Black Girl Fest Studios’ Post

Did you know that the Black American community has a combined purchasing power of over $1.6 trillion? A core part of our 2023 strategy was strengthening the US community and understanding what they wanted from us. Rather than guess, we did what we do best and asked our stateside AMAKA Studio community. Leveraging our history of amplifying stories for Black women, by Black creators, we surveyed over 600 Black women based in the U.S. and curated an exclusive report, "Black Women in the United States," offering a profound understanding of the nuanced needs and preferences of this dynamic demographic. What's Inside: *Insights into the US Black women market and their unique needs. *Practical tips for culturally relevant marketing and communication. *Strategies to build trust and forge authentic connections. *Key takeaways for effective and diverse creator led content. In true AMAKA fashion, we’ve done all the leg work for you and we'd rather not gate-keep so we've opted to share these actionable insights for free. Let me know your thoughts and happy reading! Download the Report: https://bit.ly/3O0r0OC Beautiful report design by Sara Biatchinyi, one of our talented creators.

The power of Black women in Hollywood must be celebrated, recognized, and appreciated for their immense talent, resilience, and significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Black women have defied societal barriers and stereotypes, breaking through glass ceilings and paving the way for future generations. Their performances have captivated audiences, delivering powerful and nuanced portrayals that touch the hearts and minds of viewers. Through their artistry, Black women have brought to life complex and diverse characters, challenging the limited narratives that have often overshadowed their voices. Moreover, Black women in Hollywood have been leaders and trailblazers, both on and off the screen. They have used their platforms to advocate for social justice, equality, and representation. Their voices have amplified the call for change and have sparked meaningful conversations about diversity, inclusion, and the need for authentic representation in the entertainment industry. The power of Black women in Hollywood must be celebrated because it is through their talent and tenacity that we witness the beauty of diversity and the richness of storytelling. Their presence on the big screen not only entertains but also educates and inspires, giving a voice to the voiceless and shining a light on issues that deserve attention. It is crucial to recognize and appreciate the contributions of Black women in Hollywood as they have paved the way for future generations, opening doors and breaking down once insurmountable barriers. Their achievements serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment for aspiring artists, proving that dreams can be achieved regardless of race or gender. Let us celebrate the power of Black women in Hollywood by championing their work, amplifying their voices, and supporting their endeavors. By doing so, we contribute to a more inclusive and diverse industry where the contributions of all individuals are recognized and valued. In summary, the power of Black women in Hollywood must be celebrated, recognized, and appreciated for their talent, resilience, and significant impact on the industry. Their voices, stories, and achievements have enriched the entertainment world, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations. Thank you from the house of Max and Annie. CEO Pete Van, Jr Margret’s Mumbling is what Ted Talks never thought about because it is a company that celebrates Royal women.

As National CROWN Day ends, I reflect on a pivotal moment in my academic journey - defending my dissertation nearly a decade ago. CROWN Day reminds us to celebrate the diversity and beauty of Black hair in all its forms and to continue challenging and dismantling prejudices that seek to undermine our confidence and self-worth. My dissertation, titled "#teamlightskin #teamdarkskin #teamnatural #teamrelaxed: Black women's experiences of skin hue and hair politics in college," remains deeply significant to me and, undoubtedly, to the ongoing discourse surrounding Black women's beauty standards and identity. In my research, I delved into the intricate politics of skin hue and hair texture among Black women in college, exploring how these factors influenced their social, emotional, and psychological wellbeing. The insights gained from the brave women who shared their stories underscored the persistent challenges and societal pressures Black women face regarding their physical appearance. At the time, a faculty member told me this research wouldn't take me far in academia. This is a prime example of how everyone's path isn't the same, and what's for me is for me! Colorism, hairism, and texturism are a few of many topics we cover on the BLACK in One Piece™ podcast. If you haven't already, check it out at https://lnkd.in/gyQ7v7c3, and let’s continue to wear our crowns with pride. #CrownDay #BLACKinOnePiece

This post is NOT about Black men... We just ran a survey on our Vonza platform and found a stunning statistics: - 71% of Black creators on our Vonza platform are Black women. Also... - 70% of More Black women go to church than black men. 82% of More black women start their business than black men. More Black women earn advance degrees (Masters and Phd) than black men. More black women entrepreneurs will attend business seminars and Masterminds than black men. What happened to black men? Why are black men not leading in this context and starting more online busineses? Where are the Black men creators at? Note::::: This post is NOT to talk down on black men and its not about race either. I am looking for answers so we can find solutions.

Today is Black Girl Day Off, an annual day to celebrate and empower Black women through radical self-care. It was created by Sadé Parquet, founder of Black Girl Healing, as a time for Black women and girls to prioritize relaxation and rejuvenation. The inspiration behind Black Girl Day Off recognizes that Black women often face high rates of stress and burnout. We tend to take on heavy emotional labor at work and at home while struggling with a lack of support or resources. This dedicated day of reflection encourages us to slow down, disconnect, and focus on our personal well-being. So how can we individually observe Black Girl Day Off? Here are some self-care ideas: ◾ Sleep in late, ditch the alarm clock for a day. Catch up on rest. ◾ Take personal time off work and minimize digital distractions. Don't check emails or Slack. ◾ Treat yourself to breakfast in bed, a soothing bath, or lazy morning routines. ◾ Spend time outdoors enjoying nature, whether hiking, gardening, or just sitting in the park. ◾ Indulge in reading, writing, crafting, or other hobbies that spark creativity. ◾ Cook a nourishing meal just for you or visit your favorite restaurant. ◾ Listen to uplifting podcasts, music, or inspirational audiobooks. ◾ Journal, meditate or practice yoga to calm the mind. This Black Girl Day Off, I'll be unplugging from work and social media to soak in some much-needed me-time. How will you observe for your own self-care? The most important act is simply taking the space to acknowledge your needs. You deserve it!

“I eat ‘no’ for breakfast” Thank you, Vice President Kamala Harris, for this statement that is so true for women, even more so for women of color and who are Black. This experience is, bar none, a reality for many of us. And the fact that you were able to put it so simply at the Black ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans was the perfect time, place, and moment to share this with the world. I have been told I couldn’t be many things: I was too tall, too short, too “white acting,” too black, not “Black” enough, too direct, too loud, too soft, too confident, not pretty enough, and so many other things that I didn't need to hear growing up. However, seeing you and hearing you say those words was like a breath of fresh air for me. * I want to be a business professional. Yes * I want to own my own business. Yes, twice. * I will help my daughter beat cancer stage 4. The odds are not in her favor. God says, Yes * I want to help people better understand their healthcare. Yes * I want to help people better understand how to get pharmaceuticals that help them get the right and better treatment options for their condition. Yes * I want to help Black women who have to relocate for opportunities, resources, marriage, divorce, military, lack of resources, etc., through an app that is accessible 24/7. Yes * I want to help Black women better understand who they are so that they can help themselves and their children. Yes * I want to help Black teachers tutor Black students who may be struggling with their studies and overcome their disabilities that tell them “No.” Yes * I want to own a digital magazine for Black women who are making a change in the world and aren’t celebrities. Yes * I want to start a Podcast that catapults everyday Black women and stories to new heights. Yes * I want to do my best to help the maternal mortality rate of Black women. Yes * I want to support my village. Yes

August is loaded with opportunities to engage your audience! 🎉 Spotlight powerful female founders, celebrate World Photo Day, promote Black Business Month, and more. Save these content ideas to reference later. 🫶 Grab the calendar prompts and hashtags here: https://lnkd.in/g8Ex3VV6 #contentideas #contentstrategytips #contentplanning

So many impressionable insights from Friday’s #IntentionalConversations #Vodcast that featured Dana Patterson. Here are a few takeaways: ✔️When we start to talk about other’s identities, people can feel that there isn’t room for their own identity to show up in society, but we were created to be in our own spaces. ✔️We must be mindful that people are multi-dimensional beings, we are not flat beings. ✔️”Divorcing the Doctor” Dr. Patterson examines how Black women navigate the doctoral experience, which can be a very lonely process. It features research that shows how women benefit from mentoring relationships (traditional and nontraditional). ✔️ We have to share our truth, be willing to share our story in the effort to support other Black women on the doctoral journey. ✔️It is important and necessary for Black women to show up in academic spaces. ✔️Higher education is very greedy, it will take all the time and energy you’re willing to give. It is important that Black women know all of the weight that comes with this and practice radical self-care. ✔️Showing up authentically - more Black women are embracing their natural beauty, their dance, the way they articulate themselves and present themselves and are not willing to have that be silenced or diminished by anyone! ✔️”My degree doesn’t belong to me, it belongs to my people.”The work we are doing doesn’t just belong to us, it changes the trajectory of generations. Our ancestors dreamed of this moment. ✔️If you have a platform, don’t be selfish about that platform, but use it to amplify other’s voices. ✔️Academic spoken word gave a new way to shine light on inadequacies in higher education. You can catch the full replay via link in comments. You can also register for FREE for upcoming weekly #intentionalconversations Vodcast via the link in comments or catch us here LIVE on #LinkedIn every Friday 11 am EST.

When I started building AMAKA, finding tangible insights about Black women in Africa and the diaspora was so tough. The secondary data was scarce. I conducted several interviews myself (and with my sisters LOL) to help fill the gap. I promised myself that once I launched AMAKA I would dedicate time to executing annual consumer reports to help small businesses like AMAKA access a wider range of data on diverse audiences. Our community has grown to over 45,000 subscribers and followers across email and socials, and we've teamed up with the world's top brands. That's because we've been all about leveraging data to create campaigns and stories that connect with this community. That's why we rolled out "Black Women in the U.S.: Navigating Dual Cultures and Shaping Futures." We gathered insights from over 600 Black women in the US, diving deep into culture and consumer trends. While I think this should resonate with all marketers, I think it's especially beneficial for up-and-coming beauty and lifestyle businesses looking to get closer to Black women and to build more solid social campaigns and marketing plans. Check out the report here: https://lnkd.in/db36pcxf Of course, if you'd like to connect and learn more about AMAKA, please feel free to DM me :)

August is Black Business month and it would be remiss of me not to shamelessly plug my business Early Affirmation Dolls. Early Affirmation Dolls are premium dolls with a voice box that speaks positive affirmations. Kyya, our first doll, says I’m Beautiful, I’m Smart, I’m Strong, I’m going to change the world! Did you know that in 2021, a "More Than Dolls" study explored diversity in the doll category and which considerations impact parents purchasing decisions. 66% of black and hispanic moms said they go out their way to buy brands that are working towards being more inclusive. The study also found that 52% of Black Moms and 49% of Hispanic moms said there aren't enough dolls that reflect their race/ethnicity. Finally the last thing I will highlight from the study is the majority (53%) of moms surveyed said there aren't enough dolls that represent strong and positive role models from Asians, Black and Hispanic communities. At Early Affirmation Dolls we uplift our future leaders and promote positivity, self confidence and authenticity. We believe in affirming children early and often (hence Early Affirmations). Although you see more black dolls when you browse the toy aisle in a retail store, representation is still needed for our Community and I couldn't be more proud to be part of that representation for young girls so that they see themselves when they look at my doll. My goal is "Make an Income while making an Impact", so please support small unique black businesses like Early Affirmation Dolls. To purchase Kyya please visit our website at https://lnkd.in/garZ6gQ9 Please watch our commercial below.