Now
Before the studio, there was the floor. Ten years learning how brands operate from the inside — as an associate, a keyholder, a producer's assistant. Luxury retail, activations, influencer campaigns. I co-founded an arts collective in Harlem and helped produce content for the Czech Tourism Board, HBO, and brand activations with Budweiser, Google, and Sony.
Then 2020 came. A pandemic, followed by a forced pause caused by a chronic pain condition yet to be diagnosed. It forced me to reevaluate how I understood time, capacity, and what sustainable work actually looks like.
I rebuilt anyway — slower, more deliberately, on my own terms. In 2024 I won a pitch competition and got a grant. That was the confirmation I needed.
I'm a Black woman founder from New Jersey working at the intersection of media, technology, and consumer goods. The infrastructure I'm building is the infrastructure I wished existed.
See what I'm building
"I didn't leave the retail industry, I decided to reinvent it."
Tosca Marleen
Selected Work
Lead Producer on a landmark case study film documenting racial bias on the retail floor. Coordinated creative team — directors, content creators, talent — and facilitated all production logistics in partnership with Le Loup Studios.
View ProjectWrote and co-produced a three-part film series and NYC subway activation for the Czech Tourism Board. 471K+ impressions across social; 1M+ email sends. Campaign ran across spoiledNYC's full editorial and branded network.
View FilmInterim marketing manager post-COVID hiatus. Rebuilt newsletter and social strategy for keynote speaker promotion. Raised average email open rate from 11.4% to 52.6% through audience segmentation and branded content redesign.
Available on requestOn-site and casting producer for branded street team and activation at UN Energy Week. Managed vendor relations, talent sourcing, and on-ground execution. Part of a broader partnership development role averaging 500K–2.2M+ branded impressions.
Available on requestCo-founded an arts collective showcasing uptown creatives of color. Produced community events and aligned partnerships with I, Too Arts Collective, Langston Hughes House, Harlem Brewery, and Footaction x Adidas 125th Harlem grand opening.
Secured partnership with the Royal BC Museum for Hope Meets Action, a 2021 production. Also secured OakBay Hotel & Resort as the opening weekend hospitality partner.
Available on requestBackground
Brand & Campaign
Luxury Retail
Recognition
Speaking & Appearances
I speak at the intersection of entrepreneurship, media, and access — specifically what it looks like to build technology and consumer platforms from the margins of the ecosystem, sustainably, without burning out.
Topics include: AI in brand discovery, non-dilutive fundraising, IRL activation strategy, Black women in tech, and building a studio from scratch.
For brand partnerships, investment inquiries, or studio collaborations, please reach out to JDM & Partners directly.
Invite Me to Speak