Merlee Jayme opens her new creative agency, Jayme Headquarters: for diversity in creativity
Jayme Headquarters is a new creative agency in the Philippines that embraces uniqueness in ideas and talent development. Founded by Merlee Jayme, a globally recognized creative leader, former Chief Creative Officer for Dentsu Asia Pacific, and the founder of the multi-awarded DM9 Jayme Syfu (bringing home the first and only Cannes Lions Grand Prix for the Philippines), Jayme HQ is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.
Recognizing that “great minds think unalike” and that the more diverse the thinking, the more amazing the ideas, the agency values neurodiversity and actively seeks and develops talent from underrepresented communities.
Jayme, who also founded The Misfits Camp, a training center for neurodivergent and deaf creatives, will now lead Jayme HQ. Sam Alapan, a professor at The Mint College, will assume the Head of The Misfits Camp role, continuing its mission to empower and train neurodiverse creatives. This partnership ensures that individuals who have traditionally faced barriers to entry in the creative field have access to opportunities to showcase their skills and contribute to innovative work in an actual creative workplace.
Industry veteran Edg Samson, a strategic client lead with a distinguished career at Dentsu and Saatchi; Nikki Golez, an award-winning creative director recognized as one of the 4As 2024 Next Gen Creative winners; JR Ignacio, a digital and innovation expert with a proven track record at Dentsu and BBDO Singapore, Kheng Masangkay, an experienced finance manager and Alex Cataluña, an up-and-coming young art director, are joining Jayme as co-founders. It is interesting to note that these founders have family experiences with neurodiversity.
Jayme HQ has already made significant strides by welcoming its first neurodiverse concept team, composed of Cesca Atienza and Kylie Milanes, both graduates of The Misfits Camp. Cesca, a talented graphic artist with autism, made a speech at this year’s Spikes Asia, and Kylie, a gifted poet of the best-selling book “Echoes,” brings unique perspectives and creative flair to the agency.
The Misfits Camp has also taken a significant step in transitioning one of its graduates, Igi Rollan, to an administrative assistant and social media manager position.
Chief Client Officer, Samson, said: “JHQ and TMC is a one-of-a-kind ecosystem that champions and showcases global standards of creativity, and diversity in thinking that in turn, fuel creative opportunities for the neurodivergent. It is an intimate set-up that allows for hands-on expertise minus the red tape.”
By embracing diversity and empowering neurodiverse talent, Jayme HQ is poised to become a leading force in the creative industry, pushing the boundaries of innovation and inspiring future generations. Now, the business of creativity has a real, relevant purpose.
The Misfits Camp team.
