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In 2018, I founded Blink Social, a social network designed to serve as a platform for black creators to showcase their talents, culture, and share their stories in a positive light. Our primary goal was to create a strong community in Los Angeles and highlight non-traditional stories, offering a refreshing and positive perspective on black culture beyond the realms of sports and entertainment.
To achieve this, we began by producing video series and organizing events. I led a small but dedicated team of two videographers and editors, taking on multiple roles myself. I wrote content, produced, scouted talent, and edited videos, which we shared on Instagram and YouTube. Additionally, I utilized my graphic design skills to create promotional flyers and materials for our projects.
In our first year, we launched two successful series: "The BS Ride" and "Are You Invited." "The BS Ride" was a podcast filmed in a car, where we discussed various aspects of millennial life in Los Angeles. "Are You Invited" was a history trivia game that engaged the public with questions about Black History and Culture.
Building on our initial success, 2019 saw the introduction of another series called "Sands Vs Food," where we explored different black-owned food establishments in LA. I was deeply involved in writing, producing, and assisting in editing all of our content, ensuring a consistent quality and engaging narrative.
We also began hosting in-person events, such as "The Perfect Mix" and "Are You Invited to the Cookout." These events helped us foster a deeper connection with our community and expand our reach.
The global pandemic in 2020 brought significant challenges, forcing us to pivot away from in-person events and video shoots. Despite these obstacles, we remained committed to our mission of promoting positivity within the black community.
We transitioned to virtual events with "Blinkedin," day-long events streamed on YouTube. We invited black professionals from various fields, including real estate, health and wellness, politics, and gun safety, to share their expertise. Our team grew to five members, reflecting our expanding scope and ambition.
This led to the creation of "In My Zone," an online series streamed on Twitch and YouTube, where we invited these professionals to discuss their backgrounds and offerings. This initiative evolved into Blink Social University (BSU) and the Blink Social Marketplace. At BSU, creators developed courses on various disciplines, including social media management and visual branding.
To support the development of our new initiatives, we launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. Returning to our roots, we produced "Are You Invited to LA" and "Are You Invited to Howard" shirts, listing black-owned businesses in LA and Howard University as a way to give back to our community. The campaign was a resounding success, raising over $12,000.
Through Blink Social, I successfully built a vibrant community and led a team dedicated to showcasing the positive aspects of black culture. Despite the challenges, including the need to pivot during a global pandemic, we stayed true to our mission. Blink Social stands as a testament to the power of community, creativity, and resilience, and I am proud to have been at the helm of such a transformative journey.
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