We at CLEVER are celebrating Black History Month this year by honoring and amplifying Black creators in the influencer marketing space. Four CLEVER creators have partnered with us to publish our first-ever Black History Month blog series. These posts are intended to provide insight into how the influencer industry can support Black creators this February and throughout the year.
We’re excited to welcome Jewels Rhode of travelJewels to our blog this week!
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Follow Jewels at:
Blog: https://www.traveljewels.net/
Instagram: @_traveljewels_
Facebook: @travelJewels16
YouTube: travelJewels
Pinterest: traveljewels16
I’m Jewels Rhode, a Digital Content Creator at travelJewels, a blog that inspires people to live a full life through travel and wellness. I’m based in Atlanta, GA. I’ve been a content creator for almost 5 years now. I started travelJewels in 2016 after struggling to find a job in my field post-Graduate School. During that tough period, I decided if the world wasn’t going to give me any opportunities I would create them myself. From there, travelJewels was born and because life is a big jokester, I received a job offer in Public Health right when I launched. I currently manage my blog and work full-time in Public Health.
As a Black influencer, what message do you want brands and the influencer marketing industry to hear loud and clear? What are your hopes for the future?
I want brands and the influencer marketing industry to know that there is a plethora of incredible Black Content Creators. Seek and you shall find.
What is your advice for brands who want to continue to celebrate Black History beyond the month of February?
My advice for brands who want to continue to celebrate Black History beyond the month of February is to ensure that Black people are adequately represented in their campaigns all year. There’s nothing worse than seeing brands who have a little sprinkle of Black Influencers on their feeds only during times of tragedy or seasonally. It feels inauthentic and is a smack in the face to your Black customers. Talented Black Influencers are not hard to find. I recommend tapping into our existing networks. For instance, the Black Travel Alliance is a collective of Black Travel Digital Content Creators from across the Globe.
Who are your favorite Black content creators we should follow?
I can literally list hundreds of my favorite Black Content creators, but for the sake of my word limit, here are five Black Queens that your IG feed needs:
- Kira of @byKwEST, Kira is my go-to account to follow for all things travel, wellness, and fitness. I admire her so much for her BLM advocacy work. She Co-Founded ACTIV-ISM, an anti-racism wellness program that is designed to continue the conversation and create change. Check out our IG live talk where we discuss concrete ways to maintain the momentum of BLM.
- Evelyn Maria Dia is a Holistic Health & Wellness Practitioner. I met Evelyn last year when I took one of her fitness classes. I left her class feeling like I could take on the world. Follow Evelyn for your daily dose of empowerment. She has a special way of making sure you never forget your purpose. Check out our IG Live Stretch and Movement session.
- Joy Novan is my go-to account for all things natural hair and make-up. Her warm feed will give you looks inspo for days!
- Cassy of @Bellaworldwide. Cassy is a Co-Founder & Travel Curator at the Roaming Republic and a Digital Content Creator. Her travel photos are magical and her energy is contagious! Follow her for tips on how to travel safely during COVID. And if you’re looking for a travel bae, join the Roaming Republic Club on Clubhouse and test your luck at their Travel Speed Dating Show.
- Aïssata Diallo is a former Love Island contestant, a model, and the epitome of Black women living in luxury. Swoon over her lavish feed and thank me later. Last year, she bought attention to Black Content creators being lowballed in the industry.
Happy Black History Month! And remember don’t limit your support of Black Content Creators to 28 days a year!
(Say Your Peace campaign)
(N!CK'S Ice Cream Campaign)
