Share

In a world that often profits from Black culture but fails to prioritize Black creators, creators, “ForeFront”  emerged not as a trend but as a revolution. Launched in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, this digital-first marketplace—founded by visionary Jordyn Weaver—is disrupting the creator economy by doing something radical: centering Black voices, Black brilliance, and Black-owned brands unapologetically.

What began as a response to systemic gaps in opportunity has now evolved into a thriving hub where content, culture, and commerce intersect—empowering creators and brands to not just be seen, but to lead.

SHEEN MAGAZINE had an exclusive interview with Jordyn Weaver 

SHEEN: ForeFront was born to amplify Black creators and brands—what inspired you to build a marketplace that centers our culture, and how does that vision continue to evolve today?

JORDYN: Forefront was birthed in 2021 in response to the Black Lives Matter movement and the inequalities in the creator economy affecting BIPOC Creators. I kept seeing emerging Black-owned brands with incredible products and stories, but they were struggling to get seen, heard, and supported simply because they didn’t have the same marketing budgets or access as their larger competitors. At the same time, I saw talented Black/POC creators trying to break into the influencer space, but being overlooked because they weren’t “mainstream” yet. Forefront is my response to that gap — a space where content, culture, and commerce collide.

As we grow, our vision continues to evolve to not only amplify BIPOC talent but to normalize it at the highest levels. We’re building systems that make it easier for creators to monetize and for brands to grow with intention, all while keeping them at the Forefront of the culture. In all honesty, the vision has stayed the same!

SHEEN: In a world that often sidelines Black innovation, what do you believe are the most powerful ways consumers and corporations alike can meaningfully support Black-owned
businesses?

JORDYN: It starts with intentionality. For consumers, it’s about going beyond one-time purchases and becoming loyal customers — sharing, reposting, reviewing, and helping these brands build community. If you shop with a Black business and enjoy it, take the time to share a review, make a testimonial video, and/or share the business with your friends/followers.

Sometimes we focus on the negative experiences and not the positive ones that have just as much impact and can change the trajectory of a small business.

We also need more creators using their platforms to uplift and bring more visibility to BIPOC brands. This doesn’t have to be deemed as ‘charity work’ because there are just as many
quality BIPOC owned brands as there are non-BIPOC owned brands. If a brand sends you a product and you like it, share it with your audience and explore partnership opportunities where you can continue to uplift that brand.

For corporations, it’s about moving from performative support to strategic partnership: investing dollars, sharing resources, offering visibility, and creating real pipelines for scale. During a time when support for Black/POC businesses has plummeted, major corporations must also be intentional about the support. It might take some creativity with all the bans and restrictions, but don’t let that scare you from supporting and impacting a small, black-owned business. We all have the ability to support Black owned brands, we just have to make a slight shift in what’s normal to us for the greater good of Black businesses. It might not be as easy, but we must all play our part to make commerce more inclusive.

SHEEN: You’ve created a digital ecosystem where content, culture, and commerce collide. What business opportunities do you see emerging in the influencer and UGC space for Black entrepreneurs right now?

JORDYN: Right now, we’re witnessing a major shift — brands are craving authentic content, and culturally-relevant creators lead the way when it comes to connecting with their audience through inclusive marketing. That opens up an entire ecosystem of opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to step in and lead. Whether it’s launching boutique content studios, building niche creator networks, offering UGC services to small businesses, or becoming full-fledged influencerpreneurs with product lines, the space is wide open, and we’re here to support them all!

What’s most exciting is that you no longer need a million followers or a huge production budget to win. You just need storytelling that resonates. Black creators have always been the cultural pulse — now we have the tools, tech, and platforms to monetize that influence at scale. From AI-powered content automation to brand collaborations and creator-owned platforms, we’re stepping into an era where we can own and earn from our culture.

SHEEN: ForeFront  helps brands connect with creators—what advice would you give to up-and-coming Black business owners looking to break into digital marketing without a big budget?

JORDYN: I’d tell emerging brands not to overthink content and influencer marketing. You can start with loyal consumers who are already champions for your brand. Incentivise them to create authentic content showcasing products of yours they love; you could even kick off a challenge of some sort, where a special discount or new products can be offered to those who participate. Accessing UGC is just that simple. Set aside a certain amount of products or marketing budgets each month and reach out to emerging creators about partnering with your brand. Lastly, look into influencer marketing and UGC platforms like Forefront that make it easier than ever to source, hire, and manage influencers.

SHEEN: With AI, virtual spaces, and content automation on the rise, how do you see Black entrepreneurship tapping into these new realms without losing authenticity or creative control?

JORDYN: Whether you’re using AI or not, or creating virtual spaces versus IRL experiences, it’s all about community and authenticity. Brands must be mindful of remaining true to who they are, and connecting with those who support them most will always win if they want to withstand the test of these AI times.Your community won’t care if your weekly blog.

ForeFront  isn’t just a marketplace—it’s a movement with muscle. Jordyn’s mission to normalize, monetize, and magnify Black excellence is helping shift power back into the hands of the very creators and entrepreneurs who drive culture forward. As AI, influencer marketing, and content platforms evolve, ForeFront ensures one thing stays constant: the community stays at the center, and the culture stays in control. The future is digital, but for Black creators, the future is also ForeFront.