Chamber Spotlight: Malaika Karriem, Founder Marketing
What does your organization do?
Founder is a brand-first marketing boutique that helps entrepreneurs clarify their message, elevate their brand, and market with confidence through high-touch strategy, storytelling, and creative execution.
What do you like about being a Chamber member?
Being a chamber member gives me direct access to a community of local leaders and business owners who are just as invested in growth, collaboration, and impact as I am. It’s opened doors for meaningful connections, shared resources, and visibility.
What is unique about your organization and the work you do in our community?
What makes us unique is our commitment to providing high-quality, done-for-you marketing support to founders who might otherwise be priced out or lack access to the resources they need to grow. We do this through tiered pricing and approachable, expert guidance that meets them where they are.
What was your first job?
My first job was at Regal Cinemas, working the concession stand and I absolutely loved it. As a lifelong movie buff (and aspiring director, writer, and producer in another life), being surrounded by film felt like magic. It’s also where I learned the art of customer service: how no job is too small to make someone’s day and how to create a great experience from the moment someone walks through the door to the time they leave the theater. That early lesson in hospitality and attention to detail still shapes how I serve clients today.
How did you choose the field you're in?
I chose this field because I’ve always been fascinated by the power of storytelling—how the right message, delivered at the right time, can move people, shift perception, and spark real connection. I used to joke that Scandal (the television show starring Kerry Washington) made me do it, but honestly, watching a Black woman command a room with strategy and words lit something up in me.
What is your most memorable experience in your career?
One of the most memorable moments in my career was when a client told me that working with me—and the clarity we brought to their work and messaging—was what helped them secure a multi-million dollar loan to open their shared-use kitchen. That moment reminded me just how powerful the right words can be. Helping founders articulate their vision in a way that opens doors is my superpower.
What is your favorite quote or piece of advice?
"A no is better than a maybe." People who are on the fence about working with you can drain your time and energy. Don’t waste effort trying to convince someone you’re the right fit. Go into every conversation prepared to help them make a clear decision—even if it’s no—so you know where they stand and can move forward with clarity.
How do you like to spend your days off?
On my days off, I enjoy a mix of tennis, a good glass of wine, and being fully rooted wherever my feet are. Even if that just means being at home, I try to stay present and appreciate the moment.
What else would you like to tell us about yourself and your work?
I don’t need 100 clients, I need 10 who are deeply aligned in mission and ready for the kind of support I’m built to provide. I intentionally work with a limited number of clients each quarter because I believe in quality over quantity. When we work together, you’re not just another account or invoice. Your business becomes my priority.