Creative Class '23 — The Creative Collective NYC

The Creative Class is a celebration of culture-shifters across a variety of industries from fashion, entertainment, wellness, and beyond. These creatives are using their commitment to their dreams to leave a lasting impact on history and culture. We are the trailblazers making history that will shape our future. We are the changemakers creating the blueprint that future generations will use as their North Stars.

The Creative Class is a celebration of culture-shifters across a variety of industries from fashion, entertainment, wellness, and beyond. These creatives are using their commitment to their dreams to leave a lasting impact on history and culture. We are the trailblazers making history that will shape our future. We are the changemakers creating the blueprint that future generations will use as their North Stars.

ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS

Creatives that use their craft to tell compelling stories.

Creative Class '23

Boma Illuma

Writer, Director, & Visual Artist"he who says he can & he who says he can't are both usually right"<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bomailuma" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/bomailuma" target="_blank"></a>

Christian Nolan Jones

Writer & Director"It always seems impossible until it's done." – Nelson Mandela<a href="https://www.instagram.com/yngyhwh" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/yngyhwh" target="_blank"></a>

Derrian "Phreshy" Perry

FOUNDER, CEO & CREATIVE"Everyday the sun won't shine but thats why I love tomorrow" – Glorilla<a href="https://www.instagram.com/iamphreshy" target="_blank"></a>

Diana Sinclair

Visual Artist + Creative Director"Art is the one place we all turn to for solace." - Carrie Mae Weems<a href="https://www.instagram.com/dianasinclair" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/dianasinclair" target="_blank"></a>

Freddie Ransome

Content Creator"Following your intuition is what's gonna take you the furthest, even if whatever you're feeling feels 'too big'."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/freddie" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@youngfred90" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/Ransome_Note" target="_blank"></a>

Gabrielle Williams

CEO and Founder, MEFeater Magazine"You will always be that girl so never forget it!" "Your biggest dreams are about to come true, so dream big!"<a href="https://www.instagram.com/gabrielleamani" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@mefeater" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/gabrielleamani" target="_blank"></a>

Julian Thomas

The Internet's Favorite Home Boy"The dream won't work unless you do!"<a href="https://www.instagram.com/toldbythomas" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@marfastewart" target="_blank"></a>

Kendall Kyndall

Actor, Television Host & Social Media Personality"Ignore the noise and don't be afraid to be amazing!"<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kendallkyndall" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/KendallKyndall" target="_blank"></a>

Krystal Vega

On-Air Host"Vision without execution is hallucination!"<a href="https://www.instagram.com/krystalvega" target="_blank"></a>

Priah Ferguson

Actress"Girl, you told them, "I'm gonna be on tv one day," and wow, you did it! All the no's never deterred you from working smart, being prepared, and knowing there was a lane specifically created for your purpose, in your time. I'm so glad you didn't give up yourself, or me."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/priahferguson/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/priahferguson" target="_blank"></a>

Reyna Noriega

Visual Artist & Author"Everything you dream of becoming is already inside your waiting to be nurtured and discovered."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reynanoriega_/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@reynanoriega8" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/reynasnoriega" target="_blank"></a>

Sidnee Michelle Douyon

Celebrity Reporter/ Senior Digital Editor at Black Enterprise"Forget the Capricorn need of perfection. Just do it; do it well, do it blessed, do it scared."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sidmich_" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@sidneemich" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/sidmich_" target="_blank"></a>

Sophia Yeshi

Illustrator & Designer"Being weird is actually cool, lean into it. One day you'll get to do all the things you only ever dreamed of doing, like living in New York, making art for a living, and traveling the world."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/yeshidesigns" target="_blank"></a>

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & TECH ENTREPRENEURSHIP & TECH ENTREPRENEURSHIP & TECH ENTREPRENEURSHIP & TECH

Entrepreneurship & Tech

Trailblazers that have used their platformc or created their own to consistently innovate.

Featured

Amber Mayfield

Founder, To Be Hosted & While Entertaining Magazine"I have stood on a mountain of no's for one yes" - B. Smith(I love this quote because it reminds me that not every door will open just because I want it to. But the right things will always find you. You just have to keep putting yourself out there and be ready when the answer is yes.)<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ambb_mayy" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ambb_mayy" target="_blank"></a>

Brian Wright

Co- founder of Six Degrees"Keep dreaming."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bwrightous" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@bwrightous" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/bwrightous" target="_blank"></a>

Charles Johnson

Interactive Designer, Art Director, and Founder of VEGA Studio"If you knew better, you a do better!" Never stop learning and obsess over your passion.<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ceej.vega" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ceej.vega" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/vega_ceej" target="_blank"></a>

Desiree Talley

Attorney & Culture Commentator“You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” – Michael Jordan<a href="https://www.instagram.com/desiree_talley" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@poplawpodcast" target="_blank"></a>

Desmond Attmore

Co- founder of Six Degrees"Just do it!"<a href="https://www.instagram.com/writedezacheck" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/writedezacheck" target="_blank"></a>

Keenan Williams

Cofounder & President of REZI | Founding Partner of Stratum Growth"10,000 hours is kind of the start."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/keenandwilliams" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/DWilliamsKeenan" target="_blank"></a>

Kwame Onwuachi

Chef/Author/Restaurateur"You’ll do great things, when you stay true to who you are."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/chefkwameonwuachi/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/ChefKwame" target="_blank"></a>

Tiffany James

Founder & CEO, Modernblkgirl"Never let anyone dim your light."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tiffanyj" target="_blank"></a>

Tobi Ajala

Founder & CEO, TECHTEE"Keep creating because it will be hard to ignore."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tobitobetoby" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/tobitobetoby" target="_blank"></a>

Travis Montaque

CEO & Co-founder of Group Black“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; there is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.” – Henry David Thoreau<a href="https://www.instagram.com/travismontaque/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/travismontaque" target="_blank"></a>

FASHION & BEAUTY

Fashion & Beauty

Creatives that continuously push the envelope and are pioneers in their own lane.

Featured

Amiraa Vainqueur

Celebrity Fashion Stylist & Founder of VeeMode Consulting"Keep God first and trust your life process. All the things you desire is coming into fruition."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/amiraavainqueur" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.twitter.com/amiraavee" target="_blank"></a>

Antoine Gregory

Founder, Creative Consultant

"The world absolutely needs your voice."

Blake Newby

Beauty & Style Expert, Commentator"Relax.."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/blakenewby" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@blakenewby_" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/blakelawren" target="_blank"></a>

Brittany Hampton

Art+Creative Director"Most of life is a fantasy, as long as you remember to never lose yourself."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/BHampton" target="_blank"></a>

Bryon Javar

Fashion Stylist/ Creative Director"Bryon trust yourself and the Gift God gave you within! Hold your head up and always believe in yourself!"<a href="https://www.instagram.com/Bryonjavar" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/StyledByJavar" target="_blank"></a>

Edvin Thompson

Founder/Designer"We run things. Things don’t run we."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/edvinthompson" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@theophilio" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/tphtheophilio" target="_blank"></a>

Ivy Coco Maurice

Stylist, Creative Entrepreneur, and Vice-President of WalkgoodLA“This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.”<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ivycoco23/" target="_blank"></a>

Maya Allen

Beauty Director-at-Large, The Cut at New York Magazine

"Everything you need is already within you. Your journey to coming back home to yourself, time and time again, is your life's biggest work."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mayaalenaa/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@mayaalenaaa" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/mayaalena" target="_blank"></a>

Olamide Ayomikun Olowe

Founder, CEO of Topicals“A win is a win.”<a href="https://www.instagram.com/olamideaolowe" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@olamideolowe" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/olamideaolowe" target="_blank"></a>

Tayo Kuku

Photographer & Director"One thing leads to another so do that one thing well."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tayojr" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tayokukujr" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/tayojr" target="_blank"></a>

Tobi Egberongbe

Founder & Director, Mifland"Be present everyday."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/regulartob" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/Regulartob" target="_blank"></a>

SOCIAL GOOD

SOCIAL GOOD SOCIAL GOOD SOCIAL GOOD

Social Good

Changemakers who are paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.

Featured

EJ James

SVP, Special Projects at Digital Brand Architects"This isn't a dress rehearsal - this is your LIFE! Lights! Camera! Action!"<a href="https://www.instagram.com/iamejjames/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/iamejjames" target="_blank"></a>

Kirk Brown

Chief Development & Communications Officer, Ron Clark Academy"Listen to your gut and do it scared. Everything will work out."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kirkandre" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@_kirkandre" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/kirkandre" target="_blank"></a>

Luke Lawal Jr.

Founder + CEO of HBCU Buzz"Don’t let the highs get too high or the lows get too low. The key to happiness lies in the balance."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/luke.lawal" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lukelawal" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/lukelawal" target="_blank"></a>

Obio Jones

Life Coach, LGBTQ+ Changemaker"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." – James Baldwin<a href="https://www.instagram.com/obioojones/" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@obiojones" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/obioojones" target="_blank"></a>

Paulana Lamonier

Founder of Black People Will Swim"Never change. Continue to use your voice to be fearless and never dim your light. If you're too bright them, they'll adjust and get shades. 😎"<a href="https://www.instagram.com/itspaulana" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@itspaulana" target="_blank"></a>

Tola Lawal

Founder of Gyrl Wonder"I wish you could see into the future. I know you have NO idea the beauty that life has in store for you. Remember that tough times don't last, tough people do. I hope I'm making you proud. :)"<a href="https://www.instagram.com/heytola" target="_blank"></a>

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Health & Wellness

Professionals that keep the conversation about mental health on the forefront in the most creative way.

Featured

Annya Santana

Founder/CEO, Hood Health<a href="https://www.instagram.com/annyasantana" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@annyasant

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford

Licensed Psychologist & Founder of Therapy for Black Girls"Don't be afraid to use your voice. It is needed."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/hellodrjoy" target="_blank"></a>

Elyse Fox

Entrepreneur and Founder of Sad Girls Club"Embrace your weirdness and value naps."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/elyse.fox" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@elyse.fox" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/elyse__fox" target="_blank"></a>

Lyana Blount

Founder, Black Rican Vegan"You deserve everything you desire, go out and get it , it’s already yours."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/blackricanvegan/" target="_blank"></a>

Marley Rae

Director of Health & Wellness, WalkGood LA"Wherever you go, there you are."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/namastemarleyrae" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@namastemarleyrae" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/namastemrae" target="_blank"></a>

Percell Dugger

Founder + CEO: GOODWRK & Fit For Us"Your vulnerability is your superpower, and your resolve can be revolutionary. So remember to embrace discomfort and be mindful that your actions will define your legacy."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/goodwrk" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/goodwrk" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.twitter.com/goodwrk" target="_blank"></a>

Sherica Holmon

Fitness Trainer & Public Figure"May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sherica_holmon" target="_blank"></a>

Sinikiwe Dhliwayo

Naaya Founder and Creative Director“Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape.” – Bell Hooks<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sinikiwe" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://twitter.com/sinikiwesteph" target="_blank"></a>

WIllie Greene

Founder of WE THE URBAN"You’re different and that’s okay. All of your big ideas, ambitions, creativity and eccentricities make you so special. Keep being yourself; it’ll take you further than you can imagine."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/williegreene_" target="_blank"></a>

Yasmine Jameelah

Founder + CEO Transparent & Black"Every insecurity you ever had about who you are was a lie."<a href="https://www.instagram.com/yasminejameelah" target="_blank"></a>

Creative Class of 2023

A celebration of Black culture-shifters across a variety of disciplines, from tech, social justice, fashion and beyond, who inspire us to be our most unapologetic selves. This year's class highlights the present and future while reminding us that we’d be nowhere without the past.