MAIN STORY

A Magical Night: Bay Area Creator Economy x Creator Economy Live

France Tantiado, Contributor

Bay Area Creator Economy, in partnership with Creator Economy Live and Linqia, hosted a truly special evening in the heart of San Francisco at the iconic Ferry Building inside SHACK15. With nearly 200 creators, founders, and industry leaders in the room, it was a night full of energy, connection, and meaningful conversation.

The highlight of the evening was a live podcast recording with our phenomenal hosts Brendan Gahan and Keith Bendes, who sat down with the ever-inspiring Marina Mogilko. Marina shared her candid journey from immigrating from Russia to becoming an entrepreneur, creator, and mother—reminding us all of the power of authenticity, dedication, and perseverance. Her story resonated deeply with many in the room.

The evening was made possible thanks to the vision and dedication of Monica Khan, who brought heart and purpose to every detail of the event. It was a true family affair, with her parents flying in from New Jersey and her kids cheering her on in the crowd. Big thanks also to Jim, Rachel, Cassandra, and me (France!) for helping to make the night feel so welcoming and fun.

We were proud to collaborate with amazing partners like Heather James from Creator Economy Live, Luke Miller of MediaRide, Jaron Gandelman from SHACK15, who offered their incredible venue, and Michael Seiler from Collective Impact. A special shoutout to Justin Moore, who gifted guests with his book Sponsor Magnet. He’s also offering a FREE digital copy for the BACE community until May 15—use code BACE9 at sponsormagnet.com to claim it.

A few highlights from folks who joined us:

Humphrey Yang (Personal Finance/Investing Creator)
“Traditionally, the Bay Area hasn't had much representation for creators, so it was incredible to see an event like this—bringing together not just creators, but also the people and organizations supporting the creator economy. The scale and diversity of the crowd made it truly special.”

Keith Bendes (CSO of Linqia) 
“It was energizing to see how vibrant the creator economy is in the Bay. From marketers to creators, to talent managers, everyone came out in full force. Marina delivered a masterclass on how to build a multi-faceted business as a creator.”

Brendan Gahan (CEO/Co-Founder Of Creator Authority) 
“It was great to see 200+ people in the creator economy within the bay area come together in one place to mix and mingle. As a former SF resident, it was awesome to see it become such a hub for the creator economy - I wish we'd had this while I lived up there.”

Gabe Weis (Artist)
“I specialize in digital art and paintings, and I love coming to BACE events—every single time, I meet incredible people doing amazing things. It’s always inspiring to connect with the creative community.”

Ahliyah Michelle (Beauty Creator)
"As a beauty creator located in the Bay Area, there’s hardly any events out here for us so I really enjoy that the Bay Area Creator Economy is filling in that gap and helping us connect with the decision makers out here through their networking opportunities. The drinks and hor d'oeuvres are also a nice touch!"

Olivia Meng (Creator)                                                      “I’ve attended several Bay Area Creator Economy events, and each time I walk away having learned something new—whether it’s how to polish my content or insights from peers and experts. It’s an inspiring space to grow and connect.”–

We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the night unforgettable. This was more than an event—it felt like the start of something bigger. Stay tuned for what’s next!

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

ZACH BLUME - CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT OF PORTAL A

Monica Khan, Contributor

In this week’s member spotlight, we’re featuring Zach Blume, Co-Founder and President of Portal A, an award-winning social and creator content company that has helped shape modern digital entertainment. Based in Oakland, Zach’s work has influenced the way creators and brands connect, with Portal A producing original content for the world’s biggest platforms, creators, and brands.

Get to know him a bit more here:

Q: What first inspired you to work in the creator economy?

We started out just making stuff — no film school, no ad agency experience — just a camera, a few ideas, and the will to release it online. When we had some early hits on YouTube, it lit a spark. We didn’t have a business plan, but we felt the potential of this new medium long before it was called “the creator economy.”

Q: How has tech influenced your career path?

We owe everything to platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and even Blip. They broke down the gatekeeping walls and gave us — and countless others — a shot at building something from nothing. Without that tech, Portal A wouldn’t exist.

Q: What’s your biggest professional challenge right now?

The ever-present tug-of-war between being a founder and being a father. I’ve found a rhythm between work and family, but both require constant nurturing. There’s no autopilot — just intention and balance.

Q: What do you wish more people understood about your work?

That the creator economy doesn’t have to mean race-to-the-bottom content. At Portal A, we believe this space can be a home for ambition, artistry, and high production value. That’s our north star.

Q: What’s one thing you wish you'd known at the start of your career?

That it’s a winding road. Embrace the uncertainty. Like Bruce Lee said — and I love that he’s a fellow Bay Area legend — be like water.

Q: What do you love most about living in the Bay Area?

We live in Oakland, and I’m endlessly inspired by its vibrancy, diversity, food, creativity, and proximity to nature. Sure, the Bay has its challenges — cost of living, wealth gaps, broken public systems — but it’s still one of the most dynamic places to live and build.

Q: What’s your ideal day off in the Bay Area?

A long dog walk through the Redwoods or along the water. Simple and grounding.

Q: How would you describe the Bay Area’s impact on your career?

Portal A grew up as YouTube grew up — right here in the Bay. Being in the gravitational pull of platforms like YouTube helped shape our creative DNA and set the tone for how we operate, even as we’ve expanded to LA and NYC.

Q: What do you most appreciate about the Bay Area creator economy?

The scrappiness. In the early 2010s, you had companies like Revision3 doing groundbreaking stuff, and there was a real energy. I feel like we’re due for another renaissance — the foundation is still here.

Q: What’s your favorite podcast or YouTube channel?

Right now I’m loving Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know. He’s a fellow Bay Area guy, and he’s doing something fresh and thoughtful on YouTube.

Q: What’s your favorite source for industry news?

Tubefilter. They’ve been around since the early days — like us — and I respect their independence and commitment to the space.

Q: What’s your proudest professional moment?

It’s not one moment — it’s the culture we’ve built at Portal A. A place where people feel supported, celebrated, and empowered to make things. That’s what I’m most proud of.

Q: What’s your vision for the future of the creator economy?

That we move beyond clicks and scale and lean into storytelling that’s bold, ambitious, and creatively elevated. If we want long-term sustainability and serious brand investment, this is the direction we have to go.

–

Bay Area folks — if you’re building, dreaming, or navigating the wild world of creators and content, Zach is a shining example of what’s possible when creative intuition meets real community and long-term vision.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Inside the Bay Area

APRIL

April 12-20 
The 57th Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival spans two weekends April 12-13 and April 19-20 in Japan town.The event features traditional music and dance performances, crafts, origami, bonsai displays, and many more. (San Francisco)

April 15
Celebrate SF culture at the 415 Night Market, presented by record label EMPIRE. This all-ages event will feature local food vendors, curated retail, and beats by EMPIRE and top-tier DJs—all in honor of the city’s vibrant spirit. (San Francisco)

April 17-27
The SF International Film Festival showcases captivating stories and films from across the globe. If you're a movie lover, this is the event you won't want to miss! (San Francisco and greater Bay Area)

April 18
Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, is launching a monthly Fort Mason Friday Night Market series.  All ages are welcomed. (San Francisco)

April 24-27
Napa Valley StreamFest 
Napa Valley StreamFest is redefining the festival experience with a dynamic celebration of podcasts, series, films, and social content. Highlighting the best in modern media, the festival will honor Jason Segel with the TV Performance of the Year award on April 26. Discount code for our members, please use this: BACE-STREAMFEST for your members to receive $50 off any 2-day or 4-day pass  (Napa)

April 27​
Opening Day on the Bay is a cherished San Francisco maritime tradition marking the official start of the boating season. (San Francisco)

April 29-30
The Startup Grind Conference 2025, taking place in Redwood City, April 29-30, is a premier event for the global startup ecosystem, bringing together founders, investors, and innovators to connect, collaborate and discuss the next big things in the future of technology.  (Redwood City)

MAY

May 8
COMMUNITY PICK! Bay Area Creator Economy will be hosting an intimate mixer for our community — details coming soon! Save the date. (San Francisco)

May 17
Moonstar Charitable Organization is hosting an unforgettable evening to raise funds for underserved and vulnerable communities in San Francisco. Expect a fabulous fashion show, delicious food and wine, a lively auction, and a vibrant mix of guests—all coming together to support a cause that truly matters. (San Carlos)

May 18
Bay Area Bay to Breakers is ​Bay to Breakers is an annual 12K race in San Francisco, celebrated for its lively costumes and vibrant community spirit (San Francisco)

May 23-25
BottleRock Napa Valley 2025 is set to feature an impressive lineup, including headliners Green Day, Justin Timberlake, Noah Kahan, and Benson Boone. (Napa Valley)

Beyond the Bay Area

APRIL

April 5-9
The NAB Show (National Association of Broadcasters) is just around the corner, with the Creator Lab as one of the top highlights. Produced by BACE co-founder Jim Louderback, and featuring experts like Cassandra Bankson, also co-founder of BACE, and Dylan Huey, founder of REACH and a Bay Area native, the Creator Lab is a must-attend for content creators. And with daily AMAs and networking receptions on Sunday and Monday night, creators and industry professionals can learn, connect and explore the latest trends. (Las Vegas)

April 9
April's ShopSocial Summit – this month's Youtube ShopSocial is all about Home is Where the Heart Is. Lowe's and HexClad will be there to give you the inside scoop on what to sell and how to gear up for Memorial Day sales! (Los Angeles )

April 9-11
Google Cloud Next 2025 – get a front-row seat for Google’s latest and greatest AI innovations and product launches, and learn new ways to drive growth and efficiency. (Las Vegas)

April 11-13
Coachella’s Valley Music and Arts Festival weekend 1 is one of the biggest music festivals in the world, featuring top artists, fashion, art installations, and vibrant influencer-driven content creation. (Indio, CA)

April 23-24
Grow LA GROW, an established community of 80,000 online retailers, tech providers, agencies, investors & eCommerce stakeholders, is hosting two action-packed days of practical presentations, 1-1 meetings, panels & group workshops. (Los Angeles)

Have an event you’d like us to include here? If so, please send the event URL to [email protected].

COMMUNITY NEWS

Oracle San Francisco SailGP: Thrilling High-Speed Racing on the Bay:The 2025 Oracle San Francisco Grand Prix showcased high-speed racing on the Bay, featuring advanced hydrofoiling catamarans reaching over 50 knots. NorthStar Canada stood out in the fierce competition. With thrilling moments and dramatic finishes, the event solidified San Francisco as a top sailing destination.

Meta Shutters Three Fremont Offices Amid Ongoing Downsizing: Meta is closing three office buildings in Fremont, totaling nearly 200,000 square feet, as part of its real estate reduction efforts. This follows layoffs and prior office space cuts in the Bay Area. Some employees will move to Menlo Park headquarters, while others will stay within Fremont.

San Francisco’s Beloved Albino Alligator, Claude, Stars in New Livestream: San Francisco's California Academy of Sciences has launched the "Claude Cam," a 24/7 livestream showcasing their rare albino alligator, Claude. Sponsored by AI company Anthropic, the stream offers fans a chance to watch Claude's daily life. The initiative celebrates the Academy's 172nd anniversary, featuring special events like a ribbon-cutting and "Swamp Talk" at Claude's enclosure.

YouTube Achieves Record 11.6% Share of TV Viewing in February 2025: In February 2025, YouTube reached a record 11.6% share of total TV viewing, leading Nielsen’s Media Distributor Gauge. This marks a 2% increase from January and a 53% rise from February 2023. Notably, viewership among adults 65 and older nearly doubled, now making up 15.4% of YouTube's TV audience.

“How Creators Make Money” Podcast Unveils the Business Side of Content Creation: The "How Creators Make Money" podcast, co-hosted by Grace Ling of Design Buddies and Justin Nguyen of Declassified Media, explores the financial strategies behind content creation. Covering topics like growing a Discord server to over $1 million ARR and making millions selling paint on TikTok, the series offers valuable insights for aspiring creators, including those in the Bay Area, on monetizing their content.

Beacons Launches ‘Beacons for Brands’ to Connect Creators and Companies: Beacons, a San Francisco-based AI platform supporting over 6 million creators, has launched ‘Beacons for Brands’ to enable direct collaborations between creators and brands. The feature lets creators add affiliate links to their content, promoting products and earning commissions, with bonus earnings during the launch phase. This initiative empowers creators by allowing them to control their brand relationships and data, creating a more personalized creator-brand ecosystem.

Jobs

• Brand Ambassador - El Blunto (San Francisco) 

• Content Director - Golden State Entertainment (San Francisco) 

• Producer - Meta (Los Angeles or San Francisco)

• Community Operations Specialist - Outlander VC (San Francisco) 

• Partner Manager - TikTok (San Francisco) 

• Creator Experience Manager - VSCO (San Francisco) 

  Have a job you’d like us to include here? Send the job posting URL to [email protected].

“HELLA BAY AREA” CREATOR PICK

A Bay Area Creator of Many Talents: How Lauren Janelle Blends Beauty, Style & Good Eats

Lauren Janelle, affectionately known as "DarcybyLauren" to her followers and simply Lauren to her friends and family, is a Bay Area native with a passion for beauty and skincare. Her journey began in childhood when she developed eczema, leading her to experiment with various products suitable for her sensitive skin. This early challenge sparked her fascination with discovering effective skincare solutions.

While studying at UC Berkeley, Lauren took her passion online, sharing her beauty routines and tips. Her genuine advice quickly resonated, amassing a community of skincare enthusiasts eager for her insights. During a semester abroad in Korea, she immersed herself in the country's renowned skincare and K- beauty culture, further enriching her expertise.​

But Lauren's interests don't stop at beauty! She's a fashion aficionado, a culinary explorer always on the hunt for the next great restaurant, a tennis enthusiast, a skilled pianist, and a creative stationery designer. Her love for stationery is evident in her unique designs that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, reflecting her personal style and artistic vision.

Her multifaceted passions make her content a delightful blend of style, flavor, and melody.​

 Join Lauren on her journey and discover the secrets to radiant skin and a vibrant lifestyle:

Instagram: @darcybylauren @darcymunches   
TikTok: @darcybylauren 
YouTube: Lauren Janelle

Thank you for reading our newsletter! If you haven’t subscribed yet, make sure to do so here to stay in the loop!  

If you are a Bay Area Creator and have a piece of content you’d like for us to share, email it to us at [email protected]

Are you interested in contributing to the community or sponsoring an event? 

Email us at [email protected]