Human-Centred Innovation. Growth-Minded Partnerships.

When people ask what The Nod is, I usually say, “Yes, it’s a tech company” because it is. But it’s also so much more than that. The Nod is a movement, a cultural ecosystem, a living expression of Black excellence. And my job has been to make sure that shows up in every way we present ourselves visually, verbally, and experientially.

Refining our brand has always meant going back to our why. We exist to celebrate the innovation, brilliance, and creativity that lives within Black communities. In line with this, my approach has been deeply human-centred. As a team, we have worked to ensure that our brand reflects this strategic intent signaling not only our commitment to technology but also our role in building an inclusive economic infrastructure that drives long-term growth and structural change. 

Wearing the Brand While Staying Rooted in the Mission

Being the face of The Nod is both an honour and a responsibility. It means leading with integrity, yes. And it also means embodying the vibrancy, innovation, and culture that our brand represents. I know people are paying attention, so I try to show up with honesty, energy, and heart. I must not only represent The Nod, but also reflect The Nod. 

This mindset keeps me grounded in intentionality, service, and collaboration. It reminds me that while I carry this role publicly, the work is deeply collective. Every milestone we’ve reached is the result of shared vision and collaboration. I’m constantly reminded that team effort brought us this far and will continue to take us farther. 

A Living, Breathing Brand

Over the past year, our brand has evolved from a powerful idea into a full ecosystem. Early on, there was excitement and vision, but clarity came with time. We’ve become more focused and consistent, and now every touchpoint reflects exactly who we are. Our strategy stays flexible but never strays from our core. We lead with culture, speak in community, and design with purpose. I’ve learned to stay consistent without being rigid. A strong brand doesn’t do everything; it does the right things thoughtfully.

When I talk to partners, funders, or friends, I keep things clear and honest. The Nod isn’t just a magazine or an app; it’s a space designed to grow and support Black-owned businesses. I show how we solve real challenges and open up possibilities, focusing on cultural relevance, economic growth, and the tech behind it all. I share data paired with storytelling because people need to feel the why. That’s our value. We’re not just participating in the market; we’re reshaping it.

Designing Trust Into the Experience

Trust isn’t something you say, it’s something people feel. And I wanted that feeling to come through in our product. When you open The Nod App, you should feel like you’ve landed somewhere familiar, affirming and future-ready. We were intentional about everything: the colour palette, the flow, and the copy. Even the way we onboard new users was written in our voice: confident, warm, and clear.

Our design reflects our values: human-first, excellence-driven, culturally rich. We want buying Black to feel not only possible, but joyful. Supporting your community should be as intuitive as ordering takeout or booking a ride. That ease is part of our brand promise.

Aligning with the Right People

Partnership has been critical to our growth, and I’m proud of the community we’ve built with organisations like Futurpreneur, Africa Centre, Group 3737, and Scotiabank. But for us, partnerships are more than transactions, they’re extensions of our values. We work with people and brands who share our commitment to equity, ownership, and innovation. Alignment is non-negotiable. We’re building for long-term transformation, and that means partnering with those who are in it for the right reasons.

When I meet potential collaborators, I listen closely. Beyond interest, I’m looking for intention. Do they believe in our community? Do they understand that tech is a tool and not the end goal? Those are the kinds of questions that shape our decisions.

Advice for Other Founders: Know Your Truth

For other Black-led startups trying to build something that’s both culturally grounded and tech-forward, here’s what I’d say: Be clear from the beginning. Know who you are, who you’re serving, and why it matters. That clarity will guide everything.

Don’t try to replicate what others are doing. Build something that reflects your truth. Invest in your story, design, user experience, and especially your “why.” That’s where the strength of your brand lies. And don’t shy away from being bold. We’re not here to fit into existing systems. We’re here to reimagine them for us.

Bringing the Brand to Life in the App

I’m especially proud of how our branding shaped the app itself. We weren’t content with simply building a marketplace. No, we wanted the entire experience to feel like The Nod. That meant starting from our brand principles and designing from there.

From how new users sign up to how they discover new businesses, every element is intentional. We created something functional, but also familiar, vibrant, and inviting. The app isn’t only an extension of our brand. It’s a living, breathing part of the movement.

We’ve built something we believe in. Something rooted in excellence and powered by community. And every day, I get to help carry that vision forward—on screen, in conversation, and in the hearts of the people we serve.