Most brands meet the creator economy from one side of the table. I've spent more than a decade on both.
I'm a creator with a 2.5M+ community across Instagram (@brightonmaia) and TikTok (@brightonsharbino), an actress since 2012, and a Partner at Symbols PR in Los Angeles, where I lead brand partnerships and talent partnerships for beauty, fashion, wellness and lifestyle brands. That combination shapes how I approach influencer marketing, creator partnerships and public relations: start with what makes a creator say yes, and build toward what the brand needs to measure.
1. Creator sourcing starts with fit, not follower count
The strongest creator partnerships begin with vetting. Before a pitch goes out, I look at audience, content quality, platform fit and brand alignment. At Symbols PR, I source and cultivate creators, talent agencies and agency partners, and I build multi-creator, multi-platform programs across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
2. Negotiation is where partnerships are won
Good influencer negotiation protects both sides. I negotiate rates, deliverables, usage rights and whitelisting directly with creators, talent managers and agencies, then manage each partnership from pitch through delivery: briefs, agreements, content approvals, posting schedules and recaps. As a creator, I've received those same briefs and contracts, so I know where deals stall and how to keep them moving.
3. Content has to feel native to work
My own beauty influencer marketing results show what platform-native storytelling can do: a Sephora × Benefit Cosmetics concealer launch reached 17.2M views with 14.2% engagement and 1.4M likes. Other examples include Revolve at 2.6M views, Fashion Nova at 1.2M with 10.4% engagement, Sacheu Beauty at 765K with 11.7% engagement, and work with Dior Beauty, Glossier, Puma, Alo Yoga and Moxy Hotels NYC. I plan, shoot, style and edit short-form video in-house and deliver 4K assets ready for organic, paid and brand use.
4. Affiliate and ambassador programs turn moments into momentum
Affiliate marketing and creator commerce are a core part of how I work. I earn through TikTok Shop, LTK, ShopMy and an Amazon Storefront. That gives me a practical view of what makes ambassador programs and affiliate partnerships perform for creators and for brands.
5. Experiential marketing extends the story
Experiential marketing and creator activations create content that audiences want to share. I led creator recruitment, briefing and event logistics for a NordicTrack creator activation. I also pitch talent for gifting suites and hospitality experiences, and I've turned launches, dayclub events (Tao Group's Omnia Dayclub, 1M views), hotel stays and red carpets into social storytelling.
6. PR and creators belong in the same plan
Public relations and influencer strategy work best together. I write press releases and maintain relationships with the owners of NYLON and Teen Vibes magazines. My experience on sets such as AMC's The Walking Dead, Sony Pictures' Miracles from Heaven and HBO's True Detective gives me fluency with reps, publicists and production teams. That's the foundation for integrated marketing, where earned media, creators and brand channels tell one story.
7. Measure, learn, repeat
Every campaign gets a scorecard: views, engagement rate, likes and saves. I use social media analytics to refine hooks, formats and creator mix, and I use AI tools every day to speed up research, outreach and reporting.
Let's work together
I'm based in Los Angeles and actively relocating to New York City. I'm open to roles in influencer marketing, creator and brand partnerships, talent partnerships, social media strategy, PR and brand communications, and experiential marketing. I also welcome brand ambassador and creator campaigns. See campaign results in my portfolio, or get in touch.