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

Joy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I was brought to this career path during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was a fashion and editorial makeup artist in NYC, and the pandemic shut down the whole industry. I needed to fill my days with something still during that time, so I started doing Instagram Lives. From there, I began to question and think about how Black creatives handled the pandemic, and that’s when the All Black Everything Summit was born. We held the first one in May and another one in October.

After that, I wondered what else I could do. I started to see that a lot of education is based on past inequities, but I wondered what foundation was being laid to change the future. That led me to create The Future in Black. After creating The Future in Black, I sat with it for a while because I didn’t know what direction to go in until I had a chance to use a VR headset, which was the key to unlocking the direction. It was going to go in. I started to learn about AI, AR, VR, crypto, and basically Web 3 voraciously, and I saw the power in using it for the future.

I’ve since retired completely from doing physical makeup, but I am still doing makeup virtually, and my goal is to bring more Black creatives into this new world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Joy Fennell, the founder of The Future in Black. My journey into this innovative realm began with a deep-rooted passion for creativity and a desire to push the boundaries of conventional art and design. Before embarking on this venture, I had a rich background as an editorial makeup artist in the fashion industry, which gave me a unique perspective on beauty, art, and technology. This experience and my fascination for the evolving digital landscape led me to establish The Future in Black.

The Future in Black design studio blends cutting-edge technology with creative artistry. Our focus lies in introducing beauty, fashion, art, and luxury brands into the dynamic world of Web 3.0. We are a team powered by AI, but our expertise doesn’t stop there. We work with AR, 3D design, and immersive experiences to create unique and innovative solutions that help brands stand out in a crowded digital space.

One of the things that set us apart is our human-first approach. Despite being a technology-driven studio, we prioritize the human element in all our creations. We believe in the power of storytelling and emotions, ensuring that our technological solutions don’t just captivate but also resonate with the audience.

We solve a variety of problems for our clients. From helping brands establish a strong digital presence in the Web 3.0 space to crafting unique user experiences that drive engagement and loyalty, our services are designed to meet the ever-evolving needs of the digital era.

I’m incredibly proud of the community and the network we’ve built. Seeing brands transform and embrace new technologies and subsequently witnessing their growth and success is immensely fulfilling.

The Future in Black is a testament to the belief that technology and art can coexist harmoniously, creating a new realm of possibilities for brands ready to make a mark in the digital world. We’re excited to be at the forefront of this journey, and we invite you to join us in reshaping the digital narrative.

In short, we’re not just creating digital content; we’re crafting digital legacies. And that’s what we want people to remember about us – we’re here to turn visions into vivid realities that echo in the digital landscape for years to come.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most significant misconceptions I had to overcome was the idea that being liked is a prerequisite for success. Experience has taught me that this isn’t the case. No matter how much effort you put into being likable, someone will always take issue with you – a fact underscored by scenarios like those in the Squid Games reality show (If you haven’t seen the show, it’s a great way to look into human nature. A great social experiment). I’ve learned the importance of standing up for oneself. Sometimes, this means facing the reality that not everyone will approve, and that’s okay. Moving forward despite this is what truly matters.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

When it comes to bringing new clients on at The Future in Black, nothing has worked quite like good old word of mouth. It’s been amazing to see how happy clients and friends spread the word about what we do. Whenever they share stories about our projects or the results we’ve achieved together, it piques someone’s interest. This natural way of connecting with new clients feels so genuine and trust-building. It’s like having a friend vouch for you – it just brings a level of comfort and confidence that you can’t get anywhere else. This organic growth through personal recommendations has really been the heartbeat behind expanding our client community.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thefutureinblack.com
• Instagram: thefutureinblack
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/thefutureinblack
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefutureinblack
• Twitter: thefutureinblk
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/thefutureinblack

Image Credits
Joy Fennell, AI-Generated Images