Client: Gladys Books & Wine

The Ask

Develop a short-form vertical video for Instagram Reels and TikTok that celebrates Black Love in alignment with Black History Month and Valentine’s Day—positioning Gladys Books & Wine as a cultural home for connection, storytelling, and community.

The Insight

As Black History Month marks its 100th year and Valentine’s Day approaches, Gen Z and Millennial audiences are increasingly seeking connection beyond dating apps—prioritizing community, shared experiences, and spaces that feel intentional. For Gladys Books & Wine, a Black lesbian–owned bookstore and wine shop in Bed-Stuy, this moment presented an opportunity to spotlight Black love not just as romance, but as legacy, gathering, and care.

The Idea: gladys books & wine: black history month 100

A cinematic, short-form vertical video that captures Black Love as lived experience—shared over books, wine, conversation, and presence. Through warm visuals, intimate moments, and community-centered storytelling, the video positions Gladys as a space where Black love is read, poured, witnessed, and celebrated—on and off the page.

Why It Works:

🎯 Cultural Relevance: Taps into a milestone moment for Black History Month while aligning naturally with Valentine’s Day sentiment.

🎯 Place-Based Storytelling: Grounds the narrative in a real, beloved community space.

🎯 Emotional Resonance: Frames Black love as expansive—romantic, platonic, communal, and intergenerational.

Role & Responsibilities:

✍🏾 Concept writing + social captioning
📋 Content development + visual storytelling
🎥 Shot + edited for mobile-first platforms (TikTok, and Reels)
🗓️ Planned weekly social cadence + content rollout strategy
📲 Optimized this piece for vertical, thumb-stopping magic

Creator tools used:

• iPhone 15 Pro Camera

• 3-in-1 Tripod

• Small RGB Rig Light

• CapCut & Canva

• TikTok Creator Studio & Meta

• Google Workspace

• ChatGPT & Gemini