Inside the Framework | Vol. 2

Hey creators 👋🏽 — Ciara here, founder of Emerging Frameworks and your monthly co-pilot on this wild ride of turning big ideas into actual moves. Whether you're building something from scratch or leveling up your next chapter, I’m right here with you.

Let’s get real for a minute.
Have you ever felt like your best ideas get stuck in your Notes app? Like your vision is clearer than ever, but the follow-through just isn’t clicking? Maybe it's perfectionism. Maybe it's time. Maybe it’s the fear of what comes after you finally put yourself out there.

Whatever it is, you’re not alone.
This month’s newsletter is all about breaking through the blocks. Those moments of pause and procrastination aren’t proof you’re not creative—they’re just part of the process.

Let’s talk about how to move through it.

🔓 Tools & Mindsets:

How to Get Unstuck When You’re Feeling Creatively Blocked

Every big idea starts somewhere small —and often, that somewhere doesn’t look like much at first.

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, I had the idea to create a documentary inspired by Hoop Dreams. I wanted to tell the story of two unknown and unranked girls using basketball as a tool to chase their goals and transform their lives.

But I didn’t have a budget, a team, or even a clear storyline yet. What I did have was curiosity, a camera, and access to the courts where the community showed up and showed out for girls' basketball.

So I started there. I showed up. I photographed the games, the teams, and the neighborhoods. I listened, I observed, and I began to shape the world I wanted to tell a story about.

Five years later, those photographs have evolved into an idea turned reality:
I’ve officially kicked off pre-production for my first feature documentary, She Hoops Too.

And here’s what that journey taught me:

1. Let go of perfect. Your “rough draft” could be someone’s inspiration. Start where you are.
   

2. Shrink the task. Big dreams are built in small actions. Break the vision into micro-moves.
   

3. Talk it out. Stuck energy thrives in isolation. Voice it, post it, text a friend. Bring others into your process.
   

Big love to all my friends who’ve given me space to talk through She Hoops Too over the years —your feedback, encouragement, and just listening mean everything. Creative friends are such an important part of the process. 🙏🏽💛

There is no perfect time to start—only your time to take the first step.
Whatever’s on your heart to create—begin.

🌟 Community Spotlight

Last month, we tapped into some seriously inspiring energy at a few dope community events. Whether it was Dream Build Connect’s speed connection mixer, Creator Economy NYC’s subway takeovers, or the real ones showing up for For the Firsts, the common thread was clear: authentic connection.

Every organizer brought something special to the table—and their stories of carving out space, building community, and making it work in real time reminded us why showing up matters. We left each event feeling more seen, more connected, and more energized to keep creating.

If you’re looking to plug in and build with others on a similar path, here are a few events we’ll be hitting up this month —come through and say what’s up:

🔌 Upcoming Events We’re Attending in April:

→ Creator Economy NYC Mixer & Panel: Talking Creator Tools – April 15
RSVP Here

→ For the Firsts: April Meetup – April 22
RSVP Here

→ Dream Build Connect: Social Media Week 2025 – May 13
A one-of-a-kind experience focused on helping creators build with intention and authenticity.
RSVP Here

🔥 Upcoming Emerging Frameworks Event

Creative Momentum Workshop
 Build the framework for your dream project
 📅 Event Date: TBD – Sign up for this newsletter to be the first to know when registration opens.

We’re building this with the community, for the community. Don’t miss it.

🛠️ Creator Resources, Mentorships, & Jobs

Black Ambition Pitch Competition

🎥 Join the Emerging Frameworks Team
We’re currently on the lookout for:
→ A Social Media Intern (ideal for someone looking to build their creative marketing chops, get hands-on experience, and grow with a small but mighty team)
→ Production Assistants for both Emerging Frameworks and She Hoops Too —We’re looking for people who are curious, creative, and ready to learn.

📩 Interested? Fill out this quick form, and we’ll be in touch.

Upcoming Basketball Documentary is looking for staff and crew.

We're looking for Production Assistants in the following areas:

• Videography

• Graphic Design

• Video Editing

• Social Media

• Writing

• Marketing

• Community Management

📩 Interested? Fill out this quick form, and we’ll be in touch.

📡 Inside the Algorithm —

Here’s what we’ve been double-tapping on this month —creators doing it differently and reminding us why storytelling still matters:

🎨 IG: @kingsvillevisualsgallery
Led by Nigerian visual artist Ismaila Rufai , this page is a stunning example of storytelling through color, culture, and composition. His work blurs the lines between photography and fine art, and his perspective is one that needs to be on your radar.
→ Read more about Ismaila here

🎤 IG: @Lord Vizion – aka the affirmations rapper
If you’re into music that moves your mindset and your mood, tap in with Lord Vizion. His unique blend of flow and daily affirmations is exactly the kind of energy we love to see in the creator space.
→ Learn more about Lord Vizion

💬 Thought of the Month:

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
– Arthur Ashe

Keep building, even if it’s one brick at a time. We see you—and we’re building right alongside you.

Until next time,
— Ciara & the EFW Team