Crystal M. Brown

Building a tech-enabled company comes with a mix of different challenges, emotions, and intricacies. I embarked on the journey to innovate in the creative industry 445 days ago. A journey I knew there was no turning back from. Days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months, and nights felt like a thousand years. I met some amazing people along the way, learned some hard lessons, got beaten down, felt alone, and became stronger than ever. I burnt the midnight oil with my head constantly searching for solutions with so much conviction that one existed. Good news, We found it! Growth comes with pain, and I felt every bit of it. It’s a humbling experience, and I wish everyone gets to feel it at some point. Design Launchpad first phase is live at www.designlaunchpad.co, and now you get the opportunity to learn design from the best African Designers in the world and connect with designers right from your own comfort. We moved mountains to make this a reality. The Cherry on Top: We created three learning tiers for you so you can grow without worrying about the learning complexities of the design industry. Ready to get started Visit www.designlaunchpad.co today!

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Black creatives we can’t let society, an industry, or even your own insecurities put you in a box by limiting yourself to only selling a product/services to one specific demographic. You have much more to offer the market place!! #StaySolid Co founder of Rocafella Dame Dash, speaks on this, comment your thoughts on this 💭💭👇🏾👇🏾 #creatives #entrepreneur #blackbusiness

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Black-owned media company REVOLT has launched Black Shift, an AI-driven platform by its creative agency Six Zeros. Black Shift helps brands better understand and engage with Gen Z, particularly within the Black community.

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*heaves heavy sigh* Hi there! It’s a little weird that this is my first post on LinkedIn (EVER), even though I’ve used this platform since 2018. But as they say, it’s better late than never! Introductions first. I’m Oluwadamilola Koya (Dami for short), a content writer with 6+ years of experience. I love to open every conversation with the meaning of my name in Yoruba: “God has bestowed me with wealth”. As a child, it was always drummed into me never to forget that meaning, so I guess it’s with me now. Talk about old habits dying hard, eh? Plus, it breaks the ice quite nicely, so in case you didn’t know, you and I are friends now! Now, on to what I do— that’s content writing. But as a wise connection once put it, I prefer to call it storytelling. Why? Because with stories (and storytelling), you can do anything. I love to look at my work from the perspective of telling a story, and I believe this passion translates into the quality of my work. I come from a family that deeply cherishes storytelling. So, it's no surprise that I did this full-time, as their love for storytelling has always been a part of me. Fun fact: I didn’t always consider writing as my career path; it was initially finance. But I’ve always kept that close to me, and writing about finance is something I love to do! Speaking of my experience, I've worked with some amazing companies like NicheStack(Fortunly, DataProt, KommandoTech), Housearch, Decagon, Chaka and Quoleady, crafting content that resonates and drives results. My work has been featured on GoRemotely, Blockspot, Tampa Bay News Wire, 1000Goals & SmallBizGenius. As you may have guessed, I’ve written across various niches, namely gaming, finance, SaaS, tech, and real estate. Currently, I'm working with Carry1st as an independent contractor through its Tribe Gaming Community (and a third-party publishing partnership with IGN Africa). I also work with SimplVest, a weekly financial newsletter that provides clutter-free information on career, wealth, and life. I’m always on the lookout for the next fantastic opportunity. What matters the most to me is that my work has a meaningful impact in any capacity. But that’s a little vague, and clarity is always important. So, here’s what I’m great at: -Creating persuasive copy that drives conversions (it's in my name [LOL]) -Developing engaging content strategies. -Crafting captivating blog articles and web content. -Crafting promotional emails and engaging autoresponder series. When I'm not writing for work, you can find me lost in fiction and nonfiction, crafting stories that test my imagination as much as my readers’ (check out my personal WordPress blog, Musings of A Grouch). I also love reading, video games, the art of film (and filmmaking), and music. And that’s about it! I'm excited to be more active on LinkedIn and connect with other creatives and content enthusiasts! Feel free to reach out if you'd like to chat or have any questions.

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This month marks an entire decade since Perry Media Group first opened its doors—a milestone that only about 30% of new businesses reach, with even greater odds for Black-owned businesses. This journey has been one of resilience, vision, and community, all fueled by my deep passion for creating a space where women-owned and minority-owned businesses thrive on projects that matter. What I warmly call, "Projects with a Purpose". With tears in my eyes, I can't do it alone...One of my proudest accomplishments has been building the #Momsquad. I’ve always believed that we, as women, can do it all - nurture our children, care for our families, run the household, and still crush the biggest goals. The Momsquad, my GirlBosses, and the DadSquad have been an endless source of strength, showing me that when we come together and uplift one another, there is truly nothing we can’t achieve. These last few years, I tried really hard to keep my eye on the prize..."gotta just make it to year 10", is all I kept telling myself over and over. No matter what happens...just make it to 10! And come hell or high water...I freaking made it to 10! The challenges faced in 2024 as an entrepreneur were the hardest to date, pushing me into a complete metamorphosis—mind, body, and spirit. I had to dig deep, confront my limits, and reinvent my approach, emerging stronger, clearer, and more determined than ever. This transformation wasn’t just about surviving; it was about evolving into the leader I needed to be for Perry Media’s next chapter. And still, I rise. Period. Cheers to the next decade, filled with more growth, more impact, and more breaking barriers. For every dreamer, every builder, and everyone who defies the odds—this is just the beginning. Let's GO Perry! GirlPower! Thank you to everyone who has supported Team Perry over the past 10 years. I'm grateful to you all. #10YearAnniversary #PerryMediaGroup #BlackOwnedBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #Momsquad #CommunityFirstFund #TheEnterpriseCenter #Thankful

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SALT+LIGHT Agency | #BlackBusinessMonth Feature 02 Salt + Light Agency is a brand research and strategy agency that transcends ordinary expectation. Chief Excitement Officer Shaunda Lambert Gary created SALT+LIGHT Agency out of need and based in MATTHEW 5:13-15. Her agency witnessed the barrier of access to foundational brand-building tools for marginalized founders and lowered it. They want to provide the motivation and opportunity for entrepreneurs locally and globally to sustain and scale their business to grow generationally and create a legacy. Follow SALT+LIGHT Agency and tap into a #BlackWomanOwned agency that gets you when you’re ready! #31BlackWomanOwnedBusinesses

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As we gear up for Juneteenth, I can't help but feel extra proud of the work we do at Chroma Creators, especially when it involves empowering Black women-led organizations like the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI). 🌟 Working with BWHI They've been champions for the health and wellness of Black women and girls for over 30 years. When they came to us, they were looking to freshen up their look to keep up with the vibrant and ever-evolving energy of their audience, spanning ages 25 to 45. 🎨 The Challenge and Our Approach They told us straight up—their old branding didn't reflect the dynamic spirit they had. They were ready for a major change, something that would scream Black Girl Magic. What we created together was a complete visual identity that was as lively and bold as the women they represent. 💬 Why This Matters Doing this kind of work, helping shape how Black women see themselves in the health space, it’s close to my heart. These projects aren’t just another notch on our portfolio. They’re personal. They’re about lifting up our community and making sure our voices are heard and seen. With #Juneteenth just around the corner, it's a reminder of how essential our voices are in crafting the stories that are told about us, by us. And I’m here for it all—creating spaces that celebrate and push us forward. Here’s to more projects where we can bring our whole selves to the table and make a real impact 🖤✊🏾 #blackowned #womenowned #multiculturalmarketing #ChromaCreators

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Here's the lastest post on Embracing AI and leveraging it for growth in your business. https://lnkd.in/eiG6vaz9 #blackwomenintech #blackwomeninai #digitalart #sisterhood #digitalmovements

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The future of advertising is Black Madison Avenue: Black/of color-owned media winning clients' mainstream budgets. Black/of color-owned agencies winning clients' mainstream business, scaling and making high-value exits/acquisitions. Black/of color talent leading everywhere, and representing on the lists of the most highly-paid people in advertising. Because DEI stands for 'Driving Excessive Income', and next week at Blackweek you'll find out why. '“[People of color] are over-indexing in every aspect of consumerism globally. That warrants a prioritization of us,” Joseph Anthony said. “There is this tremendous opportunity to educate, but not alienate.” “I’ve [been asked] a lot of questions, like: ‘Can I go to Blackweek if I’m white?’” he added. “Part of the reason why we called it Blackweek is because we feel that Black culture is the most inclusive in the world… the invitation is open to everyone and anyone who wants to learn about those rich investments we make in culture and how to tap into it.” ... Walter T Geer III hopes Blackweek will come full circle, growing into an event that facilitates job opportunities, investments, and acquisitions for Black and diverse communities. “We want people to walk away from this event being inspired to do more, to activate more, and to understand the power in community and the power of bringing us to the table,” said Geer. “We represent billions of dollars of buying power.”' Rebecca Stewart ADWEEK https://lnkd.in/ew7h4Hfm #Blackweek

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PSA: Black creatives exist. Black voices and perspectives matter. There are Black professionals who are excelling in your industry. If you find yourself in a space or on a stage virtual and/or IRL or in a board room, where there are no Black people or there is only ONE token Black person, ask why? And if the answer is “we couldn’t find anyone” or there simply isn’t an answer or response to the call out—🚩🚩🚩 that’s a red flag and there is probably a need for reformation.

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Will Packer dropped some gems at AfroTech Conference and emphasized the significance of consistent execution, especially in the early stages of your journey. "I don't care if your brand is super small right now and nobody knows it but you. You make sure that everything you do is on point for that brand. First of all, you never realize how it starts to grow organically. Everytime somebody interacts with your brand, they need to have the same feeling. They need to have the same result. The execution needs to be the same, and it needs to be at a very high level because ultimately, you will be out there and it will be outside your control." Source: AfroTech #TipsFromBlackProfessionals #BlackLeadership #Motivation #BusinessAdvice

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Google TEC is an initiative from Google to elevate black leaders in the tech industry, their goal is to double the number of Black developers in tech, by 2030. As the lead creative producer, I brought them to the AFROTECH Festival, curating an analog installation for intimate, 1:1 connections and organizing an innovators' dinner that served as a roundtable for Black leaders united by a common goal. Agency Partner: Crown + Conquer

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Black beauty creators often don't get paid as much as other influencers, despite the fact that Black beauty consumers are spending over $7.4 billion annually. Something has clearly got to change! In our latest Creator Spotlight, powered by What's Trending and PRophet, I got to sit down with beauty star Golloria George who recently made headlines for her videos calling out Youthforia and rhode skin by Hailey Bieber. We explore the passion, mission and positivity that has propelled her brand to reach millions. Watch the full conversation here ▶️ https://lnkd.in/g7kj6jPj #CreatorEconomy #DigitalMarketing #InfluencerMarketing #ContentCreation #Authenticity #BrandStrategy #SocialMedia #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Innovation #BeautyEconomy

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🌱📍 Excited to Share My Journey with Black Ambition So Ambitious Accelerator 🚀 I recently wrapped up my experience with the So Ambitious Accelerator by Black Ambition, building on last year’s momentum after becoming a finalist in their HBCU Accelerator. Coming in with high hopes, it was a privilege to connect with such an inspiring group of founders, mentors, and innovators. Though I didn’t move forward this time, the experience has been invaluable in clarifying my path for Pinned Studio and where I want to focus my energy over the next year. This accelerator highlighted a unique crossroad for me – one that led me to rethink my approach to venture capital. VC funding, while transformative, often pushes businesses to scale in ways that sometimes feel at odds with my vision for Pinned. The intensity of venture capital can feel limiting, especially at this stage of my journey, and I’ve decided to take a step back for now. I’m fully open to support from investors or mentors, but I’m being mindful of how I want to grow, in ways that resonate with me and Pinned’s community. Venture capital has tremendous potential, but it’s no secret that Black founders, especially Black women and creatives, often face unique challenges within the landscape. There’s a lot of work to be done to make VC more inclusive and supportive of diverse voices. In the meantime, I’m pivoting to focus on building workshops and digital products that creative entrepreneurs can download, learn from, and apply to their own journeys. This direction feels aligned with my mission, and I’m eager to see what the next 12 months bring as I grow and scale in ways that feel authentic to both myself and my community. I’m sharing my pitch deck below for anyone interested in learning more. Please reach out if you’d like to connect or discuss ways to support Pinned’s vision 📍✨

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So what is the fundamental reason for this fail? The struggles facing Group Black and Black Owned Media stems back to Corporate America and brands continuing to undervalue and underinvest in the Black Consumer Market. From a budget standpoint “flat is the new up”. Despite the continued cultural influence and economic buying power of Black Consumers, the investment still doesn’t match up with the business results and business contribution. Are we in the midst of a 21st century version of “benign neglect”? BTW even today reach and frequency doesn’t equate to relevance.

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For those looking for funding, check out these grants from Black Women's Business Collective! #Funding #Grants #Entrepreneur #Business #SmallBusiness

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