This past weekend, NYC was buzzing with creative energy at EveryStylishGirl's Sip N' Slay conference—and ShopMy was right in the middle of it. Our team joined forces with ESG to host a conversation that went beyond the usual influencer chatter. We asked a simple but powerful question: How do you turn your personal style into real income without losing authenticity?
Moderated by ShopMy’s own Hali Letlow, the panel brought together three distinct voices in the creator space:
Meet the Panelists:
Shenea Walker – @sheneawalker Shenea is the definition of a multi-hyphenate. By day, she’s an advertising professional navigating the corporate world; by night, she’s building a vibrant personal brand. Her content spans fashion, lifestyle, and fitness—always infused with personality and a willingness to share what’s real. Shenea knows how to balance the structure of a 9-to-5 with the creativity of content creation, proving that side hustles can be just as impactful as full-time gigs.
Carolyn Gray – @itscarolyngray Carolyn is a New York–based content creator, creative strategist, and business consultant with a fresh perspective on fashion and beauty. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology and founder of her own brand, she blends industry expertise with a signature mix of humor, style, and authenticity. Carolyn’s audience comes to her for the best outfit inspo, beauty faves, and life advice—and stays because she delivers connection and results for the brands she collaborates with.
Tariro Makoni – @tariro.makoni Tariro is a strategist reshaping how the luxury industry connects with the zillennial consumer. She is the founder of Trademarked, a leading newsletter on luxury, culture, and commerce read by tens of thousands each month. In addition to writing for Marie Claire and Vogue Business, Tariro advises and partners with global brands like Lyst and The RealReal and angel invests in consumer-tech startups. Her eye for strategy and trend-spotting makes her a sought-after voice in the creator economy.
Why Affiliate Is More Than a Buzzword
Hali kicked off by asking the crowd how many had ever shared a product link. Nearly every hand shot up. And that’s where the magic of affiliate links comes in: ShopMy turns those everyday recommendations into income.
For Shenea, the lightbulb moment was realizing that the recommendations she’d always given could actually make money. Tariro’s entry point was different; she started with a love for the oddly specific: “I was posting about niche things no one else was talking about, and ShopMy gave me the tools to turn that into a business.” And Carolyn? She laughs about her early surprise: “I didn’t even know content creators could make money. Once I saw it, I was hooked.”
The Balancing Act: Taste vs. Trend
Each panelist made one thing clear: your taste is your brand. While affiliate links drive revenue, authenticity drives trust. Carolyn highlighted the loyalty her audience feels when they know she’s genuine. Tariro, who approaches content like an editor, added that credibility means sometimes sharing things that don’t make money—because that’s what builds long-term trust.
Data, But Make It Creative
Numbers can be intimidating, but for these women, data is power. They talked about how ShopMy’s dashboard not only tracks clicks and conversions but can spark new brand partnerships. Carolyn shared how a casual link to a favorite bag turned into a brand collaboration when sales unexpectedly spiked.
Advice For New Creators
The panel wrapped with advice that was refreshingly actionable:
Start with what you have: The items you already own, use, and love are the best place to begin. They’re authentic and familiar to your audience.
Share consistently, even if it’s small things: Momentum builds with regularity. Even a quick story link or a casual recommendation adds up over time.
Focus on trust, not quick wins: Your audience notices when you’re genuine. Prioritize building long-term credibility over chasing viral moments or high commissions.
Don’t get discouraged by slow starts: Growth can be gradual. The first $10 or $100 may feel small, but the habit of sharing links will pay off as your audience and opportunities grow.
About Sip N' Slay and EveryStylishGirl
EveryStylishGirl is a media company connecting Black and Brown creative professionals with opportunities in media, fashion, and beauty. Through its annual Sip n Slay conferences, it offers a space for creatives to connect with industry leaders and take their careers to the next level. The event, which has been hosted in cities like Los Angeles and Accra, returned to New York City this year, attracting over 1,000 attendees. Founder Nana Agyemang has built a platform that celebrates style, strategy, and community, welcoming entrepreneurs, founders, content creators, and visionaries from around the world.
Want to hear more from our panelists? Explore their shops below:
