Hey! Welcome to the Creator Economy NYC newsletter — the premier place for all things creator economy in the Big Apple.

Welcome to the 350+ new brilliant minds joining us from our VidCon event last week; stoked to have you in the community and hope to see you again in person at our future events. Enjoy your first true newsletter edition.

I'm sending the newsletter a bit early this week, but that’s because it’s the 4th of July weekend, and a Modelo is calling my name. This week, I’m diving into the story of the prominent NY-based photo and video store that has been serving the NYC creative community and beyond since 1973.

Let’s dive into it.

Stops along the way:

• Upcoming events

• Community perks

• News bits

• Job openings

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The Big Apple's Gadget Paradise: B&H Photo and Video

For half a century, B&H Photo and Video has been more than just a NYC-based store — it's become a mecca for content creators, attracting YouTubers, TikTokers, and tech enthusiasts from around the globe. But what's behind this 50-year-old establishment's magnetic pull?

The story of B&H begins in 1973 when Blimie and Herman Schreiber opened a modest photography shop in Tribeca. From these humble roots, B&H has blossomed into the largest non-chain camera store in the United States, offering an extensive array of cameras, lighting equipment, drones, and more.

As technology advanced, B&H evolved in step. The store's inventory expanded to encompass a wide range of film, photo, and electronic products, transforming it into a one-stop shop for New York's creative community. This growth spurred several moves, culminating in 1997 with the establishment of its now-iconic location at 34th Street and Ninth Avenue.

Today, B&H stands as a landmark, drawing customers from across the world both in-person and online. Its reputation has made it a frequent reference point in videos by prominent tech reviewers and content creators like Marques Brownlee (“MKBHD”) and Casey Neistat.

Stepping into the store, visitors are greeted by a unique spectacle: an innovative conveyor belt system zigzagging across the ceiling, ferrying products throughout the building. This engineering marvel is just the beginning of the B&H experience. Throughout the store, hands-on demo stations invite customers to test equipment before purchasing, creating an immersive tech playground.

But B&H's appeal extends far beyond its impressive inventory. The store has built its reputation on exceptional customer service, with a staff of knowledgeable experts ready to provide guidance on even the most complex equipment. This expertise, coupled with competitive pricing that often rivals online retailers, cements B&H's status as a preferred destination for both professionals and enthusiasts.

B&H's commitment to the creative community goes beyond sales. The company has developed a robust educational platform, offering workshops, tutorials, and a comprehensive online learning center. Their "B&H Creators" initiative takes this a step further, fostering connections within the creator community through events, resources, and exclusive discounts.

We had the pleasure of hosting an event with them back in May! More to come…

While maintaining its physical presence, B&H has successfully navigated the digital transition. With a user-friendly website, mobile app, and active social media engagement, the company has extended its reach far beyond NYC. Today, B&H processes over 3,000 orders daily from its NYC headquarters, serving customers in more than 200 countries and generating an estimated annual revenue exceeding $600 million!

B&H remains an invaluable resource, fueling the passions of both seasoned professionals and aspiring content creators. It's a place where the next viral sensation might find their first camera, established YouTubers source cutting-edge gear, and everyone can learn and grow their skills.

The story of B&H mirrors the story of countless New York creators - one of growth, adaptation, and unwavering dedication to craft. In a world where content is king, B&H equips the kingmakers, providing not just tools, but knowledge, support, and a sense of belonging to a vibrant community.

If you aren’t already, follow B&H Creators on Instagram and TikTok for giveaways, event invites, and more!

Upcoming events

Summer Mixer & Live Podcast Recording - July 29, 6:30PM-9:30PM

We’re excited to partner with Creator Economy Live for an exclusive summer mixer and live podcast recording at the Mariott Marquis in the heart of NYC to bring together our community.

Expect free beverages, food, and great people to meet. Plus, a live podcast recording with a special NYC-creator guest (announcing soon)!

Shoutout to Teachable and Siftsy (the comment section analytics tool influencer marketers rely on) for their support.

Hope to see many of you there! Space is limited, so RSVP to secure your spot.

• Newsletter: Get 20% off your first 3 months on any beehiiv paid plan. This comes after a complimentary 30-day free trial, exclusively for our community members! Snag it here.

• Link in Bio: Get 3 months FREE on the Linktree PRO plan using the code creatoreconomynyc.

• Travel and Lodging: Enjoy 12.5% off the best available rates for business and personal travel at any CitizenM Hotel location. Just use code CRMY1!

YouTube’s Culture & Trends Report

YouTube released their latest trend report diving into the world of fandom in 2024, examining how fan cultures evolve and influence content creation. It's an essential resource for understanding the dynamic interplay between creators and communities, and what it means for future trends in media and entertainment.

TikTok's evolution towards decentralization

Rolling Stone discusses TikTok's significant shift towards decentralization, potentially setting a trend for social media platforms. The move is poised to change how content is controlled and consumed, offering more power to content creators and less to centralized authorities.

Supreme Court weighs in on social media regulation

The Verge covers the Supreme Court's recent ruling on controversial social media laws in Texas and Florida, which have significant implications for how platforms moderate content. This landmark decision addresses the balance between free speech and platform regulation, making it a solid read for anyone interested in the intersection of law, tech, and social media policies.

• Talent Manager @ Click Media (if you’re interested in this role or know someone who might be, shoot me an email).

• Outbound Sales Manager @ Teachable

• Marketing Manager @ Consulta Immigration

• 📰 VidCon panel recap: the professionalization of creators

• 📰 The rise and fall of Something Navy: lessons from a NYC influencer-driven brand

• 🎥 Our panel on audience ownership from NYTechWeek

View the full archive here.

Thanks so much for reading! Let me know what you thought by replying back to this email! Enjoy the long weekend!

See you next week,

Brett