EP 12 – Emily Ward and Jess Hunichen: Turning Influence into Investable Assets
“A creator could give a $100,000 cash to a startup, or they could invest a $100,000 worth of content, and that’s going to have a really different kind of value.”
JESS
“The fact is: getting paid in this industry is a big point of contention.”
EMILY
This week, Planet Wealth’s Mary Kathryn Johnson sits down with Emily Ward and Jess Hunichen, co-founders of Shine Talent Group—a global talent management agency with offices in Los Angeles, Toronto, and London. Originally created to support brands and PR agencies with talent management and campaign strategy, Shine has grown into a multifaceted firm representing top social talent worldwide.
Emily and Jess share their journey from PR professionals to leading a people-first business that now includes project management software, The Thread, and a venture fund, Love x Money Ventures. They discuss the challenges of scaling a relationship-driven company while expanding into SaaS and venture funding. Emphasizing adaptability, transparency, and collaboration, the duo reflects on the resilience of their partnership and offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, creators, and anyone building a creative business.
Topics Include:
- The Birth of Shine Talent Group
- Empowering Content Creators as Investors
- The Secret to a Long-Lasting Partnership
- Challenges in People-Focused Businesses
- Learning and Adapting in the Venture Space
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Love x Money Ventures
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