In this exclusive CanadianSME Small Business Magazine interview, Priya Chopra, Founder and CEO of 1Milk2Sugars and double shot, shares how her journey from an ambitious entrepreneur with limited connections to an award-winning leader has transformed the landscape of inclusive marketing and talent management in Canada. Renowned for her commitment to diversity and purposeful representation, Priya has built two nationally recognized agencies, consistently empowering underrepresented voices and setting a new standard for business growth rooted in equity, excellence, and authentic brand impact.
Born and raised in Montreal with an East Indian heritage, Priya is the founder and CEO of 1Milk2Sugars, an award-winning and bilingual PR and digital marketing firm, and the partner entity of her globally inclusive talent agency, double shot.
What inspired you to create double shot, and how does your personal journey influence your vision for global inclusivity in talent management?
I started my journey as an entrepreneur with very limited social capital. My network was small, I didn’t come from a family of entrepreneurs, and I had no mentors to guide me. I definitely didn’t have the means to start a large agency. I built it brick by brick, fueled by relentless determination, learning through years of failing, pivoting and shifting gears. Along the way, one thing became very clear: I rarely saw people who looked like me in boardrooms or at the table. Female founders were already few and far between in my industry, and East Indian women even more so.
As my career progressed, I became successful at building high-performing teams and partnering with world-class brands. I realized I wanted to pay it forward. I know firsthand that the journey can be lonely and that access, support and mentorship make a difference. double shot was born from that realization. My goal is to empower underrepresented talent, provide opportunities I often had to fight for and create a space where others can feel seen, supported and set up for success.
For small businesses with limited budgets, what practical steps can they take to authentically integrate diverse voices and make inclusivity a core part of their marketing?
It all starts with intention, not budget. For small businesses with limited resources, integrating diverse voices and prioritizing inclusivity doesn’t require massive resources; it requires a genuine commitment to representation. Start by partnering with local, diverse influencers who bring authentic, community-driven perspectives. Focus on building real relationships, not just one-off collaborations and let their insights shape your messaging.
Engage in conversations and follow diverse thought leaders. Share their content, highlight their expertise and bring their voices into your brand narrative wherever it feels authentic. Internally, representation starts with your own team. Ensure your hiring practices, culture and values reflect inclusivity, because a diverse team naturally strengthens how your brand communicates externally.
Inclusivity isn’t about checking a box. It’s about embedding diverse perspectives into every touchpoint. Even small, intentional actions can make a meaningful impact when they’re consistent, authentic, and driven by a real desire to represent the communities you serve.
Can you share a recent success story or campaign where double shot elevated underrepresented talent and delivered significant results for a client?
Our dedication to client success and authentic representation go hand in hand, one never at the expense of the other. And it’s working: in just three years, double shot has worked on over 600 campaigns, attracted global clients and most importantly, helped rewrite the rules of representation in lifestyle marketing. We’ve proudly positioned our roster in front of global brands while ensuring that diversity isn’t just a box checked but a powerful driver of authentic, inclusive storytelling.
For Diwali, our South Asian talent partnered with leading brands like Neutrogena, Olay and Charmin to create vibrant, culturally resonant content that drove awareness and engagement during the festive season. During Black History Month, our Black creators shared personal stories and amplified local entrepreneurs through partnerships with organizations like Futurpreneur, bringing meaningful visibility to community narratives often overlooked in mainstream marketing. We also supported our Chinese creators in collaborating with brands such as Clinique and Shoppers Drug Mart for Lunar New Year campaigns.
Beyond these cultural holidays, we are committed to ensuring diverse voices are heard every single day of the year. These initiatives not only honour traditions but also position brands as inclusive, culturally aware and engaged with the communities they serve.
What lessons have you learned about building a purpose-driven agency that prioritizes representation in every aspect, and how can other entrepreneurs apply these principles?
Building a purpose-driven agency has taught us that representation isn’t something you “add on.” It has to be part of every layer of the business. From leadership to daily decisions, it’s about creating space for authentic voices to be heard and valued.
At double shot, it is our core mission, but at 1Milk2Sugars it’s equally important. At 1Milk2Sugars, representation is a core value, not a trend. We prioritize diverse candidate slates, structure interviews to minimize bias and foster a culture where everyone feels treated equitably, with over 90% of our team reporting feeling that they are treated equitably in their roles, a team comprised of approximately 40% BIPOC.
The lesson for other entrepreneurs is simple: lead with intention, listen actively and hardwire representation into your company’s foundation. When employees see themselves reflected in leadership and in decisions, it builds trust, retention and stronger business outcomes. Purpose drives results, but only when it’s authentic.
As a closing thought, what advice do you have for small and medium-sized business leaders aiming to build inclusive brands that resonate in today’s marketplace?
The world’s fabric is changing. By 2041, more than one in three Canadians will identify as BIPOC. Marketing is powerful, and campaigns should reflect the reality of the world we live in. Today, brands are expected to be authentic, and that doesn’t come from a one-off campaign or a token gesture.
Building an inclusive brand starts with listening to truly understand your audience, their experiences and what they expect from you. It means engaging with diverse communities, reflecting their perspectives consistently and being aware of the nuances that shape how messages are received.
For small and medium-sized business leaders, inclusivity isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential. When it’s embedded into your brand’s DNA, it builds trust, creates meaningful connections and ensures your messaging resonates with the many, not just the few.
