The Eli Group specializes in creating compelling, high-quality content tailored to engage target audiences and elevate brand presence. From social media posts and influencer collaborations to video production and campaign strategy, we craft content that resonates across platforms. Our approach ensures that every piece of content aligns with your brand's identity, driving engagement, awareness, and measurable results.

Case Study: Ivy Leaf Farms

Project Overview:
The Eli Group led a dynamic photoshoot production for Ivy Leaf Farms, aimed at crafting a visually engaging portfolio to elevate the client’s brand presence in major press outlets like Blavity and the Houston Chronicle after winning Revolt TV’s “Bet on Black”. This project focused on capturing the farm's unique ethos and community impact through powerful storytelling and imagery.

Project Approach:
To deliver a cohesive and compelling visual narrative, I assembled and managed a specialized team, including a photographer, hairstylist, stylist, makeup artist, two set assistants, set designer, and videographer. From initial concept development to execution, I worked closely with Ivy Leaf Farms to align on vision, ensuring each team member brought their expertise to amplify the farm's identity and appeal.

Outcomes:
The completed photoshoot provided Ivy Leaf Farms with a set of high-quality images and BTS, fully equipped for press and digital media purposes. This enhanced media presence facilitated impactful storytelling for the farm’s outreach, building meaningful connections with audiences and reinforcing its role as a pillar in the community.

Case Study: Strategic Media and Brand Development Across Diverse Clients

Project Overview:

My work spans a wide range of industries, from craft spirits to educational institutions and arts organizations. By tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs of each client, I’ve been able to amplify brand presence, drive engagement, and craft compelling stories that resonate with their target audiences. This case study highlights projects with Highway Vodka, William Price Distilling, The Forward Times, Anderson Center for the Arts, The Rhodes School for Performing and Visual Arts, The Alise Art Group, and The Spot EaDo.

Project Approach:

1. Highway Vodka & William Price Distilling

For these craft distilleries, my approach focused on enhancing brand storytelling and market positioning through high-quality content creation. I crafted visual assets and promotional strategies that conveyed each brand’s unique story, value propositions, and appeal, enhancing customer engagement and elevating brand awareness in a competitive space.

2. Forward Times

As a major media outlet, the Forward Times required engaging and informative content tailored to its readership. My role encompassed social media strategy, editorial contributions, and live event coverage, helping the publication connect with a broad audience through culturally relevant storytelling and timely coverage of community-centered events.

3. Anderson Center for the Arts & The Alise Art Group

Working with arts organizations called for an approach that balanced aesthetics with storytelling. I developed media that captured the essence of the artwork, artist stories, and the cultural impact of exhibitions and programs, providing these organizations with compelling visuals and narratives that resonated with both artists and art enthusiasts.

4. The Spot EaDo

As a vibrant social and entertainment venue, The Spot EaDo required content that captured its lively atmosphere and appeal to a diverse audience. My approach combined event coverage, real-time social media, and promotional visuals to highlight events, fostering greater engagement and brand loyalty.

Outcomes:

Through strategic content development and media relations, each client benefited from an enhanced brand image and increased visibility within their target markets. This comprehensive approach provided each brand with a suite of assets that fueled their marketing, helped attract audiences, and reinforced their value within their respective industries.

Case Study: William Price Distilling & Highway Vodka

Project Overview:

For these craft distilleries, my approach focused on enhancing brand storytelling and positioning through influencer marketing. We built a directory of over 150 influencers, which included local talent in the Houston market that would provide us a guaranteed ROI.

Project Approach:

Our team worked with upper management to develop weekly program to increase sales in the tasting room, our gift shop, and to increase brand awareness. The Eli Group handled all communication with the influencers including: fee negotiation, provided each individual with detailed posting instructions, and ensured the deliverables were shared promptly.

Outcomes:

The Eli Group created and executed customer-attracting programs such as themed events, influencer-hosted cocktail classes, and initiatives like Steak Night and Sunday Brunch & Beats. We established an influencer marketing program, increasing Instagram followers by 3,000+ and generating over 2 million impressions. We gathered user-generated content from influencers and provided creative direction when needed. Our collaboration with PR specialists ensured media coverage aligned with the distillery's events, while creative direction in photo shoots and campaigns enhanced brand aesthetics. These efforts helped triple bar sales from 2022 to 2023, and we continuously monitored performance metrics to refine strategies.

Case Study: Compozition + Hulu

Project Overview:
The Eli Group secured Highway Vodka as a liquor sponsor and assisted with setup and staffing for the 'She Taught Love' event, via Compozition, a high level production company, to execute the Houston rollout strategy. We managed front-of-house operations, overseeing check-in staff, guest lists, and event flow, while crafting invitation verbiage and contributing to the event’s branding and messaging.

Project Approach:
Our team coordinated digital coverage with media outlets like The Forward Times and Houston Style, and organized city tours with talent to increase local engagement. Additionally, we sourced a videographer to capture event highlights and facilitated the Q&A session, enhancing the overall audience experience.

Outcomes:
Our team was able to execute our assigned duties flawlessly and our guests, as well as the talent, were happy with the outcome.

Case Study: Highway Vodka “Lanemakers” Series

Project Overview:
The Eli Group’s Iman Eli served as the producer for Highway Vodka’s “Lanemakers” series, aimed at crafting a visually engaging series to highlight entrepreneurs, dreamers and creatives in the city of Houston that are forging their own lanes within their respective industries.

Project Approach:
To deliver a cohesive and compelling visual narrative, I developed interview questions, scouted locations, secured the talent for the series, and coordinated each shoot. From initial concept development to execution, I worked closely with the videographer in post-production to ensure the final product was developed.

Outcomes:
This series enhanced Highway Vodka’s social media presence, built meaningful connections with audiences and the talent, as well securing the brands role as a pillar in the community.

Case Study: Comprehensive Live Event Coverage Across Diverse Venues

Project Overview:

With extensive experience in live event coverage, The Eli Group built a portfolio that captures the unique essence of a wide range of events. From large-scale cultural festivals to educational gatherings, each project involves a tailored approach to showcase key moments, audience engagement, and the broader significance of each event. Featured projects include Honeyland Festival, covering events on behalf of The Forward Times, Reading With a Rapper, The Spot EaDo, the Anderson Center for the Arts, and various events.

Project Approach:

Each event required its own unique style of coverage. Our team strategized and executed on-the-ground media operations, from high-energy festivals demanding real-time social media updates to more intimate arts and educational events focused on narrative storytelling. Our role spanned live social media coverage, photography, videography, and capturing interviews with notable figures and participants, all of which highlighted the distinct character and objectives of each event.

Outcomes:

The curated visual and media assets from these events provided clients with powerful promotional material that extended their reach and influence. The content not only captured the spirit and moments of each occasion but also elevated each client’s brand and engagement across press and social media platforms. These impactful visuals and stories helped clients foster stronger connections with their target audiences while extending their visibility in the community and beyond.

At The Eli Group Marketing Agency, we’re proud to partner with StudioEIGHT08, a dynamic brand redefining culture and connection through innovative events. Our collaboration focuses on amplifying their reach and impact by delivering tailored services that showcase their vision and engage their audience.

Our Role

Social Media Management:

We manage StudioEIGHT08's Instagram presence, curating and creating compelling content that highlights their events and drives audience engagement. From visually striking posts to interactive stories, we ensure every detail reflects their brand’s unique essence.

Event Coverage:

Capturing the magic of events is at the heart of our work. Whether it’s real-time storytelling through Instagram or producing engaging recap reels, we bring StudioEIGHT08's vibrant gatherings to life online, ensuring their audience stays connected.

Strategic Partnerships:

Leveraging our expertise, we align StudioEIGHT08 with brands and partners that complement their mission. From securing sponsors to cultivating impactful collaborations, we help them enhance their offerings and elevate every event.

Through our partnership, StudioEIGHT08 has solidified its place as a hub for community, culture, and creativity. At The Eli Group Marketing Agency, we’re excited to continue shaping their story and helping them achieve even greater milestones.

Events:

- Expedia Group “Black and Well Traveled”

- Blavity House Party “RnB After Dark” presented by SoHo House

At Jupiter Junction’ “Nebulae: Vol II,” I had the privilege of hosting an evening filled with inspiration and innovation on September 5th, 2024.

The event brought together thought leaders and creatives for an engaging panel discussion featuring Seth Rogers, Jakayla Monay, and Chelsea Benoit. Attendees had the opportunity to connect, network, and gain insights from these influential voices, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and growth.

First launched in July 2021, A Single Thread Weaves a Future is an exploration of time and sustainability drawing inspiration from accomplished and stylish Black women who revolutionized the Houston community and serve as a prototype for imagining a glorious Black future. This multimedia installation communicated via the mediums of photography, dance/movement, fashion, and literature the personas and future tense embodiments. Movement artists were styled in fashion that represents the work of their respective prototypes and future embodiment. Additionally, vintage fashion was utilized because it is sustainable in a very literal way and the planet’s future is dependent on all us living a lot more green.

On display, the photography was hung in repurposed vintage framing complete with displays of attire and accessories that complement. Vignettes of each prototype were choreographed inspired by their life and its significance to African American culture. A Single Thread Weaves a Future provided a succinct anthology of each prototype. This included works that give a deeper inquiry into their work, their favorite pieces of pleasure reading, and works that parallel their future embodiments.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

Stacey Allen is a native Houstonian, who has been cultivating a career in dance upon earning her BA in Dance from Sam Houston State University. She also has a MA in Cross-Cultural Studies for University of Houston Clear Lake where her research focus includes dance anthropology. In addition to a plethora of freelance opportunities, she was most notably a company member for Urban Souls Dance Company. She began pursuing her own artistic visions and co-founded Pretty Cultured which is an artistic collaborative that uses art as a voice for dialogue and healing. In 2019, Stacey co-created the installation “Formed in My Grandmother’s Womb” as a part of Project Row Houses’ Round 50: Race, Health, and Motherhood.

Saida Carter launched ERA Vintage in 2018, bringing together her interest in fashion, vintage, style and art as well as her experience in literature and design to create a business that would celebrate freedom of expression and a sustainable retail experience of the future.

Featured artists and collectives include Amber Henderson-Stevens, Candice D’Meza, Carters Girls, Cassandra Jones, Foliage Faerie, Free Black Women’s Library, Healthy Women Houston, Holi Mamma, Iman Eli, Joethella Gipson, Josie Pickens, Kam Franklin, Loren Holmes, Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective, Sacred Line Home Services, Sacred Twerk, Secunda Joseph, and The Catastrophic Theatre.

“Gold Was Made Fa’ Her Presents: The Jack Yates Production Experience: A Visual Arts Workroom

Former students of Mr. Carrington, Jack Yates Alumni, and working artists + entrepreneurs have agreed to a collective hands on arts programming experience for students to witness imagination beyond the classroom & expose the students of Jack Yates to the infinite possibilities of the arts and creative industry.

This is a celebration of Carrington’s twenty-eight years of service to the Magnet School of Communication’s photography program, and the future of creating our own programs and tangible arts resources for black and brown youth to bloom.

Students will hear from a panel of teaching artists who will provide insight about their creative journey, position, and the process of turning passion into a self-sustaining business. Following the panel students will experience a hands-on production workroom, working alongside artists to influence their unique creativity and ideas.

Teaching artists/crew:

Bria Lauren @goldwasmadefaher

Jasmine Williams @thekimshadey

David Landry @davidlvndry

Zaccheus Quinney @rashadquinnz

Chasidy Billups @chaschevonne

Justin Stewart @wiseboyphoto

Javeon Butler @j.laray

Mo Nikole “WOMON” @by.womon

Melanee Brown @melbee.photo

Eric Michael Ward @ericmich4el

Troy Ezequiel @troyezeq

Ize @izefeno

Jada Simpson @jada_s

Salma Ekambi @moroccanchocolate

Iman Eli @imaaneli

Jamey Watts @jameyyyy

Bee Honey @beehoneymusica

Mahdi Bey @themahdibey

Tresi Wilson @ambitiouslyteee

Tamirah Collins @its__sweetee

Thank you to principal Guillory and School of Communications Administrator, Ms. Andrea Brown.

black women are worthy is an immersive art experience that explores conceptual design and visual art as a healing mechanism for celebrating and affirming black women. through an intersection of art, beauty and wellness, creative wellness visionary, deun ivory reimagines the world as a safe and empowering space for those who are often neglected, forgotten and underserved. this pop-up installation is a fundraising activation that filters a portion of its funds to wellness-based nonprofits that serve black and brown communities.

the black women are worthy (bwaw) experience debuted in houston, texas during black history month 2022 in partnership with lululemon. ivory was personally invited to create a project centered around wellbeing for the black community. as a creative wellness visionary and multidisciplinary artist, she was inspired to curate and design an IRL immersive experience that centered, celebrated and empowered black women.

the bwaw installation was extended for an additional 4 weeks after it’s original 2 week timeline, due to an overwhelming public appeal and surge in visitation to the space that hosted the exhibit. over 1200+ people RSVP’d for opening night and over 4,000 people toured the space during the 6 week opening.

patrons are invited to engage in a civic art design that requires self-reflection, self-celebration and self-love. ivory’s seamless integration of affirmations and visual love letters are instrumental in activating social engagement, as it compels community members to insert themselves into a narrative that is warm, empowering and restorative.

every art piece is designed, photographed and creative directed by deun ivory. it is a multi-layered experience rooted in a commitment to honor and affirm black women from any & every generation.

what are the experiential elements in the space: a physical installation, a photo gallery, a series of short-film screenings, projection mapping, vinyl based affirmations, set designs for photoshoots.

heal joy is a thoughtfully designed interactive healing experience that features various transformative workshops that provide women who have experienced unique trauma with resources for routine mental healthcare and long-term solutions.

This monthly experiential series served as a communal space empowering black women to continue their journey of self-healing throughefficacy and long-term recovery.

Deun Ivory launched the first edition of heal joy May 2022, in light of sexual assault awareness month, and provided a group of women with a positive wellness experience led by local practitioners Davina Davison & Raquel Nweze. Attendees took part in sessions centered around mobility, mindfulness, and artistic expression as a mechanism for healing.