In honor of Women’s History Month, we are proud to shine a spotlight on the powerhouse women behind MagicLinks. As we reflect on the achievements and contributions of women throughout history, we want to amplify the voices and experiences of the women shaping our company today. Join us as we dive into the perspectives and experiences of four inspiring members of the MagicLinks team.
Jennifer Piña
VP – Strategic Partnerships
Can you tell us about your role at MagicLinks and how long you’ve been at the company? What initially drew you to this role or the company?
I pinch myself daily. I get to work with so many of the best brands in the world – and my job in a nutshell is to 1) understand their needs, and 2) build influencer strategies that help them succeed and lead in social commerce.
A little over 7 years ago I was introduced to our Founder, Brian Nickerson. At the time, MagicLinks was 3 people operating out of his condo in Brentwood. I had just returned from a year’s sabbatical (volunteering and traveling all over the world – stories for another time!). My mind and spirit had been cracked open and in my search for a new career, I only knew one thing…I wanted my work to excite me every day. You know the quote, “choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life” – I always thought, oh sure…that’s cute (yeah right). But once I found MagicLinks…or MagicLinks found me…I finally understood that quote. It’s the truth, and I’m telling you it’s very much possible to find.
MagicLinks emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workplace culture. How have you seen these values reflected in your day-to-day experiences?
To me, one of the greatest benefits in having a leaner org is that culture is truly felt and experienced as opposed to being a tagline. At the top of 2020 when our nation was in a heightened state and brands’ voices were being called upon more than ever before, one of our team members came up with the idea to instate a 30% racial diversity requirement for all casted campaigns. The leadership team agreed and it was put into effect overnight. It was something real and concrete and a measurable way to take action and make a difference. It’s still in place today.
What are your hopes and aspirations for the future of women in the workplace, both at MagicLinks and in the broader industry?
Last week I was at 3 industry dinners in NYC that were 95% female. I’m continuously impressed by the leaders I meet in the creator industry, and feel that there is a special camaraderie and growing transparency amongst us women that have been in the space since the earlier days. Together we have literally helped to create an industry that has allowed more people to do what they absolutely love and to make $ doing it. My hope is already coming true.
You are undeniably ambitious and hard working. You’ve spoken at major events and have had various articles written about your successes – including The LA Times. As a VP at MagicLinks, do you have any advice or words of wisdom for other women—both creators and professionals—aspiring to find their place in the creator industry?
Yes – 2 things that have been critical for me:
- Come as you are. This happens to be a MagicLinks Company Value. I spent a lot of my earlier career trying to play a part and do what I thought I was supposed to do…by way of society, corporate america, etc. You know that you are not coming as you are when you wake up with gripping anxiety about your workday or end your day feeling absolutely depleted. When you have to ask yourself several times throughout the day..why am I doing this (task, project, meeting, request)? These elements should not be present when you are doing work that fulfills you.
- Relationships are everything. Find great mentors that you understand and who understand you. Set up a meeting cadence with them. Ask smart questions and be vulnerable. Feed these relationships and keep them forever. They will pay you back throughout your career wherever you go. Same goes for colleagues and external partners. Trust me!
If you could swap lives with any woman for a day, who would it be? (ex. Misty Copeland? We noticed your passion for dance!)
Beyonce. On stage, full throttle. But I do love Misty and dying to get back up on pointe!
What’s your favorite woman owned small business?
Isamaya Beauty. I think Isamaya Ffrench is brilliant.
Do you have a favorite MagicLinks tradition or inside joke?
MEOWWR 🐱 (iykyk)
If you could have dinner with any famous woman from history, who would it be?
Frida Kahlo. I spend ½ of my time in Mexico City and I feel her spirit everywhere!
Please provide a quote or mantra that brings you inspiration.
Live should be lived to the point of tears – Albert Camus
Pepper Jefferson
Senior Manager – Creator Partnerships
Can you tell us about your role at MagicLinks and how long you’ve been at the company? What initially drew you to this role or the company?
I’ve been at ML for 2 and a half years now. My specialty is helping brands connect with consumers in niche communities. I’ve worked in influencer marketing for a while now but I loved that MagicLinks has an added layer of value – helping creators get paid! The company also provides a certain “vibe” that creates a sense of acceptance and inspiration, so I immediately felt at home during my interview process!
What are your hopes and aspirations for the future of women in the workplace, both at MagicLinks and in the broader industry?
I’ve always had close relationships with my aunties and older women in my life. I wish the broader industry would share more stories of older women and allow them to “see themselves” in unique spaces. You can still dream big dreams and have adventures as an older woman. It would be so inspiring to see more of them online and on TV, portrayed as youthful – full of life and ambition.
Please share a career achievement that you are proud of. This could be specific to your role as a Manager in Creator Partnerships (Congrats on approaching your 3 year anniversary at MagicLinks!) or more general.
By far, I’m most proud of the NYC dinner we hosted with Best Buy to introduce the brand to some of our consistent creator partners IRL. A TIME WAS HAD!
Name a fictional female character you admire and why?
Issa from Issa Rae’s Insecure. I first became acquainted with her characters through her web series Awkward Black Girl, and I’ve always felt it was such a great reflection of black women with quirks navigating progressive spaces. My aunt used to call me a “popular nerd” so I saw a lot of myself in this character and I admire her perseverance and self-acceptance.
What’s your favorite woman owned small business?
@theveganhoodchefs on IG. Two amazing women from my hometown in the Bay Area inspiring entrepreneurship and creating healthier food options in their community.
Do you have a favorite MagicLinks tradition or inside joke?
Brian Nickerson’s ability to turn anything into a sports analogy. If ya know, ya know!
If you could have dinner with any famous woman from history, who would it be?
Maya Angelou.
Please provide a quote or mantra that brings you inspiration.
“Not my circus, not my monkeys” has been my latest mantra – a reminder to only focus on the things I can control, and to stay in my lane.
Ashley Cooke
Senior Marketing Manager
Can you tell us about your role at MagicLinks and how long you’ve been at the company? What initially drew you to this role or the company?
I’m a Senior Marketing Manager, where my primary focus is to grow and nurture our community of creators! I love that MagicLinks prioritizes the personal and professional development of creators, fostering a space that values authenticity and diversity. I work with so many different teams here to make this happen—over the last year we’ve been busy building the tools and support systems that keep creators happy, healthy, and on top of their business.
I had recently left a job where I was doing work that I didn’t love. The mission of the company was incredible, but I found myself forcing something that didn’t feel right. I took a leap of faith and left the job with nothing lined up. (I was ready to hit the service industry and try my hand at freelancing)! But, then a former manager reached out about a job here, and next thing I knew I was interviewing and accepting a job offer. It was so unexpected, but I’m so happy I followed the lead. I can feel myself experiencing growth in ways I never imagined. Connecting with colleagues in meaningful ways and opening yourself up to new areas of work really matters. It can create this pool of people and opportunities that will show up and support in so many different ways, both personally and professionally.
What are your hopes and aspirations for the future of women in the workplace, both at MagicLinks and in the broader industry?
I’ve had the privilege of spending the majority of my career (so far) at companies where women make up most of the workforce. The women I’ve worked under and alongside have taught me SO much. I often wonder where I’d be in my career if I didn’t have this experience. Based on the conversations I’ve shared with friends and colleagues over the years, I’ve come to realize how fortunate it is to be immersed in an environment full of transparency, hands-on problem-solving, and honest conversations—and I attribute that to the presence and leadership of strong women. As I continue to evolve in my career, I hope to foster this empowering energy wherever I go.
What’s a project you started that’s focused on supporting creators and stands out as a career highlight for you?
At my previous company, I was part of a team that built content and events to support the growth of small business owners and entrepreneurs. The community was so inspiring, and being part of their journey was huge. Creators are the fastest-growing segment of small business owners, so I hope to create a similar space here at MagicLinks. One that provides creators with the tools, resources, and community they need to stay happy, healthy, and on top of their business.
Have you ever contemplated starting your own journey as a creator through taking what you have learned from working in the industry?
I’ve considered it, but there are too many days I just want to unplug and be present. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to stay consistent.
What’s your favorite woman owned small business?
Lisa Says Gah
Name a fictional female character you admire.
Ugly Betty
Please provide a quote or mantra that brings you inspiration.
Everything is going to work out forever.
Nicole Lauture
VP – Creator Partnerships and Account Management
Can you tell us about your role at MagicLinks and how long you’ve been at the company? What initially drew you to this role or the company?
I have been at ML for over 4 years! I was recommended by an old coworker to look at the company and loved that it was located in Venice. I loved the team when I interviewed and have been at home here since.
MagicLinks emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workplace culture. How have you seen these values reflected in your day-to-day experiences?
Having the flexibility and support to create value driven processes like 30% diversity minimums on our campaigns and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds on a daily basis.
With a background in communications, did you always foresee yourself working in the creator industry or a similar field that focuses on relationship building and community management?
When I started working, the creator industry didn’t exist! I took a job at a talent agency when I was looking for work and fell in love with the space ever since. The skills I learned from PR and event planning roles before definitely help with my day to day work.
Who is your favorite female artist? (This can be music, visual art, or performance art.)
Rihanna!
Do you have a favorite MagicLinks tradition or inside joke?
Creator Partnership Team Dundee Awards.
If you could have dinner with any famous woman from history, who would it be?
Maya Angelou.
Please provide a quote or mantra that brings you inspiration.
“Risk it for the biscuit”
