What Happens in the DMs, turns into... Paid Partnerships.

From Podcast Guest to VIP Experience

In 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to be the first-ever guest on the Creator Economy Live podcast. At the time, I saw it as a milestone moment in my career, but I also knew it was just the beginning. That experience pushed me to think bigger, refine my brand, and approach my work with a more strategic mindset. 

Over the past year, I made it a personal goal to show up at industry events not just as an attendee but as a true businesswoman—someone who builds relationships, secures deals, and maximizes every opportunity that comes my way. 

So when I received an unexpected but exciting DM from the team at GRIN offering me a complimentary VIP ticket to Creator Economy Live 2025, it felt like a full-circle moment. I knew immediately that this was my chance to not just attend but to elevate my presence and make an impact in the industry.

Breaking Down My Partnership with GRIN

You might be thinking to yourself, why are you partnering with an influencer management software Gigi, you don’t have a d2c brand to advertise with GRIN… so let me explain it. 

GRIN is the leading Creator Management platform that helps brands build & scale world-class creator programs. Some of the most iconic brands, including Fenty Beauty, SKIMs, Uber, GoPro, ColourPop, and more, use GRIN to find & partner with creators, ultimately helping them scale their brand. GRIN's platform enables brands to run all types of Creator campaigns, including paid collaborations, affiliate programs, gifting, brand ambassadors, and more. 

Knowing that I’d be attending, I took the initiative to turn the opportunity to attend this conference into a business move. I reached back out to GRIN to explore an idea I had for a paid partnership while at the conference. I pitched the idea of creating organic interview style content during the conference and, after some discussions, secured support for my flight and hotel accommodations. 

This was more than just a sponsorship, it was a testament to the power of advocating for yourself and understanding your worth as a creator. This is a brand that wants to help brands AND creators succeed, which is why it makes sense. And they allowed me the creative freedom to explore different avenues of content such as [sponsored] newsletter integration, social posts and video interviews. 

Having a brand like GRIN believe in my work enough to invest in my presence at the event reinforced my confidence and strategy in pitching brands moving forward. It also allowed me to show up in a way that felt intentional and professional, rather than simply attending as a passive participant.

I interviewed influencer marketers and brand leaders about their favorite thing about creators and why creators are impactful for business. I also had the opportunity to interview GRIN CEO, Ryan Debenham about his unique take on creators, why they are essential to brands looking to market and why working with them is crucial for any brands attempt to stay relevant.

On top of that, GRIN’s platform played a direct role in how I presented myself at the event. I wore a stunning Guess blazer, which I received through Guess’s influencer marketing program ran through GRIN.

The GRIN booth showcased how their creator management platform not only connects creators with brands but also provides real, tangible opportunities to engage with iconic brands through gifting and affiliate based models.

Networking and Industry Connections

Beyond the conference itself, I received invitations to three exclusive industry dinners, each bringing together top brands and key figures in the creator economy. These intimate gatherings were the perfect setting to build deeper connections, discuss industry trends, and explore potential collaborations.

One of the highlights of my experience was conducting a series of interviews with founders, executives from major social brands, talent managers, and brand partnership teams. These conversations were a part of my ongoing interview series, which you can view on GRIN’s social channels this week. Through these interviews, I aimed to uncover insights from some of the brightest minds in the industry, helping to bridge the gap between brands and creators.

While many attendees focused on learning new insights from panels, my primary goal this year was relationship-building. I dedicated my time to deep, meaningful conversations, strengthening connections with industry leaders, and solidifying future opportunities. Rather than just consuming information, I wanted to foster real connections that could lead to long-term collaborations and career growth.

GRIN is not only supporting creators but also working to elevate the entire industry. Last week, they launched GRIN Community—a space for influencer marketers to build relationships, share ideas, and grow alongside each other. They have gathered influencer marketing experts from brands like Revolve, Cozy Earth, Playboy, Fenty Beauty, and more to help drive conversations and share proven strategies.

The best part?

They’ll soon be opening this community to non-GRIN customers for free! You can join the waitlist here.

Looking Ahead

Creator Economy Live West 2025 was a whirlwind of networking, learning, and strategic growth. I am beyond grateful for the connections I made, the opportunities I secured, and the invaluable insights gained. And if you are at all interested in the Creator Economy, you should consider attending SXSW, Influencer Marketing Show, Social Media Week, Connect, Information Creator Economy Summit, Vidcon, Cannes, Creator Economy Live East, Advertising Week, and Adweek. Let me know if you hear of any other major conferences that I missed, because I will be attempting to attend all of these, as sponsored by brands. 

And next week, in the Creator Chronicles I will be breaking down why you should be attending conferences as a creator, next week… so stay stay tuned!

Sponsored Content Disclaimer: This edition of The Creator Chronicles is brought to you in partnership with GRIN. While this post is sponsored, all opinions and insights shared are my own. I only collaborate with brands that align with my values and bring genuine value to my audience. Transparency matters, and I appreciate your trust! 💙 

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