Inside the Framework Vol. 3

Hey creators 👋🏽 — Ciara here, founder of Emerging Frameworks and your monthly co-pilot on this journey of turning creative sparks into something real.

This month, we’re talking about something that doesn’t always look glamorous, but is always essential: the power of showing up.

It’s easy to feel like progress only counts when it comes with a big win or a viral moment, but real growth starts waaayyy before that.

Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is just be present. In the room. On the call. At the open mic. In front of your camera. Even when you’re nervous. Even when you’re unsure.

This month, Emerging Frameworks pulled up to events like PlayersTV’s NewFronts, Creator Economy NYC’s Connect Conference, and the Beacons AI x TikTok Creators Mixer. And what did we see at every single one? People finding their people. Creators building without waiting for permission. Introverts quietly making bold moves. Proof that showing up opens doors —especially when you don’t know exactly what’s on the other side yet.

Whether you're naturally extroverted or more of a behind-the-scenes thinker (hi, fellow introverts 👋🏽), this newsletter is full of inspiration, tips, and real-world reminders that your presence is enough —and powerful.

Let’s get into it.👇🏽

🔓 Tools & Mindsets:

The Power of Showing Up ( for Your Community and Yourself)

Sometimes, showing up isn’t just about taking action on your personal goals. It’s also about putting yourself in spaces where you can connect, learn, and support others. The act of simply showing up can take you far...

For example, showing up has gotten me invited into rooms and involved in events that I otherwise wouldn’t have access to as an independent creator from West Memphis, Arkansas.

The secret behind being invited to PlayersTV ’s NewFronts, Creator Economy NYC’s Connect Conference, and the Beacons AI x TikTok Creators Mixer was simple: I showed up. I supported other events, engaged online, and talked about it. Showing up IRL and online go hand in hand these days, but before you can make an impact online, you have to show up in real life. That’s how real trust is established and how lasting connections are made.

By showing up and being present, I learned firsthand how powerful networking can be and how those moments of connection can open doors that may have seemed closed before. It taught me that no interaction, no matter how small, is ever wasted when you’re showing up for the right reasons.

💡 Here’s What Showing Up Has Taught Me

1. You don’t have to have it all figured out to start.
   Half the battle is just being in the room. You can learn and grow once you’re there, but you can’t do that if you never show up in the first place.

2. Support goes a long way.
   Genuinely showing up for others, even when you’re not the one in the spotlight, builds real relationships. People remember how you made them feel, not just what you did.

3. Being visible creates opportunities.
   When people see you consistently show up at events, in conversations, or online, they start to associate you with the energy you bring. That visibility leads to invitations, collaborations, and access.

4. In-person presence still matters.
   Online presence is powerful, but nothing replaces the energy of real-life connection. Eye contact, shared laughter, and spontaneous conversations spark real trust.

5. Every interaction counts.
   You never know who’s watching, who you might run into, or what could come from a single introduction. The more you show up, the more opportunities you create.

Speaking of never knowing who you might run into —shoutout to Adriene Bueno! We’ve both come up through sports media and are now building new spaces as founders and creators. It was so good catching up at TikTok HQ last month. Adriene is the founder of Arena, a platform on a mission to open doors for the next generation in sports, media, and entertainment.

Trying to break into the industry? Tap in and join for free at arenatalent.com 💼🔥

🌟 Community Spotlight

PlayersTV’s NewFronts
I’ve been saying this for a while —not just as a former college basketball player, but as someone who lives at the intersection of culture, creativity, and sports: creatives are the new athletes, and athletes are the new creators.

PlayersTV’s NewFronts made that crystal clear. The network, created by athletes for fans, is redefining what athlete-driven content looks like, showcasing personal stories, entrepreneurial ventures, and creative projects from the athletes themselves. It was inspiring to see athletes stepping behind the camera and into ownership roles while building a direct line to their audiences. It reminded me that storytelling isn’t just what you do —it’s who you are. Big thank you to Josiah Pinto at PlayersTV for the invitation —it was a full-circle moment to be in that room.

Creator Economy NYC’s Connect Conference x Teachable
This event created the kind of space every creator deserves, one where authenticity, information-sharing, and collaboration are at the center.

Powered by Teachable, the Connect Conference brought creators together to have honest conversations about career pivots, launching new income streams, and scaling sustainably. The emphasis wasn’t just on growing fast —it was about growing smart. I left with new tools, deeper connections, and a renewed commitment to creating with purpose. It’s events like these that remind you you’re not building alone. Huge thanks to Brett Dashevsky for putting together such an incredible event and for bringing this community of creators together in such an intentional way.

🔥 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.

🎬 Project Updates & Opportunities

She Hoops Too, Emerging Frameworks’ second documentary and first feature-length film, is currently in pre-production. We’re building our team and crewing up for production, which is set to begin Fall 2025 through Winter/Spring 2026.

About She Hoops Too

She Hoops Too is a coming-of-age documentary inspired by Hoop Dreams, following two 14-year-old basketball players — Serwah Banahene, a 6’7” phenom from Ghana, and Samantha King, a 6’0” point guard from New Jersey —from freshman to senior year of high school.

Over four years, we’ll follow them as they chase their dreams on and off the court, navigating the pressures of elite basketball through sacrifice, resilience, and the support of their communities. Their journey shows that with heart, talent, and opportunity, anything is possible.

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

• Social Media Associates

• Videographers

• Assistant Video Editors

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

Check out our first documentary, The Historic HBCU Photograph, streaming on PBS Maryland

📡 Inside the Algorithm —

This month, we’re spotlighting creators who are showing up with intention — using their craft to build community, tell meaningful stories, and remind us that consistency and creativity still matter.

🎨 IG: @teamartist — Your favorite millinery designer hat company, crafting one-of-a-kind hats and art pieces that merge fashion with cultural storytelling. Their pieces have been worn by icons like Spike Lee at the MET Gala, Shaq, and even made a cameo in ESPN’s Women’s College Basketball March Madness commercial. Bold, expressive, and rooted in community, they’re making hats that speak volumes.

🎤 IG: @artzisartsy – Artz is a hip-hop artist whose journey reminds us that sometimes showing up means pushing through setbacks and coming back stronger. After a two-month hiatus due to a serious stomach issue, Artz returned with Road to Redemption — a soulful, introspective track rooted in faith, family, and resilience. With evocative lyrics and heartfelt melodies, he turns personal adversity into a powerful reminder of why showing up for yourself and your purpose matters. Featuring angelic vocals from Briii, the track hits deep and inspires even deeper.

💬 Thought of the Month:

“If 90% of success in life is showing up, the other 10% depends on what you’re showing up for.”

Not every room, opportunity, or timeline is meant for you, and that’s okay. Keep showing up for the right things: your values, your growth, your craft, your community. That’s how real momentum builds.

Until next time,
— Ciara & the EFW Team