Originally published in CanvasRebel | DECEMBER 4, 2023
We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tiffany Knighten a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tiffany, thanks for joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
For me, it came easily. Ultimately, I landed on ‘Brand Curators’ because my team and I wear many hats as creative communications professionals. We curate our client’s brand with our public relations, branding, talent management, experiential marketing, and social media expertise. I would say that our secret sauce is infusing cultural and artistic sensibilities into our brand development techniques.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Throughout my life, I’ve been known as a “social butterfly.” I was a military kid, so connecting with people from diverse backgrounds came naturally to me. This innate ability to interact with others paved the way for my early immersion in the world of digital media and communications.
At a young age, I started designing graphics, building blogs, and coding custom layouts on MySpace, inadvertently setting the stage for my future career. My high school aptitude test highlighted my strong communication skills, a trait I would later build upon. Inspired by my dad’s role as a public affairs specialist in the United States Air Force, I developed a strong interest in pursuing a similar path.
My life experiences guided me to study public relations and journalism at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ. This educational journey laid the foundation for my career in the media industry. My first professional experience as a marketing intern provided a valuable platform to hone my skills. I live-tweeted Seton Hall Pirate’s NCAA men’s basketball games and managed game-day promotions, gaining hands-on experience in the field. Additionally, I participated in a work-study program at the university’s Public Relations and Marketing Office, serving as the media relations director’s assistant, who became an invaluable mentor to me.
These initial roles, coupled with my proximity to New York City, opened doors to various positions at large-scale agencies and media companies such as 5WPR, Buston Marsteller, Viacom/MTV Networks, VH1, and NASDAQ, catapulting me into the fast-paced world of media.
In 2020, I embarked on a new venture by founding my creative agency, Brand Curators. I offer brand development, strategic consulting, and creative services to both brands and individuals. I take pride in helping brands and businesses gain visibility, clarity, and a more refined brand identity. Through high-level campaigns, media exposure, audience growth, and curated social media presence, I empower brands to reach their full potential.
Working with mission-driven brands is a source of immense pride for me. I’m grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with next-generation visionaries and bring their unique visions to life.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Most of the new clients for my business come from referrals. I’ve noticed that referrals consistently bring high-quality leads. Our focus on providing excellent customer service and letting our work speak for itself has earned the trust of our clients and partners. In the end, satisfied customers not only stay loyal but also recommend our services to others.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
When it comes to building a following on social media, my success has largely come from being an early adopter of different platforms. Since I worked in PR and digital, I began following various media personalities, journalists, bloggers, and people I met through industry events and networking. I just enjoyed myself and had fun with it. I made it a point to interact with my followers, participate in trending topics, especially on #BlackTwitter, and gradually build an engaged audience. For those who are new to building a social media presence, my advice is to truly be social. Take the time to engage with your followers, and allow them to inform your content rather than assuming what they want to see.
Contact Info:
Website: https://www.brandcurators.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiff_or_die/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brandcurators