Thembela Makhuba

I’m a social media and brand marketing professional with experience across beauty, media, and digital storytelling. Over the past few years, I’ve helped grow culturally driven brands through content strategy, community building, and creative campaigns across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, and Threads.

I currently lead social media at Black Beauty Roster, where I’ve helped grow audiences by over 100k while creating content that celebrates Black beauty professionals and culture. I’ve also worked with media and lifestyle brands in the US, leading campaigns, content direction, and digital growth strategies that have earned recognition from platforms like The Washington Post and The New York Times.

I’m passionate about storytelling, culture, beauty, and building meaningful online communities. I love creating content that feels authentic, engaging, and impactful while helping brands connect with people in a genuine way.

Head of Social Media at Black Beauty Roster (2021-01 – Present)

• Increased the company's social media audience by 100k across multiple platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Threads.
• Collaborated with New York Fashion Week to curate and produce content marketed towards celebrating Black beauty professionals.
• Authored a weekly marketing calendar and digital asset management library organized and easily accessible to all teammates

Creative Brand Director at Animal Talks Inc. (2020-01 – 2023-12)

• Managed creative development and marketing campaigns including email blasts that yielded open rates as high as 60%.
• Increased brand growth and recognition that contributed to the growth and recognition of Animal Talks Inc. in the market using press coverage with the Washington Post, New York Times and Readers Digest.
• Increased digital reach from 1k to 16k followers in one calendar year.

Remote Digital Consultant at Seen TV (2017-01 – 2019-12)

• Collaborated with the content-producing team in finding and filming niche global stories to film and publish using social media platforms.
• Conducted in-depth investigative reporting that covers global crises, environmentally friendly initiatives and unique achievements that drive social change.
• Collaborated with the mobile journalism team to increase digital reach to over one million accounts.

Bachelor of Technology in Journalism: Minor in Television and News Production – Durban University of Technology (2016-01 – 2020-12)