Cher-Maine Lee’s Post

Remember the frustration of sifting through platforms that excluded your voice? I felt it deeply. Scrambling around to find a platform I could use only to be met with exclusion. When you’re from Zimbabwe there are many places that will actively not include you and this is true for many countries across the continent and the world. As a freelance writer, the dream of a social publishing platform for Black creators from across the globe burned bright. In 2019, I even started a prototype...but life, you know? Fast forward to late 2023, and a call with Adaora Oramah the founder of AMAKA Studio felt like kismet. It was like my dream had been plucked from my mind and transformed into something REAL. ✨ This year, one of my proudest moments is joining AMAKA's journey to empower Pan-African creators. From brand partnerships to onboarding first-timers, this platform is shattering barriers. Here's why AMAKA is the dream: 📣 Amplifying Black voices: It's a platform built by us, for us. Our stories deserve to be heard, loud and clear. 🤝🏾Brand Partnerships: Connect with amazing brands seeking diverse voices and perspectives. 💸 Monetization opportunities: No more hustling for pennines, AMAKA helps you turn your thoughts into profit. Earn your worth through subscriptions, creator grants. challenges, sponsored content, and more. 🤗 Supportive community: Network, collaborate, and grow alongside fellow Pan-African creators. 💃 No barriers to entry: Start your journey now, even if you have ZERO experience you own your own calendar and your content. Want to join the movement? 👀 Watch Adaora's video below for a glimpse of AMAKA's incredible future. 💥 If you’re creator, sign up now: https://bit.ly/4a89wJC Let's build this community and mission together. #Blackcreators #amakastudio #representationmatters #monetiseyourpassion #buildwithus #africaonthemap P.S. Share this post if you believe in the power of Black storytelling! P.P.S. Want to know more about my AMAKA journey? Drop a comment below! Or send me a DM!

🎨 The Dove "Real Beauty Sketches" Campaign: Bridging Perception Gaps! The Concept: A Bold Perception Challenge Dove's daring move to challenge beauty perceptions: drawing women as they see themselves versus how strangers perceive them. 👩🎨 Sketching Self-Perception: Dove's Unique Approach Dove enlisted a forensic sketch artist to bring perceptions to life. Women described themselves, leading to one set of sketches. Strangers' descriptions created another, revealing a stark contrast. 💖 Emotional Resonance: Impacting Hearts and Minds The emotional depth of the campaign struck a chord, underscoring the disparity between self-image and external perceptions. Viewers empathized, fueling widespread discussion. 🌟 Viral Triumph: Breaking the Internet Barrier The campaign went viral, reaching millions on YouTube and social media. Its powerful message spread like wildfire, captivating global audiences. ✨ Brand Reinforcement: Dove's Message of Real Beauty Dove's triumph wasn't just viral—it reinforced their brand as champions of genuine beauty, boosting self-confidence worldwide. #RealBeauty #PerceptionMatters 🚀

"Gamers, like musical artists, have powerful followings, perhaps more than other celebrities. However, whereas musicians live in a high-celebrity world, gamers and livestreamers are raw, more radical, more themselves." — Mike Indursky, Founder, HEAR ME RAW Deeply committed to building a beauty business based on the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit, skincare brand Hear Me Raw is grounded in the premise of conscience without compromise and with the mandate of being the voice and face of responsibility. https://lnkd.in/gzgknjrH #BeautyIndustry #BeautyBusiness #Beauty #Marketing #Digital #DigitalMarketing #Design #Skincare #Gaming 

Is Victoria’s Secret & Co. reimagining their iconic fashion show to include creators 🤯 If they don’t - they should! Greg Unis Beth Hagey Ariana Wilson 📞 me While it’s not something they’ve confirmed my prediction is they take a page out of Sports Illustrated ‘s book and leverage creators to get closer to their community, ignite their socials, and become more culturally relevant. The iconic fashion show is back this fall and promises more size inclusivity and diversity. The hiatus came after much controversy and now the brand realizes that making their iconic moment for the times may have a force multiplying ROI. The theme appears to be empowerment and led by women vs. made for the male gaze. If I were marketing for the brand I would do an open casting call to find at least a percentage of the models via social channels. When people feel included and some ownership they will evangelize the brand. 🙌 I would also anchor with a few creators who embody the range of beauty in different shades, shapes, and sizes. They can be the megaphone to get the open call out and create a groundswell of conversation around the reimagination - reinforcing how it will be different and that it’s not just lip service. We want to see ourselves in a brands experiences, ads, and social posts. We are all holding brands to a different standard today then we used to. They’re not calling the shots - the community is. Furthermore if the models walking, show relatable beauty it will be way more to celebrate . The thing the brand could do that disappoints the masses and most importantly the community? If they make a promise of diversity only to just scratch the surface. I’d like to see a true display of beauty in 2024. Thoughts - will this reimagination truly differ from years past? 👇👇 #influencermarketing #creatoreconomy #breakingnews

🌟 Imagine developing a game with your favorite celebrity! That's exactly what we do at DowntimeDopamine! 🎮 With massive stars, with massive followings, WE get excited about new projects and marketing becomes so much easier! 🚀 Consider Mr. Beast's Feastables or Rihanna's Fendi—these were major hits because fans couldn't wait for the next big thing. So, why not partner with a celebrity and turn your game into a huge success too? 🤩 PS: Collaborating with a celebrity could be your game-changer. Ready to explore the idea? 🌟✨ #CelebrityCollabs #GameOn #MarketingMagic #DowntimeDopamine

Fashion's Future is Authentically Brilliant -- DUST secures $40M Hellllooo fashion enthusiasts, Have you ever worried about the authenticity of that chic designer dress you rented for your big night out? Well, fret no more! DUST Identity, the guardians of genuineness, have just secured a whopping $40 million in Series B funding to expand their authenticity technology into the fashion universe. Imagine a world where every sequin and stitch on your rented gown is guaranteed genuine. That's the future DUST is stitching together and we are hyped. But wait, there's more :) DUST is also teaming up with Oxygen Esports to tackle the fake memorabilia game. They're bringing their tech A-game to ensure that every piece of merchandise is the real deal. With DUST's tech, Oxygen Esports fans can breathe easy knowing their collectibles are as authentic as their love for the game. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good win against the counterfeiters? DUST's technology isn't just about peace of mind; it's about creating a seamless connection between physical items and their digital twins. This means better tracking, tracing, and even cooler customer experiences. It's like having a backstage pass to the life story of every item you rent from Hangurs. How cool is that? So, what does this mean for you, our fabulous fashion-forward friends? It means that Hangurs is on the front row, watching and learning from innovators like DUST Identity. We're committed to bringing you the most authentic, traceable, and stylish pieces for your wardrobe. Because let's face it, in the world of fashion rentals, authenticity is always in vogue. Stay savvy and stylish by following us here at Hangurs. We're not just a fashion rentals marketplace; we're your go-to source for all things fashionably authentic. Keep your eyes peeled for more industry insights, and remember, when it comes to fashion, Hangurs has got you covered—authentically, of course! #FashionTech #AuthenticityInStyle #Hangurs #RentalRevolution #SeriesBFunding #HangursInsights

🍉🥝 Since the launch of Tower 28 Beauty, Inc. LipSoftie, I've been brewing up a concept for a short fun video, spotlighting my favorite LipSoftie shade - Watermelon Kiwi. 🎥💄 I'm beyond excited to share the final video! I aimed for a concept that stays true to Tower 28 Beauty, Inc. vibe yet exudes an effortless, iPhone-captured aesthetic which I've noticed is gaining more popularity among beauty brands on social media lately. #Tower28beauty #SocialMediaContent #CreativeStrategies #Contnet #MarketingCampaign #beauty

I was recently drawn into the super fan universe with my tween daughter who attended a Taylor Swift concert, and wow, was it an eye-opener. Seeing Swifties from Melbourne to Tokyo immerse themselves in fandom, I finally understood what this phenomenon means beyond sports clubs. For brands aiming to resonate with these communities, keeping it real is everything. In the Asia Pacific, where 60% of the world's youth calls home, being a super fan isn't just a hobby; it's part of who you are. Given that 56% of Gen Z and millennials view their preferred brands as extensions of their identity, there's a golden chance for brands to forge impactful connections through authentic engagement and cultural fluency. Here’s a quick brand guide for connecting with Super Fans: - Honour and echo the community's essence. - Immerse in the culture. - Craft authentic, impactful experiences. - Engage genuinely and consistently. A word of caution: Super fans have this uncanny ability to sniff out anything that feels off, instantly calling out brands that miss the mark. Aim to be more than just a passerby in their world to lock in enduring brand love. What's your take on this? Have you seen brands successfully become part of a super fan community, or perhaps the opposite? Image courtesy of Midjourney #GenZ #SuperFans #BrandConnection

🥩 "Meat" by Nike is a wonderfully bizarre tale of ingenuity and boldness, soaked in soccer culture and a LOT of blood. (dropping the ad link in the comments 😉) Let's break this down 📝 Script 🥩 A kid enters the kitchen, takes raw steak, squeezes blood onto a soccer ball. Outside, the kid sets the ball down, waits. Neighborhood dogs smell the "meat-ball," chase. The kid runs with the ball like he’s in the World Cup. Storytelling Elements 🥩 There’s minimal branding until the last seconds. It adds authenticity. It doesn’t throw the audience off. It sparks curiosity (what is this for?). The setting and casting creates a universal feel. There are many neighborhoods where this could have happened. Only the story dictates the pace. It’s devoid from unnecessary flair, making us feel that the boy is legit. “Kom, Adolfina Kom, Adolfina” is such an odd and perfect music choice. A Swedish folk song where the lyrics mirror the kid’s joy and anticipation. Why is it next-level? 🥩 The kid did what?? For millions of real kids, that's just another day at the office. Turning a disadvantage into an asset. There are countless soccer stars that had humble beginnings and needed to improvise to play...like Pelé used to stuff a sock with newspaper to use as a ball. If smearing blood on a ball to make dogs chase them would make them better, they would do it. To improvise is to speak about one of the essences of the game. That’s what this is about. Kids carrying a ball on their feet. Without a pitch, players, or even a ball. How are we feeling about this one? #soccerlife #ads #sportscontent #soccer #football #creative #storytelling

Remember when Supreme drops caused riots? Those days are over. Streetwear culture has gone from hype & exclusivity. → To authenticity & community. Noah NY, founded by ex-Supreme creative director Brendon Babenzien, is leading the charge 🫡 They’re not just selling clothes. They’re fostering a cultural movement. Their focus on: ✅ Ethical sourcing ✅ Social responsibility ✅ Environmental causes ... resonates with Gen Z consumers who demand more than just style 🌍 But Noah NY goes deeper. Their collections tell stories, drawing inspiration from skateboarding, surfing & other subcultures. They're building a community. Not just a customer base 🤙 Creating a sense of belonging among their audiences. As consumers get smarter, we're seeing a clear shift: Hype fades. Authenticity lasts. What’s your take?👇 *** 💚 If you found this interesting. ♻️ Repost to share with your network. ✅ Follow me, Jolyon for all things creativity, culture & content.