Getting to Know You: Rhea Karo, CEO of Social Amour

Rhea Karo is a young British entrepreneur and the driving force behind Social Amour, a leading London-based social media marketing agency.

Founded just four years ago, Social Amour has quickly become a powerhouse in the industry, boasting an impressive client roster that includes Hollywood actress Salma Hayek and actor Luke Evans, along with his recently launched brand BDXY. The agency also serves a multitude of bars, restaurants, and galleries across London.

Operating from South West London with a small yet dynamic team, Rhea has built Social Amour into a comprehensive, in-house social media marketing service that covers everything from growth strategies and partnerships to video production and photography. The agency is on a trajectory to grow by an astounding 80% in the next financial year, reflecting its rising prominence and success.

What was the inspiration behind Social Amour?

Social Amour was born out of a combination of love and frustration—love for marketing and social media, and frustration over the fact that many businesses need a full marketing team to meet their objectives but often lack the budget. A typical marketing team includes a manager, coordinator, assistant, videographer, photographer, editor, and community manager. Many businesses, especially smaller ones, cannot afford to fulfill each of these roles. That’s where Social Amour comes in; we offer a one-stop solution.

Our services go beyond social media management or consultancy. We have built an in-house team with expertise across various social media disciplines, including photography, videography, and content creation. This allows us to manage all aspects of our clients’ social media needs under one roof, providing a comprehensive 360-degree journey for them.

I have never aspired to become a large agency; I prefer to remain boutique. This approach allows us to retain a personal touch and build authentic connections with our clients, becoming a genuine extension of their team.

Who do you admire?

There are many people I admire, but one standout is Emma Grede. Although she may not be as widely recognized as the Kardashians, she is the powerhouse behind some of their most successful ventures. Emma is the founding partner and chief product officer of Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand Skims and the co-founder and CEO of Khloe Kardashian’s size-inclusive brand Good American.

Emma embodies the perfect blend of entrepreneurial savvy and strategic vision. She grew up in East London, moved to LA, and successfully pitched and collaborated with the Kardashian/Jenner clan. Her ability to drive business growth, innovate in the fashion industry, and maintain a strong commitment to social responsibility sets her apart as an inspiring role model for aspiring entrepreneurs. Emma’s behind-the-scenes influence and dedication to excellence make her an unsung hero in the business world.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?

I generally don’t believe in regrets; I view every mistake as a valuable learning opportunity. However, if I had to pinpoint one area, it would be the hiring process. Your team is one of your most valuable assets, and hiring the right people who align with your vision and values is crucial for success.

I’ve learned the importance of not being complacent when hiring. Hiring the wrong person can be costly and time-consuming. It’s essential to hire and fire quickly but strategically to ensure you have the right people in place.

What defines your way of doing business?

Empathy, consideration, and adaptability are the cornerstones of my approach. We’re all human, and in a world not yet run by robots, empathy is essential for genuine connection. Consideration naturally follows, allowing us to understand and respect our clients’ needs and goals. Adaptability is crucial in our industry, where opinions on creative content and campaign strategies can vary widely.

My goal is to tailor our work to meet our clients’ needs, even if it means adjusting our personal preferences. This ensures the final product resonates with them and achieves their objectives.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Take action. Whether it’s posting that piece of content, registering your business, pitching to potential clients, or sending important emails—don’t hesitate. Waiting for everything to be perfect is futile because perfection is an elusive goal that rarely, if ever, arrives. Instead, embrace the journey of learning and development. Be proactive, learn from your experiences, and allow yourself to evolve along the way.