Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jade Brito. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Jade thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

One of the most pivotal risks I’ve taken was leaving the comfort of a corporate career to start my own agency, connect<>culture, in August 2024. I had spent over a decade in brand marketing, holding senior leadership roles at brands like about-face beauty by Halsey and Makeup by Mario. These roles allowed me to refine my expertise and build a network, but deep down, I felt a pull to create something more personal—something that would redefine how brands connect with contemporary culture.

The backstory: After years of working within established organizations, I often felt constrained by traditional approaches to marketing and representation. I knew there was a way to forge deeper, more meaningful connections between brands, talent, and audiences. Starting my own agency wasn’t just a career shift—it was a leap of faith. I was trading stability for a vision I wholeheartedly believed in.

The circumstances: The timing was precarious. August wasn’t the most conventional time to launch a business. I had just wrapped a major project, and while the idea for the agency had been brewing, turning it into reality required every ounce of courage and confidence. I had no immediate safety net, no big investors, and no guarantees—just the drive to prove that innovation and authenticity could lead the way in this industry.

The outcome: Within months, connect<>culture was up and running, and I have the privilege of consulting for top-tier brands and talent, including celebrating makeup artists Allan Aponte and Carolina Banegas, and innovative brands like Range Beauty and LOOPS. My agency has already started carving a unique space in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle marketing, and I’ve been able to align with talent and brands who share my passion for breaking boundaries. It’s still a journey, but every day, I’m reminded that the risk was worth it.

This experience taught me that the greatest rewards come from betting on yourself, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Taking the leap allowed me to live authentically and create work that truly resonates with who I am and what I stand for.

Jade, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Jade Brito, the founder of connect<>culture, a mission-driven agency I launched in August 2024. My journey into the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle industries began over a decade ago, rooted in my passion for brand storytelling and creating meaningful connections. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills through senior leadership roles at renowned brands like about-face beauty by Halsey and Makeup by Mario, where I spearheaded campaigns that redefined beauty marketing. These experiences provided me with a deep understanding of what it takes to build brands that resonate authentically in today’s world.

At connect<>culture, we specialize in brand marketing and talent representation, focusing on bridging innovation and authenticity. We provide services such as campaign ideation, strategic branding, creative direction, influencer and talent partnerships, and more. Our goal is to craft narratives and experiences that don’t just speak to audiences but truly connect with them. Whether it’s amplifying a product’s unique story or helping a talent find their voice, we aim to redefine the traditional boundaries of brand-building.

What sets us apart is our focus on culture-first storytelling. We don’t just follow trends—we strive to create lasting impressions by tapping into what matters most to people. Our work transcends superficial strategies, ensuring that every campaign and collaboration feels fresh, relevant, and deeply aligned with contemporary culture.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how quickly we’ve been able to make an impact. For example, in just a few months, we supported @thekaceywelchmethod at their 2024 NYFW Styling Suite, where we facilitated touch-ups for top influencers and editors. This experience reflects what connect<>culture stands for: creating high-quality, meaningful connections between talent, brands, and the audiences they serve.

For potential clients and collaborators, I want them to know that I approach every project with a combination of strategic expertise and genuine passion. Whether you’re looking to elevate a product launch, develop a campaign that truly resonates

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

To manage a team and maintain high morale, focus on creating a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration. Here are my key principles:

Foster Open Communication: Ensure team members feel heard and valued through regular check-ins and transparent feedback.

Empower and Recognize Strengths: Celebrate individual contributions and encourage team members to leverage their unique talents.

Lead with Empathy: Show understanding and gratitude, providing flexibility and support when needed.

Set Clear Goals: Define roles and objectives so everyone knows how their efforts contribute to the bigger picture.

Invest in Growth: Offer opportunities for professional development to keep the team inspired and motivated.

Celebrate Wins: Create an authentic, energizing environment by recognizing achievements and fostering collaboration.
By leading with positivity and showing genuine care for your team’s success, you set the tone for high morale and strong performance.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story that highlights my resilience is the decision to leave a secure, senior leadership role in brand marketing to start my own agency. It was a leap of faith that tested my confidence, adaptability, and determination.

After over a decade of working with top-tier beauty brands I felt compelled to create something of my own. While I had a strong vision for redefining brand building and talent representation, the reality of launching a business was daunting. I faced uncertainty, financial risks, and the challenge of establishing a name in a competitive market.

The initial months were filled with long days and hard decisions. Building a network, pitching new ideas, and aligning with clients who shared my values required grit and unwavering belief in my purpose. This experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about forging ahead with purpose, even when obstacles arise. It’s the foundation of everything I’ve built and a mindset I carry into every challenge I face.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.connect-culture.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connect__culture/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadelbrito/

Image Credits

Photographer, Seva Mangat