Inside The Atlanta Creator Briefing: Where Black Creativity Meets Business

On a Tuesday evening during Black History Month, Atlanta’s creators traded timelines for table talk, where Creator Tea Talk hosted its first Atlanta Creator Briefing. Gathering a range of creators, influencers, marketers, and more to engage in thoughtful conversation for Black creatives. 

Titled The Business of Black Creativity, the chat was not about aesthetics and algorithms, but about ownership, infrastructure, and, more importantly, money.

Hosted and moderated by creator economy enthusiast Jayde I. Powell, the evening’s panel featured industry executive Ashley Lewis, social media content creator Sydney Price, and creative content specialist Terri Watson, each offering a sharp, unfiltered perspective on what it actually takes to build a sustainable career as a Black creative. 

Guests arrived early for a networking hour, including light bites, that felt less transactional and more intentional. By the time the room settled, it was clear that this event was more than a creator meetup. it was a strategy session. Data from recent studies helped attendees gain a clearer understanding of the stark pay differences they face among creatives of different ethnic backgrounds. 

A 2021 study by MSL U.S. in partnership with The Influencer League found a 35% pay gap between white and Black influencers. Meanwhile, Nielsen reports that 67% of Black audiences pay more attention to culturally reflective advertising, and 52% are more likely to purchase when brands collaborate with creators connected to their interests.

To put it simply, Black culture drives the market, but compensation has yet to catch up. But the most resonant question of the night, you ask? 

What should Black creators stop waiting for permission to build?

Creators were positioned as operators, founders, and business owners, refining their leverage and their deserving place in the creator economy. This event was a reminder that Black creativity has always been the engine, and now it’s about ensuring it’s also the equity.