Stop Leaving Money on the Table: 6 Lessons from the Black Girls in Media Summit

Four Black Girls in Media share how to get paid in the creator economy

As more Black women look to content creation as a pathway to financial independence, creators at the Black Girls in Media Lights, Camera, Influence Summit delivered unfiltered advice on how to build sustainable careers online.

Held May 3 in Dallas, the summit brought together journalists, influencers, entrepreneurs, and students for conversations about branding, negotiation, consistency, and long-term growth in the creator economy.

From negotiating brand deals to building community, creators Erica M., Niyah Gonzalez, Amani Wortham, and Chanell Sykes shared how to monetize influence while staying authentic.

Here are the biggest takeaways:

1. Start Today — Imperfect and All

One of the biggest themes throughout the summit was consistency over perfection.

Creators repeatedly emphasized that waiting for the perfect camera, strategy, aesthetic, or niche often delays growth. Instead, panelists encouraged attendees to document the process, including mistakes and setbacks.

"The beauty is in the hiccups," Sykes said. "You can only get better the more that you post. This is the long game."

Erica M. added that chasing viral moments is a trap. She encouraged creators to focus on community building.

“A viral video doesn’t sustain a successful career. You have to have consistent engagement,” said Erica M.

2. Ask Other Creators What Brands Are Paying

Transparency around rates — especially among Black women who are historically underpaid — is a growing trend. Erica M. said creators should not be afraid to ask peers what brands are actually offering.

“When you see how much they are paying these other creators, wait, the sky is truly the limit,” she said.

Wortham cosigned.

“You don’t always have to accept the first offer," Wortham said. "We get so desperate for the money,” she continued. “You have to be willing to say, ‘No, that’s not good enough.’”

3. Charge Your Worth — Then Raise The Price

After mastering posting consistently, confidence plays a major role in how brands perceive value. Gonzalez shared that her rates evolved as her business understanding expanded.

“I started throwing out a number,” Gonzalez said. “One day, I said $6,000, then next time $10,000.”

Wortham also warned attendees against consistently accepting low-paying opportunities.

“If you accept a low-ball offer, I promise it will keep coming back to you,” she said. “The world knows your energy. Whatever you put out and are willing to accept will come back to you.”

4. Diversify Your Income

Algorithms change. Brand budgets dry up. Creators stressed the importance of building revenue streams outside of social media.

Earlier this year, Sykes said she launched Danity Girl Beauty, which topped six figures in the first two months of sales. The brand currently offers a selection of fragrances and body oils.

“That will carry me even when the brands say no,” she said.

5. Secure Long-Term Partnerships

One-off campaigns don't sustain careers. Erica M. urged creators to negotiate for multi-month deals to create income stability.

Her example: “If a brand is willing to pay for two videos for $10,000, negotiate for five videos for $25,000 over several months,” she said.

6. Know When It's Time To Hire Help

Several panelists signed with agencies after realizing that they couldn't keep up with inquiries on their own.

“I was flooded with emails,” Wortham said. “I couldn’t keep up... I was leaving money on the table.”

However, representation is a tool, not a shortcut. As Sykes reminded attendees, your community will find you when you are clear on who you are.

"Your community will find you. You don’t have to be like the next person," she said.