential, though challenging. These experiences taught us patience, adaptability, and the importance of building strong relationships, which laid the foundation for our growth.
3. What keeps you motivated, especially during tough times?
Our mission to make influencer marketing authentic and impactful is my biggest motivator. I remember pitching to a major client who was skeptical despite weeks of preparation. Doubt crept in, but I reminded myself of our vision, rallied the team, and we won the client. That experience taught me resilience and the power of staying true to our values. Moments like these are a reminder that pushing through challenges is essential for growth.
4. What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs?
Stay adaptable and focus on building genuine relationships with clients, partners, and your team. Embrace learning from every experience, even setbacks—they’re often the best teachers. I wish someone had told me early on about the importance of patience. Success is a series of small, consistent wins, so trust the process and stay resilient. Persistence and authenticity are key to lasting growth.
5. A proud moment for you was launching Canada’s first Code of Ethics for influencers and marketers. Could you tell us more about that?
Yes, that was a significant milestone for us. We launched the Code of Ethics in 2023 to promote transparency and responsible practices in the industry. It reflected our long-standing commitment to integrity in influencer marketing, and seeing the positive response from clients, creators, and the community was incredibly validating. It reinforced our vision to bring honesty to the field and reminded me of why we started Clark Influence.
6. What’s your vision for the future of Clark Influence and the influencer marketing industry?
My vision is to continue shaping a more transparent and impactful influencer marketing industry, one that prioritizes authenticity, ethical practices, and meaningful connections. As we grow, I want to expand our reach into new markets and set responsible marketing standards globally. We aim to be industry leaders, fostering a community where brands and influencers collaborate with integrity. Ultimately, I hope to make influencer marketing a trusted, respected field worldwide.
7. What impact do you hope to make through your work?
I want to make influencer marketing a force for good by fostering authenticity, trust, and positive influence. My goal is to build an industry rooted in ethical standards, where campaigns genuinely inspire and bring value to communities. I hope that our work has a meaningful impact on people’s lives and makes a lasting difference.
Final Thoughts
Nicolas’s story is a powerful example of commitment to ethical standards and authentic engagement in a rapidly evolving field. His dedication to shaping a responsible influencer marketing industry is paving the way for a future where brands and influencers can collaborate meaningfully.
To learn more about Clark Influence and the Code of Ethics, visit clarkinfluence.com.