We’re celebrating Social Native creators with our new series: The Creator Journey.
Celebrating Black Creators
The creator economy is on track to reach $104.2 billion in 2022. Millions of creators are launching careers through storytelling that empowers and educates others on and off social media. As Black History Month comes to a close, we want to spotlight a few of our top Black creators on Instagram who are cultivating communities through their authentic perspectives. We hope to support their impact online by highlighting their experiences and amplifying their voices as creators.
JOlie DG Benoit is an influential creator, fashionista, entrepreneur, and mother. Jolie’s vibrant approach to family and fashion content has caught the attention of major brands like Eucerin, Oreo, Zales, and Dole. Her 323,000 followers tune in for her adorable family shots, colorful fashion looks, and down-to-earth lifestyle content.
Q: What led you to become a creator?
The creative freedom of working with amazing brands while still being able to run my business from the comfort of my home.
Q: What’s the most difficult thing you’ve encountered or had to overcome in your journey of being a creator?
Unfortunately, there are not a lot of opportunities given to Black creators. The challenge of booking work can be very scarce.
Q: Name three Black creators whose art or content inspires you:
@socalbeachfit, @akinyiobala, @thefashionablenurse
Q: As a successful boutique owner, what is one piece of advice you can give to other Black-owned businesses?
Consistency is key. Don’t give up simply because it’s hard or challenging. Knock on every opportunity, try different angles, and always be open to learn more. I’ve learned that there are things that I know, things that I don’t know and things that I don’t know that I don’t know. So my ears are always open to learn more.
Justin Chambers is a California-based content creator, filmmaker, model and father. Justin’s creative aesthetic has landed him over 460 partnerships with brands like Cetaphil, The Vitamin Shoppe, Coca-Cola and many more. Justin is a powerful micro-influencer on Instagram where he entertains 15,000 Instagram followers.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would like to give aspiring creators?
There is so much opportunity out there and it’s never too late to start.
Q: How do you juggle between creating professional content and your personal Influencer content? Is there one you prefer more?
It’s all about time management, determination and motivation to reach new levels within your goals. Professional and Influencer content are one in the same for me. In today’s market you are a brand just as much as your work is. So my personal influencer content is a product of my professional content, I use them both to help grow me as an artist and train my talent in different ways for the same goal.
Q: Is there a particular Black creator you get inspiration from?
All of them, I’m just inspired every time I see the culture creating things… Such unique voices. I wish we had more opportunities to express them.
Q: What is your favorite campaign that you have worked on with Social Native and why?
Oh my gosh, there have been so many, I don’t even know where to begin. Off the top of my head Make Up For Ever. Because we got to fly to NY and I actually got to work with the Social Native team in person. Which mind you I’d love to do more of that. I think we make a good team (wink).
Morgie Mone is a Houston-based content creator who is not afraid to be vulnerable with her audience of 38,000 Instagram followers. The successful plus-size model initiates sincere conversations by sharing intimate family moments and genuine life advice. Her authentic approach to motherhood and lifestyle content has landed her campaigns with King’s Hawaiian, The Barrel Room, and Elemis to name a few.
