Jayde Powell Celebrates Small Business Month with Mailchimp and QuickBooks
Jayde I. Powell teams up with Mailchimp and QuickBooks to surprise one of her favorite small businesses with $1000.
Brooklyn, NY — May is nationally recognized as Small Business Month—a time to uplift the entrepreneurs whose passion, resilience, and hard work fuel our communities. Small businesses are more than just local shops—they are economic engines, job creators, and cultural cornerstones. Every time we choose to support a small business, we’re investing in the identity and vibrancy of the neighborhoods we call home.
“As an entrepreneur, I’ve always been drawn to the intimacy and authenticity of small businesses. Whether it’s a cozy cafe, a neighborhood restaurant, or a boutique tea shop, these spaces often feel like safe havens. And when that business happens to be Black-owned, I’m even more inclined to show my support. It’s about community, culture, and connection.
That’s why I was honored to team up with Mailchimp and QuickBooks through their Small Business Hero program. As part of the initiative, I was given the opportunity to support a small business that I love. With $1,000 to give back, I knew exactly who I wanted to support: Hibiscus Brew, a Black-woman-owned cafe in Brooklyn.”
Hibiscus Brew is the brainchild of Allison Dunn, who bravely opened the cafe during the pandemic in the summer of 2020. For Allison, it was about more than just coffee or smoothies; it was about creating a space where inspiration and conversation could flourish, where nourishment was served not just for the body but also for the mind and spirit.
Deeply inspired by her Jamaican roots, Allison infused the essence of the Caribbean into every corner of Hibiscus Brew. From handcrafted tartine sandwiches to matcha and chai lattes, to their signature sorrel drinks and smoothies—the menu is a reflection of island culture, bold flavor, and vibrant wellness. It’s a place where the warmth of community is as present as the aroma of fresh hibiscus tea.
“What truly sets Hibiscus Brew apart, and why I chose to champion this business, is Allison’s unwavering commitment to bringing wellness to the community of Brooklyn. Not only does she support other local businesses, but they also source high-quality hibiscus flowers from ethical farmers, ensuring their impact is as sustainable as it is flavorful.
Being a Jamaican-American woman myself, putting the spotlight on Hisbiscus Brew felt important, knowing the significance and history of the hibsicus plant. Sorrel is an important part of Jamaican culture, so to support a Brooklyn-based, Black-woman-owned business that sells the drink gives me a great sense of pride.”
If you’re ever in Brooklyn, make a stop at Hibiscus Brew. You’ll find more than a great smoothie—you’ll find heart, history, and a whole lot of soul.
Jayde I. Powell Hosts Day 2 of Adweek Social Media Week
Jayde I. Powell takes the stage during Adweek’s annual Social Media Week conference, but this time as their Day 2 hostess.
New York, NY — Last week, social creative director and strategist Jayde I. Powell held the incredible honor of serving as a host and emcee of day 2 at Adweek Social Media Week 2025 in New York City. It was a true full-circle moment after appearing as a panelist at last year's event. This milestone was made even more meaningful, noting that this was the first year Adweek introduced dedicated hosts for each day of the three-day conference.
Attendees of this year's Social Media Week gathered to network and learn from some of the industry's most notable creatives and social media professionals, including comedian, actress, and writer Sabrina Brier, creator Evelyn Ha, and celebrity creator Jordan Howlett. A few of the session workshops from day two included “Leveraging Your ROI as an Influencer", “The Art of Partnership”, and “The Evolution of Sharing Your Progress on Social.” Adweek also brought together top marketing minds with speakers and executives from powerhouse brands, including Danielle Ito, Influencer Marketing Manager at Notion, Jen Mahajan, Brand Partnerships Lead at YouTube, Hassan Ali, Senior Director of Brand Creative and PR at Hootsuite, Bridget Evans, Global Head of Business Marketing at Spotify, Lucy Kemmitz, and Senior Director of Social Media at Marriott Bonvoy. The main stage also featured influential voices in the creator economy, including Kordell Beckham from the hit Peacock series Love Island, actor and host Kalen Allen, Brooklyn-based creator Miranda Sanchez, and more.
Jayde kicked off the morning by setting a positive tone with affirmations and kept the energy high throughout a full day of programming focused on the ever-evolving landscape of social media trends, content creation, and digital strategy. A few of the affirmations Jayde shared with the audience included:
“My worth is not tied to likes, comments, or shares.”
“My impact can be felt on social media and beyond.”
“I will celebrate my wins both big and small.”
There were numerous takeaways and insightful thoughts on how the overall playbook of social media has progressed and changed over the last several years, and it goes without saying that the brands doing their most impactful marketing are leading with social, first.
To know what’s next for appearances and other conferences featuring Jayde, subscribe to her newsletter or follow her on LinkedIn.
Social Media Leaders Gather in Orlando for Ragan Communications & PR Daily’s Annual Conference
Jayde I. Powell takes the stage with social media executives from John Deere, Grammarly, and LinkedIn at Ragan Communications and PR Daily’s social media conference in Orlando.
Orlando, FL — Over 400 social media professionals from across the country came together in late March for Ragan Communications & PR Daily’s two-day social media conference. The event offered an effective mix of thoughtful leadership, deep dives on best practice social media strategies, and real conversations about the future of social media marketing.
Bringing her humor and warmth to the stage, the conference was hosted and emceed by social media strategist and creatorpreneur Jayde I. Powell, who led attendees through two packed days of programming. Jayde kicked off the event by sharing some affirmations for creative hotties and introducing several prominent keynote speakers, such as Victoria Lozano, executive vice president of brand marketing at Crayola, and Eder Reynoso, former social media manager of Sesame Workshop.
One of the standout moments throughout the weekend’s events was the keynote panel, ‘How We Got Here: Finding Your Seat in the Social Media C-suite”, ' which Jayde moderated. Panelists for the discussion included Adu Adu of Grammarly, Santi Pochat from LinkedIn, and Meghan Anhalt of the brand John Deere, who shared thoughtful insights on navigating career paths in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
In addition to the keynote panel, jayde hosted a live episode of #CreatorTeaTalk with Nicole Phillip, content creator and fellow social media professional. During the session, “The Tea On DE&I in Social Media” sparked candid dialogue about how the rollback of DE&I has impacted the social media industry, highlighting both progress made and challenges that steadily remain. Jayde and Nicole broke down the real impact of these rollbacks, the risks brands take when deprioritizing DEI, and how social media professionals can continue pushing for diverse representation and ensure that inclusivity remains a core part of their work. The discussion posed some great questions from Jayde: "How can brands and platforms do a better job of ensuring black creators receive proper recognition—and, just as importantly, compensation—for the trends they start?”
From personal stories to professional growth, the conference brought together a community of like-minded peers that will shape the future of social media for years to come.
To know what’s next for upcoming events and appearances featuring Jayde, subscribe to her newsletter or follow her on LinkedIn.
The Ultimate Creator Meetup Happens During CREATORPALOOZA at SXSW
Jayde I. Powell takes the stage with Teachable, Creator Economy NYC, and more during SXSW.
Austin, TX — During the bustling week of SXSW, creators and innovators gathered to attend CREATORPALOOZA, a dynamic event celebrating the ever-evolving creator economy. Co-hosted by Teachable, alongside several other prominent brands, the event carved out space for creative entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and amplify their impact outside the official SXSW schedule.
The event kicked off in the early afternoon for attendees, and an array of cocktails were flowing along with delicious Texas cuisine to keep creators energized and ready to enjoy the day full of networking and good vibes.
One of the event’s highlights was a featured panel moderated by Brett Dashevsky, founder of Creator Economy NYC, that brought together influential voices from across the digital landscape. One of the notable panels included a sit-down with LinkedIn influencer and social strategist Jayde I. Powell, Hannah Doyle of Publish Press, Olivia Owens, creator partnerships lead at Teachable, and creator Colin Rocker, discussing the topic of why smaller, committed audiences work better when working to build engaged communities that drive revenue as a creator, or better yet, a business creator.
A few of the questions asked during this particular panel included “How has your personal definition of 'audience success' evolved since you started creating?” and “What signals or behaviors help you identify who your true fans actually are?”
Panelists engaged in thoughtful dialogue around key topics, including monetization strategies, platform trends, and the importance of community building in sustaining creative careers. The discussion was grounded in the lived experiences of working creators and offered actionable insights for attendees navigating the complex ecosystem of digital content.
CREATORPALOOZA leveraged the festival’s energy to offer an alternative space where creators could thrive on their own terms. The creators themselves continue to drive culture forward, and that’s some real tea if we’re being honest.
To know what’s next for upcoming events and appearances featuring Jayde, subscribe to her newsletter or follow her on LinkedIn.
Jayde I. Powell Chats With The Experts During Creator Economy Live
Jayde I. Powell gets the tea from creator economy professionals during Creator Economy Live in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas, NV — In a powerful display of community and culture, social strategist Jayde I. Powell brought the energy of #CreatorTeaTalk from URL to IRL to host a standout experience at this year’s Creator Economy Live in early February. The event brought together a dynamic mix of industry leaders, influencers, and marketing professionals to unpack the latest trends, insights, and hot takes in the ever-evolving world of influencer marketing.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Love Island diary room, the centerpiece of the event was a podcast-style activation featuring a series of candid, on-camera “Creator Confessionals” that encouraged raw and insightful conversations. Industry professionals from brands like Fenty Beauty, PepsiCo, and Sprout Social stepped into the booth to share their unfiltered thoughts on the future of influence, authenticity, and brand alignment.
Standout quotes from the Creator Confessionals include:
“Do you and be you. The more you can ‘do you,’ the better off you’ll be.” — Yasmine Parrish, Global Director of Influencer Marketing, Fenty Beauty
“Forget the likes, forget the engagement, and just create the content you want to make.” — Jazmin Griffith, Social Analyst at PepsiCo and Lifestyle Creator
“Finding the perfect match between a brand and a creator is so important.” — Greg Rokisky, Sr. Social Media Strategist, Sprout Social
“Vibes are good, but brand DNA should match the creator DNA.” — Keith Bendes, VP of Strategy, Linqia
“Being authentic means you have to overcome cringe mountain. You have to put yourself out there.” — AJ Eckstein, Founder & CEO, Creator Match
“At the end of the day, be proud of the work you’re doing.” — Gigi Robinson, Creator & Entrepreneur
“Stop gatekeeping your actual thoughts. Shake the table a little bit—it can reward you.” — Tiff Knighten, Founder & PR Consultant, Brand Curators
“You don’t need a million followers, just 1,000 people that will ride-or-die for you. All you need is 1,000 people who will support you.” — Vin Mantano, Creator & Founder of Creator Buzz
“Adapt to how audiences consume content—don’t fight it.” — Nathan Jun Poekert, Chief Marketing Officer, General Idea
The Creator Confessionals booth was more than just an activation—it was a declaration that the future of the creator economy lies in authenticity, meaningful partnerships, and unapologetic self-expression.
For more insights and updates on upcoming #CreatorTeaTalk events, subscribe to Jayde’s newsletter and follow her journey on social media.
Sprout Social and #CreatorTeaTalk Host Exclusive Creator Dinner at Creator Economy Live Las Vegas
Jayde I. Powell, creator and host of #CreatorTeaTalk, partnered with Sprout Social to host an exclusive VIP Creator Dinner during Creator Economy Live at Yardbird Table & Bar in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas, NV — Jayde I. Powell, creator and host of #CreatorTeaTalk, partnered with Sprout Social to host an exclusive VIP Creator Dinner during Creator Economy Live at Yardbird Table & Bar in Las Vegas. The dinner gathered top creators, influencers, and industry experts driving conversations and impact in the creator economy—many known for making their mark on LinkedIn, or as Jayde calls it, “the briefcase app”.
Jayde created the dinner to move the creator economy conversations offline—bringing people together not just to network but to connect, swap stories, and build community over a classic southern meal and peach sweet tea.
“Two years ago, I launched #CreatorTeaTalk as a space to talk candidly about the creator economy. Hosting this dinner felt like a full-circle moment,” said Powell. “Breaking bread with some of the sharpest minds in this space reminded me why these conversations—and this community—matter so much.”
The event offered creators and marketers a rare moment to step away from the noise, share real insights, and talk shop about what it means to build in this industry.
For updates on future #CreatorTeaTalk gatherings and events, subscribe to Jayde’s newsletter or follow along on social.
Photography provided by Makayla Moser of MacMo Photo & Co
Atlanta's Next Generation of Creatives Connect for an Exclusive Adobe Event
Jayde I. Powell teams up with Adobe to usher in Atlanta's next generation of creatives.
Atlanta, GA — Atlanta’s vibrant creative community came together for an exclusive networking event at Miami Ad School in Atlanta’s entrepreneurial epicenter of Midtown. Designed to empower the next generation of industry leaders, the event welcomed a dynamic group of young creatives, including designers, copywriters, photographers, and content creators.
Hosted by Aaliyah Taylor, senior community events manager at Adobe, the event provided attendees a unique opportunity to showcase their portfolios and creative projects during 20-minute review sessions with seasoned industry professionals. These one-on-one meetings offered valuable insights and actionable feedback, helping students refine their work and prepare for future opportunities.
In addition to portfolio reviews, guests participated in a fireside panel discussion focused on navigating today’s creative landscape. Panelists included Jayde I. Powell, social strategist and content creator; Caesar Arvelo, senior graphic designer at Hasbro; and Qori B., art director and graphic designer. The conversation emphasized the growing importance of being a “multi-hyphenate” — a creative professional who masters multiple disciplines in an ever-evolving industry.
Students and emerging creatives engaged in thoughtful conversations throughout the event, forging meaningful connections within Adobe’s vibrant community. It truly was an event that highlighted the critical role collaboration, adaptability, and community play in shaping the future of creative industries.
To know what’s next for upcoming events and appearances featuring Jayde, subscribe to her newsletter or follow her on LinkedIn.
Teachable and #CreatorTeaTalk Kick Off 2025 with Atlanta Creators Meetup
Teachable teams up with #CreatorTeaTalk and Your Social Team to kick off the new year with over 100 creators.
Atlanta, GA — Despite an unexpected snowfall, over 100 creators and marketers gathered at Hothouse’s office for the Atlanta Creators Meetup, an in-person networking event hosted by #CreatorTeaTalk, Teachable, and Your Social Team. The event, held in mid-January, served as an opportunity for players in the creator economy to connect, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships.
The meetup featured a moderated panel discussion led by Olivia Owens, creator partnerships manager at Teachable, with insights from Jayde I. Powell, creator and host of #CreatorTeaTalk, and Manu Morano, founder of Your Social Team. The conversation covered key topics such as navigating the creator economy, fostering authentic professional connections, and strategies for sustainable success in digital content creation. Attendees also enjoyed a curated selection of food from local Atlanta favorite Mellow Mushroom, adding to the evening’s warm and inviting atmosphere.
The Atlanta Creators Meetup was a great success, thanks to Teachable, Your Social Team, and Atlanta’s vibrant creator community, and it marked the first in-person event of the year for #CreatorTeaTalk, setting the tone for future gatherings.
Photography provided by Katie of KVC Photography.