First 48: The Creative Call-In
It’s Official!
We just dropped the first Creative Call-In post on Instagram for the first time in months, and people are loving it!
And by we, yes, I mean me. Hi, I’m Cydneyrai. Dean and Community Curator over here at The Creative Conservatory.
What started as a school for creatives—because I felt like learning should be a lifelong opportunity—has quickly expanded beyond what my mind could have comprehended as I mapped out the launch of TCC during my New Year Sabbatical.
And let me tell you, I am so glad that is the case.
Nobody has ever seen or experienced anything like this and I’m so honored to be leading the charge and the change we want to see in the world for creatives. Not just as a polymath (also read as: multi-passionate, neurodivergent, visionary woman of many trades), but as a human being who loves The Arts.
“Wait, First 48? What’s that about?”
So, to extend the lifetime of these social initiatives and experiments I do on a regular basis—cause I promise you I come up with a new one every single year—I decided that I would highlight the creatives who respond to the call within the first 48 hours of me posting. And none of them have any idea I’m doing this.
But they likely won’t be that surprised if they know me or know about me and how I move.
— By the way, if you click that audio message above, you can listen to me talk about this blog post and more!
The Carolinas Showed Up and Showed Out!
My people! My people!
I usually tag a few people after I introduce myself in the comments to go next—cause I will absolutely voluntold someone real quick who told me they need to get out there—but I didn’t this time.
My only strategy was giving my community, and others who came across the video, the opportunity to introduce who they were in this season and what they were up to. Oh, and there’s that third thing of mentioning what they are looking for in their next collaboration.
I am a big believer in networking across.
Of course, that is not my phrasing, but that of the one and only Issa Rae.
I expected a few of my mutuals who typically support in the comments to show up, but what I got was close to 20 different comments from people across North and South Carolina. Some I’ve known for years, and some I just met in the last few months.
One person even mentioned that, in all her years as a creative, she has never checked in.
Like what?!? This is exactly why I do this, but I should rewind just a little.
5 days ago, I wrote an article on the Gist app—think Substack meets Pinterest meets what we love about Instagram—and it went something like this…
Networking 101, or What I Wish People Told Me Before I Became “The Great Connector”
I am literally on my way to work and writing this on the employee shuttle.
It’s fine, y’all.
This isn’t something new. I create anywhere and everywhere I can, as the mood and call strikes.
But, can I be real for a second?
Most people make networking so boring, purely transactional, and ridiculously serious that it is no wonder most people aren’t RSVPing to those types of events or get anxiety just thinking about it.
So, here are 3 things I wish I would have known before my friend, Quana, adorned me with the title “The Great Connector,” cause I really am…
1. Your Network Is Your Net Worth
I know, I know. I said the “purely transactional” thing and almost lost some of you with this first one, but networking can be done with the intent of true collaboration, partnership, or something mutually beneficial (also see: mutual aid).
Those are not bad things. It’s just that too many people have had experiences where the relationship hasn’t been reciprocal, and kindness was seen as weakness.
Like, I met one of my business partners and best friends via a connection I made a year prior at an event. Now I helped create our first magazine, and all 3 of us were involved in the process. LOVE that.
2. Networking can happen anywhere.
Y’all think I am joking, huh?
I have made connections while trying to do my daily duties at the airport lounge I work at, trying to tag friends in comments of things they should go to or be involved in, and even while trying to be in a corner at an event cause my introverted self was WIPED OUT, but I was coming out regardless.
You don’t have to wait for someone to host an event. You have to be open to a conversation.
Like, I promise you I suffer from Resting You-Know-What Face (RBF), and still, I am never the person who is like “no new friends” when I am out.
3. You don’t have to be an extrovert to network.
The Alpha and Beta argument is TIRED at best. I am 98% introverted and while people may think I am extroverted when I show up to things, not at all.
I am what they call a “social introvert.”
Meaning that I am, in fact, a social butterfly (a trait and gift I inherited from being around my dad) AND an introvert who needs at least 2 days to recharge where most people just leave me alone.
Ask my friends. I am not kidding!
You can be yourself in all the ways you identify and enjoy networking. There is not only one way to do it, and that should make you excited to try it, or even try again.
Now, what questions do you have about networking, if any?
That’s enough about me and how we got to this first blog post, right?
Let’s get into these creatives who ran with the prompt!
“So, who are you? What do you do? What are you looking for in your next collaboration?”
Now, this is in the order that my desktop is showing me. That is except for the very first person who commented when this was a trial reel and my own comment, which I am saving for the very end!
@asobersaga_
Hi! I'm Amari, my pronouns are they/them. I run @aradicalbookstudy and am currently working on creating a Black Disabled and Mad study group called we're still here. I also co-run a collaborative space called Black Creatives Corner, which we will start hosting in September. And finally, I am a digital collage artist with a website! heldbyamari.squarespace.com... I'm working on getting my collages up but you can find my recent pieces somewhere in my page lmao. I would gladly send you. Would love to collab with other creators. Especially around the Mad & Disabled Black study group! I really want to start getting paid for my work/art! And start collaging for other Black Creatives doing that revolutionary work! Hmu!
oh Im also trying to maybe get my current page monetized to build a larger network of care for folks especially around mutual aid. Bc what we desparatly need new systems!@Zo.Kemosabe
Hey I’m Zoë! I’m a photographer, and beauty business owner of @vivid.esthetics ✨ I love working with other artist and creatives, and making women feel comfortable and beautiful. I’m interested in content collabs, and more photography gigs! As an entrepreneur, where are my fellow business friends at? I’m looking for financial advisors and small business Tax Accountants. We may be great at what we do, but financial literacy is just as important to be successful.@JustJaret_
Yoo I’m Jaret own @blueshadesnc and just dropped a magazine with my amazing team @pariah.magazine always looking to connect , collab and grow hmu let’s chop it up@atomblk
I’m a photographer | Creative Director | World builder that also has a creative collective that’s looking for new models and photographers!! Shoot me a DM to apply 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾@lyfe_as_ericka
Hi! I’m Ericka and I consider myself a creative, fashion enthusiast, content creator, aspiring wardrobe stylist, and overall lover of bringing a vision to life.
Right now, I’m in a season of really exploring everything I’m capable of creatively. Fashion has always been one of my strongest forms of self-expression, but I’ve realized that my gift goes beyond simply putting together a good outfit. I have an eye for styling, creative direction, visual storytelling, and creating moments that make people stop and pay attention.
I’d love to collaborate with photographers, designers, brands, models, and other creatives who aren’t afraid to think outside the box. Paid or unpaid, I’m open to connecting with people who want to create something dope and make something shake!@unapologetically_jael
Hey yall I'm Jael (Jail)..lol. Known as @unapologetically_jael. I create a plethora of creative content. From food, Lifestyle, fashion. I also just started doing UGC! I would love to collaborate with @annaeatsnc @stepheatstheworld_ foodwise. @deonjphotography @donvisualz for photography. @lionhair_ for fashion. @niaboo @thecydneyrai because they know the city❤️❤️ @themarkelatarrance to help me with UGC..cause she's the GOAT😍@formerlovepoet
My name is Walt and I’m the founder of Brister English Project. I help descendants of American chattel slavery with our genealogy by making it accessible at no cost to us. Also creator of one of the largest free databases of genealogy resources for Black folks.
What am I looking for in my next collaboration? I’m not sure right now. I love working with Black people, especially Black people working towards their dreams. I always have ideas on how to use history, genealogy, and my platform to help each other.
Appreciate you @thecydneyrai@annaeatsnc
Hello I’m Anna! I’m a content creator and community connector here in Charlotte. I’m currently looking for community leaders, activists, and people who are informed on issues to help with upcoming voting parties and informational sessions! I also do local restaurant pop up nights, fun curated events and creator meet ups. Always open to talking to those who might resonate or relate to this!!@pimpoffashion
Hello I am Jaleak A wardrobe stylist , creative director , owner of a vintage store called theGerlitzkistore , currently looking for good people , models , photographers & find people who like intimidate gatherings like the vintage table@kweenkisa
I’m Kisa 🤎 A creative, a mother, a woman of faith, and a woman in a beautiful season of becoming. I’m big on good energy, meaningful connections, beautiful experiences and living a life that actually feels like me.
I’ve been in the beauty industry for 25+ years, but these days I’m expanding into one of my other loves.. event production, coordination and creating elevated experiences through @elevatedbykisa I’m also stepping into the project management world. I want to be known for bringing the vision together, making people feel seen, and leaving things better (and a little more beautiful 😉) than I found them.
I’m ready to collaborate with brands, creatives, event producers, venues and experience makers who are doing meaningful, beautiful things. I want to connect with good people where the alignment is REAL and we can create something unforgettable together💯
I’m in my “let’s see just how far God can take this” era. ✨@therobbiereport
I love this… I am Robbie M Guzman and as a creative I have never checked in!
I am the founder of @babecaveusa. I am an event planner project manager and hospitality bar owner with over 25 years experience as an event curator.
We have hosted some amazing events in market over the years and we are always looking to collaborate with new creators aligning with our mission.
We have worked with over 50+ women for events in the past 24 months. I am actively doing so much work in our community but honestly I am exhausted overwhelmed and so controversial it is scary but I am consistently doing my best and I would love to be of any assistance ♥️@yesdarlingtea
Oooo Love this Cyd! Hey y’all! I’m Kareema, founder & CEO of Yes Darling Tea, a Charlotte-based tea and wellness brand rooted in self-care, intentional living and community.
Over the past 6 years, I’ve grown Yes Darling Tea into one of Charlotte’s go-to resources for all things tea (handcrafted herbal blends, retail and wholesale partnerships, tea tastings, blending workshops and full tea experiences).
And when I say all things tea, I mean ALL things tea. 😂 We have a collection of 300+ teacups, teapots and all the pretty things, and we’ve created tea experiences for intimate gatherings all the way up to events serving 200+ guests…and counting!
But this summer, I’ve also been quietly working on something I’m REALLY excited about.
I’m expanding into education and sharing more of what I’ve learned building an herbal product business from the ground up…especially for people who have an idea for an herbal product but have no clue where to start, how to source, package, price or actually get it ready to sell.
That next chapter is launching soon, and I cannot wait to share it.
As far as collaboration, I’d love to connect with wellness brands, organizations, retailers, event producers and other creatives interested in creating intentional experiences around wellness, tea, self-care and entrepreneurship.
And Cydney, thank you for the tap-in! We need another coffee/tea date soon!🫶🏽@mothaofteas
Hey y’all! 🤎 I’m Amma, founder of @mothaofteas, an herbal tea brand creating flavorful blends rooted in wellness, care & support.
It’s been a slow season for ya tea sister 😅 and as a small business owner doing it all, my biggest challenge is simply getting Motha in front of more people.
My next collaboration? Community. Creators, brands & spaces that believe wellness should feel personal and people should feel seen, heard & supported.
Whether you collaborate, share, connect or shop, I’d love your support. 🤎
It’s more than just tea. Tea is what we pour. Support is what we serve.@atthereadytv
I'm Liv, I am an Australian lifestyle content creator and UGC creator. I am doing everything i can do get a paid collaboration with a brand, but so far nothing's sticking. It'll come though.@accentedglory
Hi! 👋🏾 I’m a fashion accessory designer whose specialty is handcrafted (by me) cowrie shell adorned designs. My pieces include hair accessories, jewelry, and handbags. I sell online and in two NC museum gift shops. My services include custom orders, small batch wholesale, adult craft kits, and accessory making classes. I’m looking to gain more retail partners like gift shops and boutiques. Please refer me to those locations you feel like my pieces would be a good fit! 😊@adae510
Hi I’m Ari/Dae 🧡 I’m a poet, makeup lover, model, artist, nanny/chef and lover of all things creative & fun! For my next collaborations I hope to work with some driven and talented artists who want to bring an experience to the community. I want to throw events that no one has done and give folks the platform to share their art and ideas with others unapologetically. I’m new to Charlotte and still meeting new folks but I love to explore and I love helping others not just myself.@themysn_
I go by my artist name MYSN (Mayson). I’m a Creatuve Director, Fashion Designer/Stylist. I run a Fashion Artitorial House called @sablehouseofficial dedicated to centering Black women, Black fashion, Black art. I’m preparing to come back after a brief hiatus, getting life together. In my next collaboration I’m looking to stamp my return, bringing all viewers into the world of Sable. Looking to have custom pieces made, short film ideas brought to life, door photoshoots, 🤞🏾festival next year🤞🏾👀 Huge shoutout to @thecydneyrai for inspiring me and being a great voice spiritually for me. We’ve spoken a few times now and those conversations brought order to a lot for me. 🙏🏾👑@theneurospicyleo
Hey Im Coco, Im a all around creative,im a Baker, parttime content creator, future fashion designer, and a Neurodivergent advocate. I would love to collaborate with, musicians, Djs, Models, Photographers, other creative people who want to do fun things! Im open to all collaborations since Im interested in everything lol On the baker side of things i would love to collaborate with more small businesses like bars and coffee shops and restaurant's to make specialty desserts for them or just do a pop up collaboration. Would love more spaces to host my Frosted Canvas series as well!@trooginger
Heyy my name is mary, I am currently fascinated in pursuing my acting career, I have been modeling for over six years now and recently I’ve been taking my posing classes seriously and I am an official pose coach for @inherbagacademy and @loamodelingagency! and I also am diving more into music, dance, and everything in between. I just love to create and put out these crazy ideas that pop up in my head and actually make them reality. My goals is to constantly make meaningful connections and I’m looking for people that want the same as me in life! Currently, I am striving to make this my full-time job as I would love to primarily only create and be able to give all my energy into my art of all kinds. A jack of all trades is extremely exhausting to be! 😮💨💘@its.artsy.abby
Hi yallll I’m Abby!! I’m an actress, musician, game streamer, cosplayer and voice over artist in Charlotte until September, then I’m moving to Atlanta! I’m always looking for collaborations!@raishonreads
Hi; I’m mom and I garden with you when it’s cooler! 😬
— Side Note: Now, this is literally my mom’s bookstagram. I told her in a reply that she should have mentioned that she has a whole gardening page, @garden_rulez. That way if people want to know how to start gardening or have questions, they could follow her over there! But, even I failed to mention that she has a YouTube channel.@shealikethebuttah
I am Shea, I am a content creator who loves rewriting perspectives, songwriter, (aspiring) voice talent, a social media strategist and manager @sheafromadsocialconsulting , a writer 🎉@luhteeuh
Hello! My name is Latia! Creator of Mental Matters: Can We Talk Mental Health (@mentalmatterscwtmh) and “The Big Sister Project” where Mentorship, Life Guidance and Resource Navigation is provided for Children, teens, individuals and families! My goal is to assist many with their specific needs and being that “go to” person as well for the community and not just those close to me ✨✨My goal is to provide digital Self Therapy books, along with a “Coaching Through Courses” online class so that people can not only understand what mental health really means, but to also learn how to apply and dig deeper into better understanding themselves along the way 🫶🏾@albowmanofficial
I’m Al! Founder of @albowmancreative.co where we focus on event curation, creative production, and creative direction. I’m always interested in cool events and how I can help bring them to life or add value! 🔥@inspiredbykie
Hi! I’m Kie and I’m a UGC Creator, Photographer, Stylist, Set Designer, Fashion DIYer 🤎 @createdxkie | @kiecheyphotography@thecydneyrai (yup, that’s me!)
Hi y’all! I was free-willing a little too hard yesterday during Sabbath and forgot to drop my own comment to my own post. 😂 Don’t judge me!
I’m Cydney, widely known as Cydneyrai. The Walking Cheat Code, The Great Connector, and The Self-Care Dealer, Charlotte’s Creative Cheerleader are all titles I’ve been given over the years by the people I’m connected to and it’s probably because I genuinely want and believe that there is room for everyone to win. I move in unconditional love, not unconditional tolerance, so believe me when I say I am kind, not nice!
Currently, I am Chief Operations Officer over at @pariah.magazine founded by @justjaret_, on the Admin Team for Manifest Club founded by @a.cadre, Content Creator for @renaissancebrunch (act i of the ultimate Beyoncé fan experience) & @hivehoedown (act ii of the event series & that I helped name at like 4 am on a Saturday LOL) curated and created by @mirsempire, AND the Dean & Community Curator over at @thecreativeconservatory which is an education center and community for creatives. I am currently working on our Fall semester’s initiative which will be from early September to late November. Some in-person things. Some virtual things. You just gonna have to stay tuned.
My next collaboration? I want to work with @annaeatsnc on hosting something fun somewhere local as the cooler months roll in. I have no idea what but that’s not even the thing I need to talk to her about so there’s that. 😅
What You Didn’t See
First, I attempted to take this to Threads to by sharing the video and some of the comments. It didn’t really go anywhere so I let it fizzle out.
Now, with nearly every comment on Instagram, I replied with connections or suggestions I thought could be beneficial. Not because I can guarantee that something will come out of it, but because I stand on the fact that closed mouths don’t get fed.
Hoping and wishing will get you much less places than vulnerability and discipline will.
Yes, I said vulnerability.
Something I am proud to call one of my greatest creative superpowers outside of connection. I even put it on the wall last night during the Meet and Greet for The Creative Currency. Shoutout to Davita, Nia, Jazzi, and the whole team for the experience we had last night. If you listened to the audio, you heard all about it.
Now I am not putting the cape back on. As the great Edna “E” Mode said, “NO CAPES!”
I understand that I am a force of nature in the best way in every room I step into, especially when that room is focused on creatives. So yes, I have superpowers, but nah, I ain’t trying to save you.
But, let me get back to decompressing before tomorrow’s event, Charlotte Reciprocity Circle, hosted by Charlotte Is Creative, and get off the bedroom floor where I am currently writing this.
— Befoe you even ask...Yes, I have a recliner in this room. Yes, I could even sit on the bed. Either way, I could use my rolling desk from TikTok. Look, I ain’t trying to fight my creative process or be fighting with my cat, Peanut, to type this out. Anyways…
Chat soon!
