This Saturday in New Orleans, Girls United and Kensington Grey are coming together for a first-of-its-kind collaboration during ESSENCE Festival: the House of Influence Creator Mixer—an intentional, high-vibe gathering designed to uplift and connect emerging Black creatives.
With a shared mission of championing underrepresented voices, the mixer centers Black women and gender-expansive talent across entertainment, fashion, beauty, tech, and culture. At its core, the event is about more than visibility—it’s about creating real pathways to industry access, brand relationships, and long-term growth.
Rechelle Dennis, co-founder and brand lead of ESSENCE Girls United, tells GU, “Black women are forever the blueprint — and at Girls United, we build for us, by us, because we love us. By joining forces with a visionary agency like KG, we’re not just creating content; we’re cultivating legacy, connection, and joy. Together, we’re designing a space where creativity flourishes, culture leads, and the next generation of storytellers can rise unapologetically.”
Kensington Grey, known for representing bold, culture-forward creators, has hosted the Creator Mixer before—but this year’s partnership with Girls United takes it to the next level. The two brands are prioritizing local New Orleans creatives, ensuring the event is not just rooted in community—but powered by it.
Shannae Ingleton-Smith, CEO and co-founder of Kensington Grey, tells GU that, “We’re honored to partner with Girls United for the Creator Mixer. In many ways, ESSENCE Festival is our Super Bowl. It’s a celebration of culture, community, and the incredible talent that everyone on our roster and team looks forward to every year. New Orleans is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and being in community with the most talented artists, creatives, and entertainers that we have watched and been inspired by our whole lives is an indescribable experience. At Kensington Grey, our mission is to empower the next generation of underrepresented voices, and there’s no better place to do that than at ESSENCE Festival, surrounded by the heart and soul of our culture.”
In addition to the mixer, Kensington Grey creators like Justin Frett, Justine’s Camera Roll, and Khiari will also be featured at GU Creator’s House, contributing to panels, activations, and thought-provoking conversations that reflect the present—and future—of Black digital culture.
And that’s not all—a surprise Kensington Grey appearance is coming to Creator’s House, with details to be announced soon. Expect a moment that’s set to turn heads and shift timelines.
The House of Influence Creator Mixer is more than a party—it’s a powerful reminder that when we invest in each other, we all rise.