Hey friends! Yes, it’s me. I realize it’s a been a little while since the last Substack post. But please trust, exciting things have certainly continued to happen!
Wondering what the super cute yearbook photo is from? Funny enough, the story kinda stems from a simple visit to try on some jeans. I honestly was just looking to confirm post-pandemic fit…and then we ended up here:
A couple of weeks ago, I hosted the second Social Setting in NYC. This one embodied the same spirit of bringing together Black influencers & marketing leads; however, I partnered with international clothing brand, Daily Paper (might I also mention, Black-owned) to throw a private mixer across all three levels of their NYC flagship store. With a much larger capacity than the first event, this one allowed even more people to become part of the special Social Setting community that is being built. In attendance were Black influencers from all platforms & tiers mixed with marketing leads at companies like Spotify, Peloton, Uber, NFL, Tao Group Hospitality, Live Nation & more.
With each and every Social Setting, I aim towards curating an experience that feels elevated & intentional. And I believe the reason things have come out so beautifully thus far, is because it all has been organic.
When I went into the Daily Paper store that day to try on the jeans, it was great energy from the jump. I was on a specific mission, but couldn’t help but chat with the people working there. In doing so, I met Clayton & Chris Griggs who have been leading the US efforts as founders Abderrahmane Trabsini, Jefferson Osei and Hussein Suleiman are overseas.
Somehow, I got into telling them about the work I do and they appreciated it so much they offered to let me host something there. Now for those not familiar with Daily Paper (I encourage you to do some research after this), the offer was such an honor. For context, I’ve gone to Daily Paper parties while in London; my friends and I have made memories at their NYC summer kickbacks on the roof; and some of my favorite music artists have been rocking the brand over the years.
In the most authentic form, they embody culture.
So to know this event could not only be really cool, but also spotlight such a deserving brand, was a no-brainer to me. The location was a safe space to some, and an amazing new discovery for others.
Like I’ve stated since the beginning, this isn’t an average networking event. Yes, the room is filled with valuable connections, but it is about creating an environment for people to have fun and simply get to know each other as humans.
To add onto the vibes, we also had live performances by AQUTIE & DJ Hol Up — two DJs killing the Afrobeat & Amapiano scene right now.
Outside of the amazing guys at Daily Paper, this event also marked an important milestone of the first brand sponsors that came onboard.
As someone on the marketer-side of things, I know firsthand how the corporate world can unfortunately dilute a lot of efforts once you make it around the red tape. Maintaining the integrity of Social Setting has been a mandatory; as a result, I make an honest effort to only align with brands that genuinely match the ethos.
With that, I was absolutely thrilled to have Gran Coramino Tequila by Kevin Hart join as our very first liquor sponsor. With plenty of reposado & cristalino on deck, signature cocktails were passed throughout the night as everyone got to simply hang out as you would with friends.
It is also important to thank Lumanu for partnering with Social Feed for the event. I was very interested in collaborating with that team, because they truly understand the importance of streamlining the relationship between brands & influencers. Lumanu ensures that marketing teams can pay creators quickly, accurately, and efficiently. It’s a solution that solves the administrative headaches that often come with managing influencer partnerships at larger companies.
The conversations at the event underscored how important it is to nurture relationships between influencers and brands, and Lumanu plays a key part in helping marketers make sure those connections are supported in a way that allows everyone to focus on what truly matters: creating and collaborating.
With so many people getting the chance to meet, I’m excited to see what future friendships & deals come out of these events!
There is at least one more Social Setting event in the queue for this year; but until then, I look forward to staying connected with you all online!
Hoping to be considered as a guest for the next Social Setting? Be sure to follow @getsocialfeed to stay up to date on the latest. If your brand is interested in partnership of any sort, feel free to reach out via email to christina@getsocialfeed.com.