Case Studies

Introduction

The Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance (LVACA) is a pivotal organization in the Lehigh Valley, dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts and cultural sector. Their mission is to enhance the region's artistic and cultural landscape, making it accessible and enriching for all community members.

Challenge: Despite its significant role, LVACA faced challenges in reaching and engaging a broader audience. Their digital presence needed refinement to ensure accessibility and inclusivity. Additionally, the organization sought to strengthen its marketing efforts and refine its image to better reflect its mission and values.

Solution: To address these challenges, LVACA partnered with us as a consultancy for a comprehensive four-month engagement focusing on three critical areas: conducting an accessibility audit, devising a marketing director position, and assisting with image development.

Achievements:

Accessibility Audit

Recognizing the importance of making art and culture accessible to everyone, the first step was conducting an in-depth accessibility audit of LVACA's digital platforms. This audit aimed to identify barriers that could prevent people with disabilities from accessing content and participating in events. Recommendations were made to enhance website usability, ensuring compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and improving the overall user experience for individuals with varying abilities.

1. Marketing Director Position: Understanding the need for a strategic approach to marketing, the consultant assisted LVACA in devising a comprehensive job description for a Marketing Director role. This position was designed to lead the organization's marketing efforts, focusing on audience engagement, brand development, and digital marketing strategies. The creation of this role was a strategic move to bolster LVACA's presence in the community and beyond.

2. Image Development: To align LVACA's visual and communicative expressions with its mission, the consultant provided guidance on image development. This process involved refining the organization's branding elements, including logos, color schemes, and messaging, to ensure consistency and resonance with target audiences. The revamped image aimed to reflect LVACA's commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and community engagement in the arts and cultural sector.

Results: The collaboration yielded significant improvements in LVACA's operational and strategic approaches:

Enhanced digital accessibility, making LVACA's offerings more inclusive and reaching a wider audience.

Establishment of a Marketing Director role, positioning LVACA for more effective and strategic marketing efforts.

A cohesive and resonant brand image, better reflecting LVACA's values and mission.

Testimonial: "The consultancy provided by our partner was transformative for LVACA. Their expertise in accessibility, strategic marketing, and branding has propelled our organization forward, enabling us to connect more deeply with our community and ensure that art and culture are accessible to all. We are immensely grateful for their dedication and impact." - Jacqueline Cornette Schwartz, Program Manager, LVACA.

Conclusion: This engagement exemplified the power of strategic consultancy in enhancing organizational effectiveness and impact. Through focused efforts on accessibility, strategic staffing, and branding, LVACA has strengthened its foundation to promote and support the arts and cultural sector in the Lehigh Valley, ensuring a more inclusive and vibrant community for all.

Website: https://www.lvaca.org/

Project length: 3 months

Introduction

Based in Atlanta, GA, EmpowerHer Collective is a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting Black women leaders through healing, leadership development, and community programming.

Since its founding, EmpowerHer Collective has served as a transformative space for Black women to reconnect, heal, and step confidently into leadership roles within their communities.

Challenge

Despite a strong mission, EmpowerHer struggled with limited brand visibility, inconsistent messaging, and unclear revenue streams, limiting its reach and ability to secure major partnerships and grants.

Solution

A multi-year collaboration was launched to realign EmpowerHer’s strategy, elevate its brand presence, and create sustainable revenue pathways through membership and corporate partnerships.

Brand Strategy Blueprint: We developed a comprehensive blueprint to clarify EmpowerHer’s mission, vision, and values while defining its unique value proposition and core messaging pillars.

Membership & Revenue Model: Designed a new tiered membership system to diversify revenue, paired with corporate sponsorship packages tailored to DEI-focused companies.

Content & Community Strategy: Developed a robust content calendar, including leadership story series, healing workshops, and digital community challenges to drive deeper engagement.

Results

• Membership base increased by 210% in two years.

• Secured $500,000+ in new grant funding and sponsorships.

• Strengthened brand recognition across national leadership networks.

Testimonial

“Partnering with Black Chick Media was the catalyst for our transformation. We now have a clear strategy, a thriving membership community, and the confidence to lead nationally.” – Laila Thompson, Executive Director, EmpowerHer Collective.

Conclusion

Through strategic brand development and revenue planning, EmpowerHer Collective evolved into a sustainable, nationally recognized nonprofit driving impactful leadership and healing work for Black women.

Project length: 3 years

Introduction

Aria Soleil is a Los Angeles-based multidisciplinary artist known for large-scale immersive installations exploring ancestry, memory, and spirit.

Aria’s work has been featured in major art fairs and public art initiatives nationwide.

Challenge

Despite critical acclaim, Aria struggled with inconsistent income streams, fragmented brand messaging, and underutilized digital platforms.

Solution

A three-year strategic partnership focused on building Aria’s brand as both an artist and entrepreneur.

Brand Development & Storytelling: Refined Aria’s brand narrative to clearly communicate her artistic vision and values.

Revenue Diversification: Developed a multi-stream revenue model including print sales, workshops, brand collaborations, and licensing.

Digital Presence & Marketing: Rebuilt website, created a cohesive social media strategy, and launched an email newsletter to grow collector and fan engagement.

Results

• Income increased by 250% through diversified revenue streams.

• Gallery and institutional invitations grew by 180%.

• Online community expanded from 5,000 to 35,000 engaged followers.

Testimonial

“Working with Black Chick Media transformed me from an emerging artist into a thriving creative business. I feel more empowered and aligned than ever before.” – Aria Soleil, Artist.

Conclusion

Aria Soleil now operates as a fully realized creative brand, successfully balancing art and entrepreneurship.

Project length: 3 years

Introduction

Flourish Enterprises is a Chicago-based corporate wellness and leadership development firm focused on transforming workplace culture through DEI-centered programs and executive coaching.

Flourish has become a trusted partner for Fortune 500 companies looking to embed equity and wellness into their organizational DNA.

Challenge

Flourish struggled with brand differentiation in a crowded market, limited thought leadership visibility, and underperforming digital channels.

Solution

A five-year partnership centered on reimagining Flourish’s brand positioning, expanding service offerings, and scaling digital reach.

Brand Strategy & Positioning: Developed a clear, differentiated brand narrative emphasizing Flourish’s intersection of wellness and equity.

Thought Leadership Campaigns: Designed content strategies, including keynote topics, white papers, and a podcast series to amplify expertise.

Digital Optimization: Conducted a full website redesign and social media overhaul to improve lead generation and client conversions.

Results

• 400% increase in corporate contracts and program enrollments.

• Established Flourish’s CEO as a national thought leader featured in major publications.

• Digital leads and newsletter subscribers grew by 300%.

Testimonial

“Black Chick Media was the game changer we didn’t know we needed. They helped us step fully into our leadership role and attract the clients we always envisioned.” – Rina Patel, CEO, Flourish Enterprises.

Conclusion

Flourish Enterprises now stands as a national leader in corporate wellness and equity, equipped with a clear strategy and powerful market presence.

Project length: 5 years

Introduction: Based in Brooklyn, NY and hosted by the Brooklyn Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, the Women of African Descent Film Festival (WADFF), is an esteemed platform dedicated to showcasing the talents and stories of Black women filmmakers globally

Since its inception, WADFF has been a beacon of creativity, diversity, and empowerment, providing a space for unique narratives to be shared and celebrated.

Challenge: Despite its noble mission and the richness of its offerings, WADFF faced challenges in visibility, audience engagement, and filmmaker participation. The festival sought to elevate its profile, expand its reach, and enhance its brand to attract a broader audience and more submissions from filmmakers of African descent.

Solution: A comprehensive eight-year collaboration was initiated to address these challenges, focusing on developing a robust marketing strategy, enhancing the festival’s image and brand, and leveraging networks within the Black women in film community.

1. Marketing Strategy Development: A multi-faceted marketing strategy was crafted, focusing on digital platforms, community engagement, and partnerships. This strategy included targeted social media campaigns, collaborations with film schools, and outreach to Black women filmmakers’ networks. The aim was to increase the festival’s visibility and attract quality film submissions.

2. Image and Brand Development: Recognizing the importance of a cohesive and resonant brand, efforts were made to refine WADFF’s image. This involved redesigning the festival’s logo, developing a consistent visual identity across all platforms, and crafting messaging that accurately reflected the festival’s mission and values. The enhanced brand image aimed to resonate with both filmmakers and audiences, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the celebration of Black women’s narratives.

3. Leveraging Networks: By tapping into networks of Black women in film, WADFF was able to foster a sense of community and support among filmmakers. This strategy not only increased submissions but also encouraged collaboration and participation in the festival. Networking efforts included hosting panels, workshops, and Q&A sessions with established filmmakers, providing aspiring artists with valuable insights and connections.

Results: The strategic initiatives implemented over the eight-year collaboration yielded remarkable outcomes:

• Increased Submissions: Film submissions to the festival increased by 85%, showcasing a diverse array of stories and talents from Black women filmmakers around the world.

• Increased Festival Attendance: Attendance at the festival events saw a significant rise of 72%, indicating heightened interest and engagement from the community.

• Enhanced Brand Recognition: The festival’s enhanced image and brand resonated with its target audience, leading to increased recognition and support within the film industry and beyond.

Testimonial: “Our partnership has been transformative for the Women of African Descent Film Festival. The strategic marketing, branding, and community engagement efforts have not only elevated our profile but have also created a vibrant platform for Black women filmmakers to share their stories. The increase in submissions and festival attendance is a testament to the impact of this collaboration. We are deeply grateful for the dedication and expertise that have fueled our growth and success.” – Yvonne Preshe, Former Festival Director, WADFF.

Conclusion: The collaboration between WADFF and Black Chick Media, LLC was a pivotal chapter in the festival’s history. Through targeted marketing, strategic branding, and community engagement, WADFF has significantly expanded its reach and impact. The festival continues to be a leading platform for celebrating the voices and visions of Black women filmmakers, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive film industry.

Project length: 10 years

Introduction

Located in Detroit, MI, Roots & Rites Gallery is a multidisciplinary arts space that centers the work of Black and Indigenous artists, providing exhibitions, workshops, and cultural programming.

Roots & Rites has become a creative home for artists seeking to explore identity, heritage, and community resilience.

Challenge

The gallery faced challenges with fundraising consistency, limited online presence, and difficulty attracting corporate sponsors and high-profile artists.

Solution

A two-year collaboration focused on revitalizing the gallery’s brand identity, strengthening operational systems, and expanding revenue sources.

Brand Refresh & Visual Identity: We led a full rebranding, including a new logo, cohesive visual guidelines, and messaging to better reflect the gallery’s mission.

Operational & Funding Strategy: Created a multi-year fundraising roadmap and provided grant writing support to diversify funding beyond ticket sales and small donations.

Audience Engagement Plan: Launched a digital marketing strategy to build a larger online community and attract regional and national media coverage.

Results

• Increased annual donations by 300%.

• Attracted two major corporate sponsors for flagship exhibitions.

• Expanded artist submissions and programming partnerships by 150%.

Testimonial

“Black Chick Media transformed how we tell our story and connect with both funders and artists. We are thriving creatively and financially thanks to their expertise.” – Jamal Rivers, Founder & Curator, Roots & Rites.

Conclusion

Roots & Rites Gallery emerged stronger and more financially resilient, securing its place as a cultural cornerstone for Black and Indigenous artists.

Project length: 2 years